September 17, 2025 – Today, the YMCA Alliance of Northern New England announced that they received grant funding to support LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program delivery across Maine.

Funding is provided by the Maine Cancer Foundation, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to reducing cancer incidence and mortality through prevention, early detection, and access to care.

This project addresses the urgent need for survivorship support in Maine, which has among the nation’s highest cancer incidence and mortality rates. An estimated 150,000 adult cancer survivors, or 13.7% of the state’s population, live with lasting physical, emotional, and social challenges, with even higher prevalence in rural areas. Limited resources in these communities highlight the importance of accessible, community-based interventions.

The Alliance will expand the delivery of LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, a 12-week evidence-informed wellness program for cancer survivors, across eight YMCA Associations in Maine. Funding will support program implementation, staff training, and statewide technical assistance to improve survivor outcomes and access to community-based support. Over two years, the program aims to engage approximately 192 unique individuals across communities in Maine.

Program delivery will take place at eight YMCA Associations across the state: Bangor Region YMCA, Bath Area Family YMCA, Boothbay Region YMCA, Central Lincoln County YMCA, Kennebec Valley YMCA, Penobscot Bay YMCA, YMCA of Auburn-Lewiston, and YMCA of Southern Maine. LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is offered at no cost to participants, ensuring that cancer survivors can access the program regardless of their financial circumstances. YMCAs rely on a combination of operational revenue, philanthropic support, and grants to cover delivery costs.

“One of Maine Cancer Foundation’s goals is improving cancer patient outcomes, and supporting survivors’ physical health and wellbeing does just that,” said Katelyn Michaud, Maine Cancer Foundation’s Director of Programming. “We are proud to support this partnership of YMCAs across the state in addressing survivors’ unique needs within their local communities.”

“We are deeply grateful for the support of our partners at the Maine Cancer Foundation,” said Rebecca Stanfield McCown, CEO of the YMCA Alliance of Northern New England. “This program provides survivors with the tools, support, and community they need to regain strength, improve well-being, and thrive after a cancer diagnosis.”

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The YMCA Alliance of Northern New England supports, educates, and inspires collaboration amongst the 25 YMCAs in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont to increase and strengthen their impact and advocate for positive change. In Maine, the 15 YMCAs serve more than 95,000 Mainers annually.

Maine Cancer Foundation’s grant is offered as part of their ongoing efforts to reduce cancer incidence and mortality in Maine. They have invested over $22 million since 2015 in support of cancer prevention, early detection and screening, and access to care for all Mainers. To learn more about Maine Cancer Foundation, visit www.mainecancer.org, or contact Katelyn Michaud at katelyn@mainecancer.org or 207.773.2533.