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The
“Gold”
Cancer
Swim Program at Club Wolverine
The
Gold
Cancer Swim Program seeks to improve the energy level and pain
control of children and teens who are undergoing and recovering
from cancer therapy, as well as improve their overall fitness and
general well-being. This program started with the
encouragement of University of Michigan pediatric oncologists who
saw the benefits experienced by their young cancer patients who
engaged in regular exercise. Swimming
is an excellent low-impact all-body exercise that enhances large
muscle strength and coordination. It is a safe exercise for
patients who are immune-compromised as chlorinated water is nearly
sterile which minimizes the risk of infections.
The people
served are children and teenagers (ages 4-18) who are undergoing or
recovering from chemo and radiation therapy. Patients thus
far have come by referral from the UM Cancer Center.
Experienced coaches from Club Wolverine work with swimmers at any
developmental level to provide individually tailored workouts and
improve swimming skills. Siblings are welcome to participate
if space is available.
Club
Wolverine wishes to keep the “Gold” Cancer Swim Program
free for swimmers and ensure that every patient who could benefit
from this program learns about it. Funds
raised will be used to: 1) Promote the Gold program to
pediatric cancer patients at the University of Michigan through a)
professionally printed brochures b) posters to hang around the UM
hospital—especially the cancer center and examination rooms
c) mailings to families with cancer patients (current or recovering
from treatment) 2) Purchase swimming gear for the
swimmers- including suits, goggles, and backpacks. 3)
Purchase post-workout snacks for the swimmers. 4) Pay
for coaching fees for the gold swim group. 5) Pay for
liability insurance (via USA Swimming Membership dues) for the
children participating.
One
year’s budget for these items is estimated to be
$12,000.
Please
check out the
"Gold" Cancer Swim Program
Brochure
for more
information.
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