‘I can do this’ | Program helps cancer survivors regain strength in mind and body

Dec. 13, 2024 

Contact: Dawn Bryant 

Tidelands Health  
(843) 652-1636 

dbryant@tidelandshealth.org 

News for Immediate Release: 

‘I can do this’ | Program helps cancer survivors regain strength in mind and body 

Maribeth Lamuraglia is known for her trademark positivity and hospitality. 

A longtime manager at Dagwood’s Deli and the South Carolina Hospitality Employee of the Year in 2018, Lamuraglia is used to taking care of others’ needs in the restaurant setting. That generous nature extends to her friends, loved ones and community members, serving as a go-to when someone needs help, support or inspiration. 

But, in 2023, Lamuraglia found herself on the other side. Diagnosed with stage II clear cell carcinoma, she suddenly was on a journey that not only took a toll on her body but also on her uplifting spirit. 

“All you hear is cancer, and then you are, like, numb,” Lamuraglia said. “Now, we are on a journey. It’s scary when you hear that. OK – what kind of journey? What’s going on?” 

The fight 

Like everything else she’d faced in her 51 years, Lamuraglia bravely battled with her determined spirit through the surgery to remove the growth in her uterus that doubled in size in just a few months, the physician appointments, the treatments. She trusted her Tidelands Health care team, including Dr. Betsy Adams, and benefitted from the health system’s affiliation with the MUSC Hollings Cancer Network for specialty care.  

“I stay positive,” Lamuraglia said. “You go through. You fight. You do whatever you have to do to get through it. I kept moving and going and doing the day-to-day.” 

Friends and loved ones offered support every step of the way. The Dagwood’s team organized an elaborate fundraising event to help with expenses and remind her how much she’s loved.  

But, eventually, after trying to power through for more than a year, it all just became too much. Lamuraglia struggled to get through every day, as can be common for those affected by cancer. 

“I got overwhelmed,” she said. “I started feeling anxiety and depression that I had never felt before in my life.” 

Livestrong 

Lamuraglia turned to a nurse on her care team, who recommended the Livestrong program. Designed for cancer patients and survivors, the national, evidence-based program through the Livestrong Foundation is offered locally through the YMCA of Coastal Carolina. Lamuraglia participated in the program at the Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA. 

Tidelands Health is the exclusive health system partner of the YMCA of Coastal Carolina, including Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA in Myrtle Beach, Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA and Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA. 

“I said, you know what, I’m going to give it a shot,” Lamuraglia recalls. “I need, for me, to carve out time out of your life for just you. And that’s hard for me or a lot of people. It’s very difficult.” 

Livestrong is a free, 12-week, small-group program catering to survivors’ unique physical and mental needs. Participants attend two 75- to 90-minute sessions a week led by certified instructors. 

Lamuraglia immediately added all those session dates to her calendar, that determined spirit reignited as she carved out much-needed time to focus on her overall healing – body and mind. 

“OK, I’m going to do this,” she recalls thinking at the time. “Just by being with these folks – who have now become my Livestrong family – you help each other. You talk to each other. Livestrong provided me help. It also helps you realize that you can do it.” 

Getting stronger 

With the camaraderie of the group, Lamuraglia was encouraged and pushed herself to get stronger. Sessions include cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, balance and flexibility exercises to get the muscles moving. 

Participants, who are usually referred by a member of their care team, undergo fitness and quality-of-life assessments at the start and end of the program so they can see how far they’ve come.  

And they feel their progress, too -- immediately reminded of how much farther they can walk or how much more weight they can lift than when the program started. Lamuraglia and her Livestrong partners celebrated those victories with spontaneous high-fives and fist bumps after completing each station. 

But it’s not the physical improvements that make the biggest impact on participants. 

“People are excited about coming to class,” said Tyler Wiggins, clinical exercise coordinator and Livestrong-certified instructor at the YMCA of Coastal Carolina. “Being in a group setting kind of helps them open up a little bit and share their story. It’s also important to hear other stories so you can connect with them. It’s the confidence booster for sure. 

“Every day, I see them chiseling away at their old self and just building themselves back up to what they were.” 

She’s back 

As is her usual nature, Lamuraglia became her group’s social coordinator and biggest cheerleader, creating a group text and regularly sending messages of inspiration and support – just like the ones she had gotten from other Livestrong participants, as well as her loving family, friends and Dagwood’s team members. 

“You don’t want to let down people who have lifted you up,” Lamuraglia said. “You have to think, ‘What can I do?’ This has put me back into that state of mind. What can I do? I can do this.” 

Learn more about the Livestrong program at the YMCA of Coastal Carolina here. 

Learn more about Lamuraglia’s journey in a video here. 

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About Tidelands Health 

Tidelands Health, in collaboration with MUSC Health, is the region’s largest health care provider, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 70 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.