Donate

Breast cancer survivors are living longer but told never to exercise their affected side again to prevent lymphedema. Breast cancer survivors are also reaping the benefits of years of research and one recent study (PAL ? Physical Activity and Lymphedema) found that a slow progressive] weightlifting regimen allowed women to put activity back into their daily lives and did not increase their risk of developing lymphedema. In fact, women with lymphedema saw a significant decrease in the size of their affected arm and were better able to complete activities of daily living.

My name is Cathy Bryan, I was lucky enough to be the lead trainer in that amazing research effort at the University of Pennsylvania. And now I am bringing this safe, effective and research based exercise program to all breast cancer survivors through PALS for Life. PALS for Life is a non-profit organization that teaches breast cancer survivors and qualified exercise professionals how to safely put exercise back into daily life, using the PAL exercise protocol. While the general population can go just about anywhere and get exercise advice that may work for them, breast cancer survivors do not have that luxury. Until now? The 12 week PALS for Life protocol is an evidence based, detailed exercise program specifically for breast cancer survivors. Strength training exercises must be performed correctly and with the proper guidelines in order to be safe and beneficial for breast cancer survivors.

This is cutting edge and I know this works- I have the research and I have the exercising survivors to back it up. I?ve been working to get the word out in our community since late 2010. I have offered classes to survivors free of charge, spoken with community organizations and am planning several events for the upcoming months. Working with and educating breast cancer survivors is my passion. This is why I am asking area organizations for help. I want to thank Powerhouse Gym for providing me with beautiful facilities to offer my programs. This allows me to now go out into our community and find professionals interested in helping us bring PALS for Life to our survivors. A small business needs help in getting started.

How can you help? You can help by providing the funding needed to offer these vital programs.

$100 will provide 2 breast cancer survivors with a goal setting session. This is important because many of these women (and men) are starting their lives over, with new health- oriented goals.
$300 will train 1 exercise professional/ physical therapist to safely work with breast cancer survivors
$1,200 will allow 1 breast cancer survivor to learn the PALS for Life Protocol and exercise with a qualified Personal Trainer for 12 weeks (this would allow them to then keep exercise in their lives forever)
$12,000 will allow 10 breast cancer survivors to learn the PALS for Life Protocol and exercise with a qualified Personal Trainer for 12 weeks (this would allow them to then keep exercise in their lives forever)

Getting a small business started is an uphill battle and as with everything, financial support is the stumbling block. I truly feel that exercise is a vital part of a cancer survivor?s pathway to a healthy life and PALS for Life is the vehicle. Please help me provide safe, effective and evidence based exercise programs for breast cancer survivors.

I have attached my portfolio, including my resume and professional article from the Journal of American Medical Association, for your review. I look forward to talking with you soon. If per chance you are not the proper person to handle this request, please pass it along to the correct person. Thank you so much for your assistance in this matter.

Sincerely,

Cathy J. Bryan M.Ed., ACSM,

Cancer and Exercise Specialist, ACSM

PALS for Life, Inc

Cell Phone: 215.400.1990

Email: cbryan33@gmail.com