YMCA of Greater New Orleans Named LIVESTRONG® Community Impact Project Finalist and Award Recipient
YMCA of Greater New Orleans will receive $3500 to help people affected by cancer
New Orleans, LA –April 10, 2012 – YMCA of Greater New Orleans was announced as a LIVESTRONGCommunityImpactProject Finalist and award recipient. The project, created by the LanceArmstrongFoundation,the non-profit founded by the cancer survivor and champion cyclist to serve people affected by cancer and empower them to take action, will bring proven cancer support programs to 90 communities across the United States.
“We are proud to be named as a LIVESTRONG Community Impact Project award recipient,” said David Ozmore, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater New Orleans. “This award will directly impact our ability to support those in our community who are affected by cancer. We want to offer our appreciation to those who voted in support of this program. Together, we’re making a difference in the lives of cancer survivors and their families in our area.”
“By investing in these bold and innovative cancer support programs, the Lance Armstrong Foundation is providing inspiration and empowerment to area residents so they can band together as a community to face cancer head-on,” said Doug Ulman, Foundation president and CEO. “We are grateful to each and every person who voted for making their voices heard and improving access to care for those affected by cancer.”
More than 200 qualified hospitals, cancer centers, university students and community organizations in eight regions across the United States were selected to participate in an online voting campaign. Over a two-week period, more than 450,000 votes were cast and the YMCA of Greater New Orleans was among the finalists. The YMCA of Greater New Orleans will use the $3500 award to launch LIVESTRONG® attheYMCA,a research-based program that offers people affected by cancer a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities focused on strengthening the whole person. As part of LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, participants work with Y staff trained in supportive cancer care to achieve their goals such as building muscle mass and strength; increasing flexibility and endurance; and improving confidence and self-esteem.
Currently LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is offered at 85 Y associations around the country. As a result of the Community Impact Project, the YMCA of Greater New Orleans will be one of 30 additional Ys that will begin providing the program in 2012. To date, approximately 6,000 cancer survivors have participated in the program nationwide.
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About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. The YMCA of Greater New Orleans serves 8 Parishes and operates 7 full service YMCAs, multiple partnership facilities, and serves over 18,000 individuals annually. www.ymcaneworleans.org.
About the Lance Armstrong Foundation
The Lance Armstrong Foundation serves people affected by cancer and empowers them to take action against the world’s leading cause of death. With its iconic yellow LIVESTRONG wristband, the Foundation became a symbol of hope and inspiration to people throughout the world affected by cancer. Created in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the Foundation provides free patient navigation services to survivors with financial, emotional and practical challenges that accompany the disease. Known for its powerful brand – LIVESTRONG – the Foundation is also a leader in the global movement on behalf of 28 million people living with cancer today. Since its inception in 1997, the Foundation has raised more than $450 million for the fight against cancer. For more information, visit LIVESTRONG.org.