Five Fabulous Years of Fit and Fearless!

A Fit and Fearless group after a Tuesday morning class.

An original exercise class created especially for those living with and beyond cancer, Cancer Services introduced Fit and Fearless in September 2007 when oncology professionals were recommending cancer survivors to be active after treatment. Including strength training, cardiovascular  and flexibility exercises, the class is offered three times each week and this September, we’re celebrating FIVE YEARS of being Fit and Fearless! Many participants have been coming since the beginning, but newcomers are always welcome – male and female! “For new people, this group could not be more hospitable” says Laura LeBlanc, a certified fitness expert who helped design the class and still teaches it today.

 

Exercise has been shown to lessen anxiety and depression, improve mood and self-esteem, and reduce fatigue and pain.  But more than the physical benefits, Fit and Fearless participants thrive emotionally from their classmates’ support. “We think of ourselves as a gift to each other,” says Gloria Graham, one of the charter members, “We can talk about anything here.”

Fit and Fearless meets at BREC Independence Park (across the street from Cancer Services) Mondays and Thursdays at 5:15 p.m. and Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. Cancer Services also offers Yoga Thrive and Zumba Gold. Classes are free of charge and clients in all stages of  survivorship are welcome with a doctor’s permission. The Cancer Services Library/Resource Center loans DVDs of Fit and Fearless classes and these 3 different discs are also available for purchase at $15 each – proceeds benefit Cancer Services.  

For more information about our Exercise Program call 225-927-2273 or visit our website at www.cancerservices.org. The mission of Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge is to improve life for those living with cancer. 

New Direction for After Hours Support Group

Originally designed to offer clients more opportunities to benefit from our support services, the weekly After Hours Support Group meetings have taken a direction all their own. Adult Programs Coordinator Natalie Depp, LMSW hosts everything from screening cancer-related movies and TV shows to creative endeavors like collaging or journaling to special events to mark cancer awareness months. 

This fall the group will see a bit of a revamp. Now meeting on Wednesday evenings – still at 6p.m. –one meeting of each month will be “An Introduction to a Cancer Diagnosis.” Especially designed for those newly diagnosed and their families, these meetings will benefit anyone wishing to acquaint or reacquaint themselves with the facts and vocabulary of cancer and its treatments.  Director of Support Programs Esther Sachse, LCSW stresses the importance of education for our clients: “The newly diagnosed cancer survivor has an immediate need for accurate information regarding their cancer diagnosis and treatment options.  They need a safe place to share their feelings and concerns.  Our programs offer help and support when they need it most.”

For more information about this or any of our support groups, call 927-2273 or visit our website at www.cancerservices.org. The mission of Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge is to improve life for those living with cancer.