Inspiring Stories

When parents think about safety issues involving their children, they usually think about teaching them to look both ways before they cross the street, or to never talk to strangers. They don’t often think that their children could be in danger on a warm, sunny day doing one of the things they love best - swimming! Every year, about 70 children drown in Texas, and for each child who drowns, four children are hospitalized for near drowning. Studies show that minority children are especially at risk, as almost 60% don’t know how to swim and they are three times more likely to drown. As a result, the YMCA is bringing water safety awareness to minority communities through an urban swim initiative called “Make A Splash.” Water safety experts from the Town North Family YMCA met Ivan Alejandro when they conducted a Make A Splash event at his apartment complex’s pool. During the event, they provided free swim assessments and lessons, and talked about drowning prevention and what to do if a swimmer is in trouble. Ivan enjoyed the swim lessons so much that he became a member of Town North’s swim team, “The Sea Otters.” Now, swimming has become a major part of Ivan’s life. He practices every day focusing on his technique so that he can swim better and faster, and he has developed strong friendships with his teammates and coaches. “I love my swim coaches,” says Ivan. “They never give up and they just want everyone to do their best. They really care about you at the YMCA.”

When Abigail Rolbiecki thinks about her childhood, she immediately remembers the wonderful summers she spent at Camp Grady Spruce. Her childhood wasn’t always easy, but camp was one place where she felt she could escape all of the difficult things she was going through at home. Her mother worked very hard to raise her and her two brothers alone, and Abigail’s oldest brother suffered from a degenerative disease that ultimately took his life. While she wouldn’t change anything about her life and her family, things were difficult at home and she often felt lost. “If it weren’t for the summers I spent at camp, I don’t know where I would be in this world,” explained Abigail. “I learned so much about myself and my inner-strength at camp, and I often tell people that camp saved me from some of the darkest times in my life.” Abigail’s mother wouldn’t have been able to send her to camp without the Partners Annual Campaign and the extreme generosity of one particular donor. Abigail says that she is forever grateful that someone thought enough of her to invest in her livelihood - and what a payoff that turned out to be! Today, Abigail is a graduate of the University of Missouri and she is currently completing two Master’s degrees in Public Health and Social Work. She will soon begin working toward a Doctoral degree and her research interest is in trauma recovery and resiliency (specifically with women). She is currently conducting research on the subject in a rural village in Honduras, and she hopes to make a difference in the lives of the women there, the same way the YMCA and a very generous donor made a life-changing difference for her when she needed it most. The YMCA is proud of this incredible young woman!

Maria Vazqez knew she wasn’t being the best role model for her daughters. She felt tired, nervous, and depressed and instead of finding fun things to do with her kids, she was spending most of her free time on the couch in front of the television. It’s an easy trap that many people find themselves falling into. Hectic schedules and the pressures of the day can easily take their toll, and even the most disciplined individuals can find themselves falling into a rut. But Maria decided to get up and do something about it. She joined the Lakewest Family YMCA a year ago and the changes in her have been nothing short of incredible. Her stress has decreased significantly and she no longer feels nervous. She has also met lots of new friends at the Y, and her girls love all the activities, including Child Watch, Play and Learn, and sports programs like swimming, soccer, and basketball. Maria even has the energy now to join them! “Since I’ve been coming to the Y, I feel so much better,” says Maria. “I have lots of energy and I’m active and happy. I like it!” She also likes the fact that her daughters are staying active and hopes that as they grow they will continue to enjoy sports and an active lifestyle. “I don’t want them to sit at home watching TV because it just causes more stress,” she explains. “I want them to be good and feel good!”

Save Our Sons is a community health initiative that was designed primarily for men with health issues such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Drexal Gordon knew he needed to make some significant changes in his lifestyle if he wanted to become healthier, and the YMCA suggested that he try the program. Through this program, trained lifestyle coaches walk participants through behavior changes that help participants learn about healthy eating and physical activity. Topics covered include nutrition, getting started with physical activity, overcoming stress, staying motivated, and more. After two years, Drexal has made exercise a part of his daily routine and he has completely revamped how he eats by adding fresh fruits and vegetables to his meals. “Through the Save Our Sons program, I have made a commitment to be more physically active. I’m now taking care of my health needs through education, prevention, and developing healthy eating habits,” says Drexal. “I began exercising daily and it has also helped me both spiritually and physically. I have enjoyed getting to know the others in our group and we work closely together to provide support and help maintain progress.”

