Livestrong is a special exercise program at the YMCA of Greater Westfield that helped cancer survivor Ray Nacewicz, second from the left in the back row, following the Westfield resident’s treatment for a cancerous tumor on his esophagus last year. This photo was taken on his “graduation” day in June when Nacewicz and others who participated in the program with him went to Russell for a walk in the woods. (SUBMITTED / YMCA)

WESTFIELD — When Ray Nacewicz was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor on his esophagus last year, he needed some help beyond just the cancer treatments. He got help from a program for cancer survivors that’s offered by the YMCA of Greater Westfield.

“I had radiation treatments five days a week for seven weeks. I lost 40 pounds. I couldn’t eat, and I was on G-tube [gastrostomy tube] feedings for three months,” recalled the Westfield resident. “This left me with loss of muscle tissue, balance, stamina, and strength. I needed help in these areas.”

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