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Support Groups That Move

Support Groups That Move

Exercise and camaraderie go hand in hand in Exercise and camaraderie go hand in hand in the Cook Cancer Wellness Program

ā€œIā€™m not a gym person,ā€ admits Judy Miller. But working out at the Community Cancer Center gym has helped Miller grow stronger in body, mind and spirit.

ā€œExercise empowers cancer patients.ā€

Explains Cancer Exercise Specialist Matt Schmitz. ā€œItā€™s something they can do for themselves. It can help with side effects. And thereā€™s a social aspect thatā€™s very important, too.ā€ Thatā€™s why Schmitz calls the Community Cancer Centerā€™s wellness programs ā€œsupport groups that move.ā€

In Judy Millerā€™s case, exercise was never part of her daily routine. She says, ā€œI was concerned by my lack of physical fitness, but I wasnā€™t concerned enough to do anything about it.ā€

Then came Millerā€™s 2013 breast cancer diagnosis. After surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment, Miller began exercising regularly during open gym time at the Community Cancer Center. She quickly discovered a camaraderie she did not expect. For Miller, who had moved to the Cedar Rapids area shortly before her diagnosis, other cancer survivors she met during open gym and Tai Chi classes at the Community Cancer Center became a source of friendship and support.

ā€œWeā€™ve all been through similar experiences,ā€ explains Miller. ā€œThe first time you meet someone, you already know them in a way.ā€ Miller, who was struggling with memory issuesā€”a side effect of chemotherapyā€”made a point of introducing herself to everyone and remembering names. Today she feels mentally sharper and adds, ā€œI have a much better outlook about my health.ā€

Barbara Berquam and her husband, Jim, are regulars during open gym time, too. Barbara has battled breast cancer and melanoma, while Jim is both a caregiver and a prostate cancer survivor. The Berquams like getting to know people who have gone through similar challenges. ā€œItā€™s good to see friendly faces when you come to exercise,ā€ says Barbara. ā€œAnd Matt is there to answer questions and help you when you need it.ā€

Judy Miller agrees, calling Schmitz ā€œan amazing person.ā€ Miller adds, ā€œMatt doesnā€™t believe in no pain, no gain. Heā€™s sensitive to the needs of someone who may be struggling because of their illness or the effects of treatment. He genuinely cares about how to get you in a better place, physically and emotionally.ā€

The Berquams love the Community Cancer Centerā€™s wellness facility and its convenient location. Says Barbara, ā€œThe doctors we see are in the same building, so we get our medical care and exercise in one place. Thereā€™s covered parking, too, so youā€™re protected from the snow and rain.ā€

Another great aspect? The gym and most of the wellness programs are free for cancer patients, their family members, caregivers and to any cancer survivor regardless of where you received treatment or care.

ā€œAll of our wellness programs, from the open gym to our classes and integrative therapies, are designed to benefit cancer patients and their support team members physically, mentally and emotionally,ā€ says Schmitz. ā€œOur goal is to help you move beyond cancer with wellness for life.ā€

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