Summit's Pathways Receives $10,000 Grant for Free Cancer Fitness Program
Health & Wellness·July 30, 2026

Summit's Pathways Receives $10,000 Grant for Free Cancer Fitness Program

Maria Torres · Union County Life

The Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant to Pathways, a program of The Connection in Summit, to support the Sister Strong Fitness Program. The grant will fund free, one-on-one fitness training for women undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment.

Sister Strong sessions are led by Personal Trainers who are Certified Cancer Exercise Specialists. Each fitness plan is personalized to meet the participant's unique needs and abilities, working to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and overall physical well-being.

"We are deeply grateful to the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation for its continued support," said Lesley Andrews, Director of Pathways. "This generous grant allows us to provide women dealing with cancer with access to specialized fitness training at no cost, helping them rebuild both their physical strength and confidence during and after cancer treatment."

Sister Strong trainers Bulbul Bhattacharya and Yasmin Ofek work directly with participants. One participant, Sara, described her experience: "The Pathways Sister Strong Fitness Program is an amazing service provided to women recovering from cancer. It's a great way to regain strength and confidence after what can be a life-shattering experience."

Pathways offers free support, education, and wellness programs for women with cancer and is described as one of the only local organizations providing direct support services exclusively for that population. All Pathways programs are provided free of charge. Registration or an application is required for all Pathways programs, classes, and events.

The Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation focuses on serving underprivileged and vulnerable women with breast cancer and supports programs that provide resources, education, advocacy, and empowerment.

Find more Summit events, nonprofits, and community news on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What is the Sister Strong Fitness Program?
A: Sister Strong provides free, one-on-one fitness training for women who are undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment. Sessions are led by Personal Trainers who are Certified Cancer Exercise Specialists, with each fitness plan personalized to the participant's unique needs and abilities.

Q: What does the grant support?
A: The $10,000 grant from the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation funds the Sister Strong Fitness Program, allowing Pathways to continue providing free specialized fitness training to cancer survivors.

Q: Who leads Sister Strong sessions?
A: Sessions are led by Certified Cancer Exercise Specialists Bulbul Bhattacharya and Yasmin Ofek.

Q: What are the goals of the fitness training?
A: The program works to help participants improve strength, flexibility, balance, and overall physical well-being during and after cancer treatment.

Q: Is there a cost to participate?
A: No, all Pathways programs are provided free of charge. Registration or an application is required for participation.

Q: What is Pathways?
A: Pathways is a program of The Connection in Summit that offers free support, education, and wellness programs for women with cancer. It is described as one of the only local organizations providing direct support services exclusively for women with cancer.

Q: What is the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation?
A: The foundation focuses on serving underprivileged and vulnerable women with breast cancer and supports programs that provide resources, education, advocacy, and empowerment.

Q: How can I register for Sister Strong?
A: Registration or an application is required. Contact Pathways for more information about enrollment.

Q: Where can I find more Summit community health news?
A: Union County Life covers Summit nonprofits, health programs, and community news. Subscribe to the Summit newsletter or visit unioncountylife.com for updates.

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