TAMPA, Fla. (May 8, 2025) — Moffitt Cancer Center is expanding its successful Cancer Survivorship & Wellness Program through a new two-year partnership with the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA. Modeled after Moffitt’s collaboration with the YMCA of the Suncoast, the program brings evidence-based fitness, nutrition and support resources to cancer survivors across the Tampa Bay region.
The initiative, now branded as the YMCA Cancer Survivorship & Wellness Program Powered by Moffitt, offers participants a 12-week program held twice a week at multiple YMCA locations. Moffitt and the YMCA are committed to evolving the program through research-driven improvements and wider community access.
Early research collaborations have already yielded promising results. Project RALLY, a pickleball-based fitness intervention for survivors led by Nathan Parker, Ph.D., led to a presentation at the 2025 American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting and a peer-reviewed publication in Healthcare. A second pilot, NOURISH, led by Sylvia Crowder, Ph.D., is evaluating nutrition and cooking education for survivors and may support future large-scale studies.
“We are excited to expand this program with the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA and bring evidence-based wellness strategies to even more cancer survivors in our community,” said Jenny Vidrine, Ph.D., assistant center director for research community partnerships in Moffitt’s Office of Community Outreach and Engagement. “This partnership not only supports survivorship but also strengthens the vital link between research, clinical care and the community.”
Since October 2023, 95 survivors have completed the program at the YMCA of the Suncoast. The Tampa YMCA serves over 281,000 individuals annually across Hillsborough and East Pasco counties and offers expanded reach, serving approximately 155 cancer survivors annually across 11 locations.
“We’re thrilled about this partnership. Uniting our brands across the Bay Area and aligning the Moffitt name and expertise with our Cancer Survivor Program not only elevates the visibility of our efforts but also brings invaluable resources to our leadership, coaches and participants. This collaboration sets a new standard for the quality and impact of the services we provide to help cancer survivors thrive,” noted Dawn Kita, Tampa YMCA’s Operations Director, Community Health.
Expanding the program is expected to:
- Reach more survivors closer to Moffitt
- Enhance community awareness and trust
- Build a survivorship referral pathway for Moffitt patients
- Support new research opportunities for survivors
The partnership has already generated strong support for multiple research grant submissions. During the initial two-year sponsorship period, the program is expected to serve more than 300 cancer survivors.
About Moffitt Cancer Center
Moffitt is dedicated to one lifesaving mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. The Tampa-based facility is one of only 57 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt’s scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust training and education. Moffitt’s expert nursing staff is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center with Magnet® status, its highest distinction. For more information, call 1-888-MOFFITT (1-888-663-3488), visit MOFFITT.org, and follow the momentum on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
About Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA
Founded in 1889, the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is a cause-driven 4-star charity, strengthening our Hillsborough and East Pasco communities for 135 years through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the organization, 18 facilities and numerous program sites engage 281,000+ men, women and children — regardless of age, income or background — to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve our community’s health and well-being and provide opportunities to give back and support our neighbors. The Tampa Y has a long-standing local presence empowering kids and families to live their healthiest and most fulfilled lives. Learn more at tampaymca.org.