YMCA Impact Stories

“Several years ago, I experienced a stroke while at home and devolved into a bedridden patient. A desire grew over the coming months and years and I started a health journey with a goal of walking the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain. First, I chose not to live in fear and then I chose to dream big. From the humble beginnings of physical therapy to using weight machines and joining aqua- and group exercise, I worked my way up from that hospital bed to walking 77 miles in 6 days on the Camino de Santiago. And so, to you, all of my fellow YMCA travelers:  May you see the value of your own journey.  May you dream big!  May you show yourself kindness, trust the process and walk your own path step by step.  Buen Camino!” 

“My husband passed away from a tragic accident a year ago, leaving me to care for three young children alone. We always enjoyed camping together, swimming and fishing in nearby lakes. I wanted to continue this tradition but worried about safety since my kids didn’t know how to swim and I didn’t have anyone else to help. I reached out to they to inquire about swim lessons and a scholarship because I just have one income now.  They were able to help provide a scholarship so all my children had the opportunity to learn to swim and we could enjoy making memories together during the summers.” 

“I'm 78 and have done casual exercise most of my life like walking. I believe in exercise and healthy eating habits also. At this age, I just accepted that there will be certain things I won't be able to do anymore. My husband worked out often and asked if I would go if we joined the Y. I said yes thinking we’d go a couple times a week. Well, I should have known better because my husband had other ideas and we go 5-6 days a week for at least 90 minutes! He has shown me how to use the machines and how to gradually set goals. The Y has trainers that also do that for all ages! I had no idea how strong I really can be! I'm impressing myself! I haven't been able to get up from the middle of the living room floor without hanging onto something for a few years. Just recently I accidentally did it without thinking about it! I wasn't even trying, it just happened! Also my wrist has been bad for years and the orthopedic Dr said all they could do would be to remove a bone in my wrist because it's arthritic. It no longer hurts and a can pick up a gallon of milk without thinking about it!  I'm grateful for the small things in life! Another thing about the Y is the wonderful employees who make me feel like family and running into people I haven't seen in a long time!” 

“This year, my son attended summer day camp at the Y for the first time. Every day the highlight of MY day was picking him up and seeing his HUGE smile! I was concerned prior to camp that maybe kids wouldn’t accept him as he is neurodivergent, but he has made plenty of friends! He’s excited to go every single day of the week. His favorite activities are anything to do with water play, crafting, and gym time. He loves racing and took 3rd place in a race during the city wide Y summer camp field day! Seeing him learn new things and make friends has been so great, but the support from the team at the Y has also been wonderful. The camp director has made sure he is supported if he ever has a challenging moment and he adores his camp counselors. The team is committed to making sure the kids have a play-based summer, which is a core value of our family. We just couldn’t be happier with our experience and will be back next year!”