“This yoga class is one of a kind. We have all had cancer. When one of us has upcoming tests, a setback or health worries, we have our own little tribe behind us providing support whenever needed. We are never alone in our journey. I don’t know what I would do without this class and my fellow survivors!” says cancer survivor Terri Puckett of Midland.
Covenant HealthCare received a $5,110.81 grant from the Saginaw Community Foundation Senior Citizen Enrichment Fund in April 2017 to begin providing cost-effective yoga classes for cancer patients. Using the funding, the Covenant Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation professionals began offering yoga classes. More than 8 people participated in the first session. Now, one year later, the program has impacted more than 55 participants.
“The beauty of the class is that it is for all skill levels, and we can provide many variations of alternate poses depending on what the patient is needing,” states Morgan Auernhammer, B.S., SCCE, Health & Fitness Administrator and Oncology Exercise Program Leader with Covenant HealthCare. “The goal of the program is to unite our patients’ bodies, minds and breathing to strengthen, reduce stress and energize their lives. It’s amazing to be able to help patients make that connection within themselves and establish camaraderie with one another.”
Yoga classes meet twice a week for eight weeks in Frankenmuth and Saginaw. Thanks to Saginaw Community Foundation, the cost is just $35 for 16 classes.
This program is part of the Covenant Cancer Care Center’s and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation’s commitment to delivering programs that support the full continuum of care for cancer patients and their families. Services range from prevention and education to diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation, with support for the clinical, physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
To learn more about the cancer care exercise classes or register, please call 989.583.5242. Additional information available here.