10TV: OhioHealth Helps Cancer Survivors Commit to be Fit

First, they beat cancer. Now, a group of survivors is working to get to another finish line – that of a 5K race.

“I’ve never done a 5K before,” two-time cancer survivor Barb Palumbo told 10TV. “This is a new thing for me.”

Barb and a group of cancer survivors are participating in run/walk group at the OhioHealth McConnell Heart Health Center, led by Emily Finn, an OhioHealth Rehabilitation Supervisor. Emily helps cancer survivors train for various 5K races (some the Cap City Commit to Be Fit 5K, some Komen Columbus Race for the Cure) using the Couch to 5K training program, as well as Saturday group training sessions. The program is free and open to any cancer survivor.

It’s more than just exercise. It’s a chance for participants to talk about what life after cancer is like.

“(While we are training they) share more intimate details for their cancer journey and how they were affected and how this program has brought them together,” Emily told 10TV.

“It’s really nice to be with people who have gone through the same thing you have gone through (and have had) the same after cancer issues, survivorship issues,” says Barb. “There’s a lot of humor in the group, too. You have to laugh. It helps!”

"I've never walked three miles before,” says Barb. It's going to be a challenge. I'll make it."

And she did make it. Last Saturday, Barb finished her first 5K walk in just over 40 minutes.

The cancer survivor run/walk group is wrapping up its spring session with Komen Columbus Race for the Cure on May 19. A new training session will begin in the fall.

Interested in participating this fall? Contact Emily at (614) 788-4425 or email emily.finn@ohiohealth.com.

To learn more about OhioHealth Cancer Services, click here.