Swimming for women battling cancer

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Being in and around water can be soothing and therapeutic in itself.

Now, some women are finding it's a great place to join together for a support group of a different kind.

This is a class that takes place in a Manhattan pool and it's for women who've been through a lot emotionally and physically, and they find that the water helps buoy them in a number of ways.

They're bathing beauties settling into their weekly regimen.

It is the renewal water exercise class at the JCC of Manhattan.

While they look a bit like synchronized swimmers, they are all women living with breast or ovarian cancer.

Some are still being treated, like Melanie Testa who recently had a double mastectomy.

She found out about renewal from a flyer at Beth Israel Medical Center.

Beth Israel works with St. Luke's Roosevelt to provide this class to any woman who's being treated or who has completed treatment.

"To be in the pool and feel supported by the water and to be in the company of other women is hugely important," said Teri Dupuy, the instructor.

It's important for recovery, important for the physical and the emotional.

Teri Dupuy facilitates the movements, accommodating those who are dealing with swelling from lymphdema or restrictions from surgery.

"Everything I do is about range of motion, today is right now," Dupuy said.

They're happy to be in the "right now."

"It just makes me feel great, I want to shout sometimes because of what the water does," said Olivia Smith, a participant.

For more information please visit: jccmanhattan.org/health-club

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breast cancer, cancer, manhattan, lifestyle & fun, lauren glassberg

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