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Through the promotion of physical fitness—whether in the form of regular exercise or participation in athletic competition—the Active Survivors Network connects people whose lives have been affected by serious illness, disease and accidents with the support and resources they need to remain active and heightens public awareness of survivor disabilities through advocacy and education.
Vast improvements in medical care and technology in recent years have led to a large and still growing number of people who are survivors of, or are currently living with, the effects of catastrophic or chronic illness and accidents.
While many of these people were previously physically active or participated in athletic competition, others, recognizing the health benefits of exercise. Having to consider their own mortality for the first time, survivors are more open to lifestyle change and the possibility of incorporating physical activity in their recovery process.
There are few resources available to address this group’s very specific needs.
In most cases there exists no specific advice or formal training programs designed for illness survivors who wish to return to athletic competition. There are no peer support groups for individuals facing the challenges of recovery from, or who are living within the limits imposed by, acute illness and who wish to be physically active. There are no survivor categories for competitors in nationally governed sporting events—and therefore no records kept for these groups of people.
Many survivors and people living with disease experienced their own mortality and are more open to lifestyle change during and after recovery. In short, while more and more people who suffer the effects of catastrophic illness are able to pursue full and physically active lives, there is a significant lack of information and support available encouraging them to do so.
Recognizing the critical role that exercise and athletic competition can play in one’s physical and emotional well-being, the ASN will advocate for survivor needs in the areas of athletics and exercise and will educate the public about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, during recovery, and health maintenance.
Through a network of athletes, medical professionals, fitness experts and like-minded peer mentors who will share their experiences, the ASN will provide survivors with the tools and information they need to become active, healthy, and if possible, return to athletic competition.
The ASN is a membership based non-profit 501-C3 with offices in Baltimore, MD and is funded by member dues, sponsorships, donations and foundation grants.
*Throughout all ASN materials the term “survivor” refers to “all people who are survivors of, or are living with the effects of, catastrophic or long-term illness.”
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