Weld County is home to a one-of-a-kind, nationally recognized cancer rehabilitation center. The University of Northern Colorado Cancer Rehabilitation Institute (UNCCRI) in Greeley takes a unique approach to helping cancer patients use exercise as an important component for their treatment and recovery. Since 2019, The Weld Trust has awarded nearly $1 million in grants to support UNCCRI’s innovative work. Most recently the center received a 2-year $212,288 grant to serve an additional 175 patients.
As demand for services grows, UNCCRI has a waitlist that exceeds 100 patients. Each new patient joins the program through a referral from an oncologist or primary care provider.
Every patient at the UNCCRI receives a customized exercise plan that includes one-on-one training sessions three times a week, each lasting about an hour. A typical session focuses on cardiovascular exercise, resistance training, balance activities, flexibility and stretching.
Beyond the physical benefits to the exercise program, UNCCRI reports on several psychological and mental health benefits. Patients show reductions in mental fatigue and depression, significant improvements in quality of life and significant reduction of chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction.
To find out more about UNCCRI click here.
To find out more about grants UNCCRI has been awarded click here.
