caring Communication

Limerick cancer survivors
take ‘Strides for Life’ together
L
imerick cancer survivors
have spoken about how the
Irish Cancer Society’s ‘Strides
for Life’ programme at the
Cancer Information Centre, University
Hospital Limerick has helped them in their
recovery.
‘Strides for Life’, with the help of volunteers,
is an initiative which brings participants
through a structured, individualised
walking programme, gradually increasing
fitness levels and improving health and
quality of life. The success of the programme,
which ran for the last 15 weeks,
has led to plans for a new Walking Club for
cancer survivors at the Cancer Information
Centre.
VOLUNTEER
Kay Waters, from Corbally completed her
treatment for breast cancer in 2012 and
was a ‘Strides for Life’ volunteer and enthusiastic
participant. Walking and exercise
played an important part in her recovery,
particularly whilst undergoing radiation and
chemotherapy treatment. She jumped at
the chance to become a volunteer walking
leader for the ‘Strides for Life’ programme
which, she says, allowed her to pass on the
benefit of her positive experience with exercise
to others.
“When the Cancer Centre called to say
that there was a programme starting on exercise
and asked if I would like to help out, I
was thrilled as I wanted to encourage other
cancer survivors to participate in exercise.
20 people came along on the first night and
have now completed the programme,” said
Kay. “We would love to hear from those who
wish to join the new Walking Club planned
for the spring.”
A review of the ‘Strides for Life’ programme
found that, as well as the physical
benefits of exercise, such as increased fitness,
participants valued the social interaction
and supportive element.
For Ann Kinsella from Ballinacurra Gardens,
the social and emotional benefits of
the programme were a huge motivator.
“I have been free of cancer for over two
years now and the Midwestern Cancer Centre
has been my lifeline, I can come here at
any time to have treatments such as Reiki
and Reflexology or just a cup of tea and a
chat. ‘Strides for Life’ has encouraged me
to stay active, I wouldn’t have walked to the
supermarket before the programme! But
most of all it’s the camaraderie in the group
which I love, you can go ‘into yourself’ once
you have finished your treatment so it’s
great to be part of a programme like this,”
said Ann.
Ann is also part of a local group of Southside
ladies who regularly perform in musicals
and plays, they teamed up with the
local Men’s Shed recently for a one night
only performance of Southside Musical at
the Limetree, “As long I stay active I will
hopefully have the energy to continue,” she
said.
THERAPEUTIC
John Leo, a prostate cancer survivor, suffers
from fatigue as a result of his ongoing
treatment. For him, walking as part of the
‘Strides for Life’ group, helped him to stay
on the positive side of things. Together with
his wife Peggy, they joined the walk every
week since it started. John thanked the hospital
and Cancer Centre for their support,
“The people here in the Cancer Centre and
UHL - you wouldn’t find anyone like them in
any hospital in the world. I find it very therapeutic
getting out of the house, if you don’t
then you become negative!” he said.
The Cancer Information and Support Centre,
located in the grounds of the University
Hospital Limerick offers patients and their
families’ practical information and emotional
support in a friendly environment.
“From the feedback we received after
‘Strides for Life’, the most important thing
was the socialisation aspect of the walking.
That’s why we have decided to start
the Walking Club and open it up to all our
members to avail of the opportunity to get
the exercise whilst enjoying the company of
others,” said Maria Keane, Manager of the
Centre,
Catherine Hand, Patient Advocacy Liaison
Manager at UHL and ‘Strides for Life’ volunteer,
added, “Physical activity is a step in
the right direction in terms of recovery from
cancer. We want to build on the success of
‘Strides for Life’ next year by working with
our colleagues here in the Cancer Centre to
develop the Walking Club. Sincere thanks to
all the participants and volunteers for their
involvement in ‘Strides for Life’.”
A large number of studies have shown
that moderate exercise, two to three hours
a week can help reduce the risk of some
cancers such as bowel, endometrial and
breast by as much as 50pc. Any amount of
exercise is beneficial to cancer survivors
but frequency, duration, type and fitness
levels have a direct impact on how much
a survivor can help reduce their risk of a
recurrence.
If you are a cancer survivor and want to
get involved in the Walking Club, contact
Maria Keane at the Cancer Information Centre
on 061 458163 or log onto www.midwesterncancercentre.ie
or www.cancer.ie
for more information.
Some of the Strides for Life participants pictured
with the volunteers: left to right, Kay Waters, Corbally;
Becky Hand, volunteer, Bruree, Co Limerick;
Marie O’Neill, Limerick; Gerard O’Regan Shannon,
Co Clare; Eugene Cantillon, Limerick; Catherine
Hand, UHL and volunteer; and Ann Kinsella, Ballinacurra.
spring 2016 | health matters | 17