The YMCA of Greenwich has launched its Chronic Disease Prevention fundraising campaign, a new initiative to support programs that help community members prevent, manage, and overcome chronic conditions. The campaign aligns with Family Health Month this October, highlighting the Y’s commitment to strengthening community health and wellness.
Programs supported through the campaign include LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, Parkinson’s Body & Mind, and Walk With Ease, developed in partnership with the Arthritis Foundation. These programs are offered at little or no cost to participants and provide critical support for physical fitness, mobility, and overall wellbeing.
• LIVESTRONG at the YMCA helps adult cancer survivors rebuild strength and confidence through a 12-week, free, small-group program combining cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, balance, and flexibility exercises. Participants also have access to YMCA facilities and classes and are evaluated on improvements in function and quality of life.
• Parkinson’s Body & Mind offers wellness classes and a free monthly support group for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. The program improves balance, coordination, and mobility while fostering social connection and mental wellbeing.
• Walk With Ease, developed with the Arthritis Foundation, helps participants safely increase physical activity through guided walks and educational sessions, reducing pain, improving strength and balance, and boosting confidence. This is a free program that is open to anyone that is interested, whether they are a YMCA member or not.
Participants have shared how these programs impact their lives:
“As a Parkinson’s patient, I have found the special programs at the Y very helpful to my physical and mental well-being. The instructors for the classes are wonderful, balancing our needs to be pushed physically with our individual limitations. A natural camaraderie develops among the participants, which is great psychologically and socially,” said Barry Richelsoph, a participant in the Parkinson’s Body & Mind Program at the YMCA of Greenwich.
In addition to these signature programs, the YMCA offers several free group exercise classes for members designed to prevent and manage chronic disease:
• Brain Health Fitness – Combines physical training with cognitive challenges to enhance memory, balance, and agility.
• Moving for Life – A physician-supported, dance-based class that boosts energy, strengthens immunity, and eases symptoms of chronic conditions.
• Matter of Balance – Builds strength, balance, and confidence to reduce fall risk.
• Buff Bones Pilates – A Pilates-based workout that supports bone and joint health, improves posture, builds strength, and reduces fracture risk.
• Aqua Arthritis – Gentle, water-based exercise that improves flexibility, cardiovascular health, and joint comfort.
“I am continually inspired by the impact of the YMCA of Greenwich’s chronic disease programs. They do more than just improve health- they restore vitality, spark joy, and uplift not only individuals but also their caregivers and families,” said Jodi Fitzgerald, Senior Director of Membership Experience at the YMCA of Greenwich. “That ripple effect is a true measure of our success.”
Donations to the campaign directly support these programs and classes, helping ensure they remain accessible to all community members. To learn more or make a donation, visit: https://greenwichymca.org/Chronic-Disease
