Y Stories
Brandon’s Story
Brandon was a shy, timid four year old when he began swim lessons. He had trust issues and low self-esteem. His family enrolled him in swim lessons to not only teach him how to swim, but to help him socialize.
He struggled at first with trusting the instructor, but slowly began to change. He has now having fun, interacting with other kids and learning to swim.
Today Brandon swims with confidence, has built strong relationships with his swim instructors and loves to do canon balls.
Linda’s Story
After Linda’s husband died, she found herself feeling alone and having troubles coping with her daily routine. She was feeling unsupported and emotionally and financially struggling.
She had heard about the Y through some friends. Not soon after, Linda woke up and realized she needed to be with people. She remembered the Y would be open.
Since becoming a member, Linda has become a regular at morning group exercise classes and swims. She has a routine and friends who have touched her life and given her hope. With the help of her new community, Linda now has the power to cope with the challenges that lie ahead.
She is stronger and healthier because of the companionship she has at the Y.
Laura’s Story
It was Christmas when Laura found a lump in her breast. The devastating news of stage 3 metastatic breast cancer halted her family’s life.
Chemo was agonizing. Everyone in her family sacrificed as her husband worked seven nights a week and cared for their six children. But day by day, Laura got through it and things soon changed.
As Laura went into full remission, she learned about the Y’s LIVESTRONG(TM) program. She was nervous, but knew she needed to start somewhere to regain her life.
Laura has since made lifelong friends, is exercising regularly and is there for her family again. The cancer may have stopped Laura’s life, but the LIVESTRONG program helped get it going again.
Aiden’s Story
Aiden had experienced terrible abuse and was quick to rebel. His foster parents signed him up for baseball at the Y. In the beginning it was a struggle. He wouldn’t listen and would fight with his coach.
Then, a teammate stepped up and gave him a tip. Soon other players stepped up and gave him more hints on how to be a better player. As the coach and team worked with Aiden, he began to bloom.
He was making good throws and catches. His very first hit was a double to right center field. With the success he was having on the field, he was having just as much off the field. His behavior improved and he was working harder in school.
With the help of baseball, Aiden transformed into a strong young man who did not let his challenges in life define him.
Emilia’s Story
Emilia joined the Y’s early childhood program shortly after being put in foster care. She was shy and quiet and had troubles making friends. The Y worked with her foster parents to build trust and emotional support.
As Emilia began to transition to be reunited with her mom, the Y offered extra support to provide a place where everyone care for her. Today Emilia thrives in the Pre-K room. Her mom is active in her education and Emilia has made lots of friends in class.
Emilia found a love in reading books and loves to act out stories with her friends. She is going to be very successful in kindergarten!
Jack’s Story
Jack struggled when he first began attending YMCA summer camp. As a shy kid, an environment like summer camp is intimidating.
The camp counselors noticed Jack having a difficult time and made it a point to introduce him to other campers. As Jack made friends, he had less time for being nervous, and more time for learning and having fun.
He gained self-confidence and friendships thanks to the Y!
Alice’s Story
Alice was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013 while she was still working. As the tremors worsened, she realized she needed to retire.
Alice was determined to figure out how to improve her life despite the new challenge of Parkinson’s disease. After some research, she found the Delay the Disease(TM) program at the Y and enrolled.
Since entering the class, Alice has made countless friends in class and has found a way to improve her life by working out. Her doctor is thrilled with the results and tells her to keep it up because it’s working.
Thanks to the Y, Alice can keep growing, improving, and slow down the Parkinson’s and has proved to her she can live a full life!