(Rome) – The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley, with a long history of bringing in New Orleans artists for performances, workshops and recording projects, hit a high note on Saturday evening at the Capitol Theatre by bringing in Big Easy legend Doreen Ketchens and her all-star band, which included her daughter Dorian Gover on drums, Christian Mitchem on bass and David Hammer on guitar. This was the jazz legend’s fourth visit for the YMCA. Also on the playbill was North Mississippi powerhouse duo, Chris and Sharde Thomas-Mallory, The Rising Stars Fife and Drum band, who had the audience dancing in the aisles while they came out into the audience highlighting an evening of fun, entertainment and most of all support for the Y’s new Stay Strong Cancer Survivorship program. In collaboration with Oneida Health and The KEYS Program, the Y kicked off a new, but critical effort to help survivors who are going through radiation and chemotherapy treatment. The result was a rollicking night of sing-along to traditional music from an historic time period. “Music has a way of bringing people together,” commented Hank Leo, CEO. “In particular, New Orleans traditional jazz has that irresistible feel-good effect on people. And, I thought adding a new component- the Rising Stars-was icing on the cake. They were phenomenal,” he added.
During his speech, Leo surprised the audience with some recent new he received that day from The St. Agatha’s Foundation, in support of the Stay Strong Program, but announcing that the YMCA was notified that it will be receiving a grant for specifically in support of breast cancer survivors who can join the program and receive free services. “This vital funding empowers us to broaden our services, enabling the YMCA to offer additional participants the chance to join the StayStrong Program at no cost,” commented Autumn McLain, who is responsible for administering the program. “We want to surround our survivors with as many amenities as possible, so that we can join them in their fight. No one should go through treatment without the support of their community. The Y is proud to help,” she added.
The StayStrong Program is designed to provide comprehensive support for cancer survivors and includes a range of invaluable services:
– A free 90-day YMCA membership
– Personal training sessions with a Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist
– Therapeutic massage therapy
– Luminary kits to inspire hope and healing
– Music therapy through The KEYS Program
– Support groups that foster community and connection
– Online nutrition counseling for healthier living
This concert not only underscored the strong commitment of our community but also highlighted the power of partnerships in expanding essential services for those affected by cancer. With the generous support from our premiere sponsor, Servomation Refreshments, Inc., along with our other supporting sponsors—C&D Advertising, Entertainment Services of New York, Clear Path for Veterans, Vernon Downs Casino & Hotel, Franca’s, Big Apple Music, Preferred Mutual, and the Capitol Theatre of Rome, NY—we are better equipped to meet the needs of cancer survivors.
Together, the YMCA and its partners are dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of our community through expanded services. For more information about eligibility for the StayStrong Program, please contact Autumn McLain, Regional Health & Fitness Director for the YMCA, at amclain@ymcatrivalley.org.
