MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — When Lori Martens signed up for the Hutchinson YMCA’s Livestrong program, she expected to exercise. She didn’t expect to find some of her closest friends.
A Facebook post shared by the Cancer Council of Reno County caught her attention in 2025. That same day, a longtime friend whose cancer experience Martens had helped her through called with a suggestion: They should participate together.
They signed up immediately. About two months later, Martens began a program that would help her rebuild strength and form connections that continue today.
“It was everything I didn’t even know that I needed,” Martens said during an interview on the BW Morning Show.
The free, 12-week program serves people at different points in their cancer experience, from those recently diagnosed to those who have been in remission for years, said the YMCA’s David Foster.
Participants work on their physical and mental well-being while getting to know others who understand the challenges of cancer. They also can bring a friend or family member as a supporter.
For Martens, an early assessment revealed how much her physical abilities had changed.
“What surprised me is how much strength I had lost laying around for about a year and a half or so,” she said.
The program evaluates participants’ strength, balance and cardiovascular fitness before they begin and again after they finish. Seeing the difference at the end gave Martens a new appreciation for her progress.
“Just how much I had improved really shocked me,” she said.
Before the program, walking had been a familiar part of her exercise routine. Livestrong introduced another level of activity — and a reason to keep returning.
Martens still works out with fellow participant Gary Price and his wife, Rosie. What began as a connection during class grew into a lasting friendship.
“Who knew that we would become best friends throughout all this?” she said.
Those relationships have room to develop because the classes are small. Foster said each group is limited to eight participants, with room for as many as 16 people when supporters attend.
The group meets twice a week. Martens described sessions that include an hour of exercise followed by 30 minutes of community time, when participants might play a game or share their stories.
“The bonds you form during that class are pretty deep,” she said.
The connections continue after graduation. Martens said her alumni group gathers monthly for a workout, often followed by lunch.
Foster said that sense of belonging is a central part of the program. Participants gain support from people who have experienced cancer or are going through it themselves, along with encouragement to maintain healthy habits after the 12 weeks end.
Demand has prompted the Hutchinson YMCA to expand its offerings. Foster said a full September class left eight people on a waiting list. The YMCA added an October class so those participants could begin before the end of the year.
Additional programs are planned after the new year.
YMCA membership is not required to participate. During the program, participants can use the facility outside their scheduled classes as well.
Foster said support from funding partners, including United Way, helps make Livestrong available at no cost. He also pointed to the YMCA’s income-based financial assistance for people interested in other programs or membership.
“We want everybody in the community that has the desire to get involved with the Y to be able to have that opportunity,” he said.
People interested in Livestrong can stop by the Hutchinson YMCA for information. Foster said program materials also are available at local hospitals, clinics and doctors’ offices.
For Martens, the benefits have lasted well beyond the final assessment. The strength she regained came with friendships, regular workouts and a community that continues to gather.
“It was everything I didn’t even know that I needed.”