L-R: Alex Cerqueira with Jackie Rowe, Project Rally participant and Dr. Parker
When like-minded partners come together, communities benefit. The partnership between the YMCA of the Suncoast and Moffitt Cancer Center is one such example. Moffit’s recently published study in Healthcare was started at the Greater Palm Harbor YMCA in September 2023. The goal was to enhance physical activity for cancer patients and their families. It was completed in April 2024 with 23 participants; and applauded the Suncoast Y’s partnership, concluding:
“This study demonstrates that the Project Rally pickleball program is a feasible and acceptable strategy to increase PA (physical activity) among cancer survivors and may help improve important physical and psychosocial outcomes…Community-based delivery, such as through the YMCA partnership leveraged in this project, was critical for pilot study success and enhances potential to increase reach and sustain programming.”
Nathan Parker, Ph.D., who works for Moffitt’s Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior pitched the Project Rally idea. He is the lead author of the study; and thanked the Suncoast Y for their partnership in making the project a success:
“I can’t even put into words how important this YMCA partnership is. They did a great job with the day-to-day study requirements from enrollment to data collection and so much more. I almost felt I could just pass it to Alex (Cerqueira) and the folks at the YMCA, who took the project under their wing. The extent and capability brought by the YMCA of the Suncoast to Project Rally was just amazing!” he enthused.
Alex Cerqueira, YMCA Project Rally Coordinator assisted Dr. Parker with developing the program’s protocols, selecting assessment methods based on the equipment available at the YMCA Exercise Physiology Lab and conducting pre and post-assessments. He also led the pickleball sessions throughout the study. He notes the initiative was beneficial on multiple levels for Y members.
“Cancer survivors often struggle with motivation and finding the right balance of exercise intensity and duration. Pickleball provides a unique solution by fostering both social engagement and a fun, structured workout. The sport naturally encourages participation, helping survivors stay active in a way that feels enjoyable and sustainable. Beyond the physical benefits, the social aspect of Project Rally has been incredibly impactful. Many participants have built strong friendships and now engage in activities together outside the program, creating a lasting sense of community.”
“Project Rally has been an incredibly meaningful experience for me, both personally and professionally. I often refer to it as one of my ‘children’ because I poured my heart and soul into making it a reality. With the support of Dr. Parker and his team at Moffitt, along with the YMCA’s backing, I am extremely proud of everything we accomplished. Seeing the program’s success and its positive impact on participants has been truly rewarding,” continued Alex, who is now the Aquatics Director at the Greater Palm Harbor YMCA.
Thanks to its success, the program will continue at the YMCA of the Suncoast informally without any research components and continue to help cancer survivors and their families. Plans to expand it across additional Tampa Bay YMCA associations are already underway.
Published Monday, March 31, 2025.