Knocked down by cancer, duo gains strength at the Y

Reeling from the effects of cancer and its treatments, both Mark Sanders and Jeanne Oetker of Marshalltown were at a low point in their lives during the past year.

Finding the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program at the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA has helped them get back up and given them a more positive outlook on life.

LIVESTRONG is a 12-week program where participants work with Y staff trained in supportive cancer care to  achieve their goals such as building muscle mass and strength, increasing flexibility and endurance and connecting with others.

Sanders said Stage 4 prostate cancer led to 26 rounds of radiation and six surgeries that left him stagnant in a chair for two years.

 “I was pretty down in the dumps,” Sanders said.

He showed up to LIVESTRONG and has built connections with others in a similar situation and built back his body at the same time.

“I made a lot of contacts, a lot of friends and a lot of people that have gone through the same journey that I have,” Sanders said. “ I feel like I’m back into life now.”

For Oetker, the class has provided a path forward after being diagnosed with lymphoma in 2025 and going through six rounds of chemotherapy.

“I was to the point where I didn’t think I was ever going to feel good,” Oetker said after her treatments.

A friend recommended that she give LIVESTRONG a try and it has helped Oetker get back on the right track.

“It’s the best thing I’ve done. I’ve got my strength back,” Oetker said. “I feel like I’m part of the world again.”

LIVESTRONG is funded locally by donations to the Marshalltown Y Annual Campaign.

To donate to the campaign visit www.ymca-ywca.org/donate or mail a check to Annual Campaign, Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA, 108 Washington St., Marshalltown, IA 50158.

“Thank you very much for helping people like me to live life again,” Sanders said.