(Batesville, IN) – The Southeastern Indiana YMCA celebrated a special milestone on Wednesday, October 21, recognizing four cancer survivors who completed the LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program.
The ceremony brought together graduates Carrie Rupp, Donna Martin and Lois Vogel to celebrate not only their physical accomplishments but also the friendships, confidence and renewed sense of strength they developed throughout their journey.
Fellow graduate Dave Niese, who was unable to attend the ceremony, was also recognized for his achievement.
LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is a supportive health and wellness program designed to help cancer survivors regain strength, improve physical fitness and build confidence following a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Led by Y staff trained in supportive cancer care, the program focuses on the whole person, helping participants move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body.
The celebration brought together the three graduates, program facilitators Nikki Kaiser and Roni Craft, fellow Y staff members, and Batesville High School Work-Based Learning intern Jayla Bedel, who has observed and assisted with the program during her internship.
Kaiser, Wellness Coordinator and LIVESTRONG facilitator at the Southeastern Indiana YMCA, presented each participant with a graduation certificate and recognized the remarkable progress made throughout the program.
“Working with you all just warmed my heart,” Kaiser said to the graduates. “You all were amazing. You worked really hard. Each and every day, you did everything I asked, even if you didn’;t want to. To see the growth from the first assessment to graduating today, absolutely amazing.”
While the program focuses on improving strength, flexibility, endurance and overall well-being, the graduates shared how the experience gave them something far beyond physical fitness.
For Rupp, the program represented a turning point following multiple surgeries, physical limitations and profound personal loss.
“This was just a gift. An absolute gift,” Rupp said during the ceremony.
After facing significant challenges in her recovery, Rupp found renewed strength, encouragement and a sense of belonging alongside women who understood the journey she was navigating.
Having lost both her husband and brother to cancer, Rupp ended her reflections with a powerful declaration: “And I’m not losing myself.”
For fellow graduate Martin, LIVESTRONG helped her overcome the intimidation she once felt about entering a fitness facility.
“Before this program, I was very intimidated about coming into the Y,” Martin saod. “This helped me to be able to learn how to use the machines, because of the repetition, and how to feel more comfortable with people around that were already here working out.”
The experience inspired Martin to become a YMCA member and continue her wellness journey.
“I’ve met a lot of nice friends here, and I think we’ll continue to do classes together. We’ll get stronger and healthier,” she added. “I don’t know that I would’ve gotten to that point without LIVESTRONG®.”
Graduate Vogel also reflected on the encouragement she received after facing both a serious ankle injury and cancer treatment, having completed radiation in June.
“I was really, really, really needing this,” Vogel said. “And the motivation and the sisterhood was totally amazing.”
She expressed gratitude for the understanding and support of her fellow participants and facilitators, adding, “I gained so much strength inside and out.”
Throughout the program, participants not only worked toward individual wellness goals but also formed meaningful connections, encouraged one another and discovered a community of support.
Their stories reflect the greater purpose of LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA: helping cancer survivors reclaim confidence, rediscover their capabilities and recognize that they do not have to navigate their wellness journeys alone.
As the ceremony concluded, Kaiser encouraged the graduates to continue building on their accomplishments and remain connected to the Y community.
“The Southeastern Indiana YMCA congratulates Carrie, Donna and Lois on their achievements and celebrates the determination, resilience and friendship that made this class so special,” the organization said in a statement.
Registration for the next LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA session opens January 1, 2027, with classes beginning in late January.
Those who are interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to contact the Southeastern Indiana YMCA.