Louise Bower never had a YMCA experience as a child. She was born into a well-to-do family in Princeton, NJ and her parents were under the impression that the YMCA was a place only for “those less fortunate.” She had no idea what the Y had to offer and no idea she was missing out on so much fun. Louise went on with her life, graduated from college, got married, and had two beautiful children. She settled into the typical American family scenario and life was good. But then, troubles hit, including a divorce in 1997 which stripped her of her health insurance. Then, the family business went under in 2006 and she eventually found herself facing several medical issues with no support. Louise suffers from Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and thyroid issues and she knew exercise had to become part of her daily routine if she was going to keep these conditions from escalating. She joined the Lake Highlands Family YMCA in 2003 and began water exercise two to three times a week. She was amazed by how much she actually enjoyed the exercise and she especially enjoyed the YMCA atmosphere and the social connections she made in class. Soon, three days a week turned into five days a week and gradually, her health began improving. But still today, Louise does not have health insurance and states, “The YMCA is my healthcare plan. I value my health, I value the fellowship, and I value the YMCA community. My parents were definitely wrong about the Y.”

Everyone knows that YMCA youth programs are fun and exciting, but they can be much more meaningful to a child coping with the loss of a parent. Octavia Goss turned to the Grand Prairie Family YMCA for help when her granddaughter began having behavioral problems at school and at home after the death of her mother. Octavia’s granddaughter was angry that she had lost her mother, and she was acting out in inappropriate ways that concerned Octavia. The Grand Prairie Y responded by providing a membership, made possible through Partners Annual Campaign funding. Y staff worked with Octavia to get her granddaughter involved in volleyball, summer day camp, and the Youth and Government program. These activities provided a healthy distraction, and she was able to make friends who truly cared about what she was going through. She thrived and eventually her behavior improved. In a letter to the YMCA, Octavia wrote, “Thank you for all you’ve done for my granddaughter at the Y. Her behavior at school and at home is like night and day and we know that part of that is because of what she’s learned at the Y. She needed to know that there were a lot of people out there who care about her and we are so thankful. God bless each of you.”

Brandi Smith is a student at Rowlett High school and has been a YMCA Youth and Government participant through the Garland Family YMCA since middle school. She has always dreamed big, and her greatest aspiration is to one day become a Supreme Court justice. She is a determined young lady and she doesn’t let the fact that she was born with spina bifida, or that she has been confined to a wheelchair her entire life, get in the way of fulfilling her dreams. Brandi takes part in many extracurricular activities, but she especially loves the Youth and Government program and looks forward to the state conference each year. However, her plans to attend the conference were threatened when her mother was recently diagnosed with a liver disorder, and the medical bills and lost wages put the trip out of reach for Brandi’s family. That’s when the YMCA stepped forward and offered assistance through the YMCA Partners Campaign. The funding helped Brandi with her travel expenses and she had a great experience at the conference. The Garland YMCA was thrilled to have the opportunity to help a promising young woman like Brandi - or should we say future Justice Smith!

“Cancer is a journey, but you walk the road alone. There are many places to stop along the way and nourishment - you just have to be willing to take it.” - Emily Hollenberg, cancer survivor

Wilma Clay’s journey started in February, 2010. Along the way she has made stops with family friends and medical personnel that included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Her next chance to take nourishment was the LIVESTRONG program at the Cross Timbers Family YMCA. The program provides the cancer survivor and their family with a 12-week YMCA membership, which includes unlimited use of the facilities and also specific classes just for LIVESTRONG participants. Many people battling cancer experience trouble with fatigue, weight change, and low self-esteem. The LIVESTRONG program works with individuals to help overcome all of these obstacles and part of each session is devoted to sharing, relaxation, and strength and cardio-training. Wilma was doing some of the exercises, but like many people, she often came up with excuses to not do them. Her oncologist, her husband and sister finally encouraged her to do more and in March, 2011, Wilma made a commitment to come twice a week and work on building strength, gaining flexibility, and increasing her endurance. Within two months, Wilma walked a 5K with several other members of the LIVESTRONG program and between May and September, she and her husband were walking 3K’s on a regular basis. Today, Wilma is in the best shape of her life. A few weeks ago, she says she “entered my second childhood,” and went through a huge jump house that included climbing an 8-foot vertical wall. The YMCA is proud to be a part of Wilma’s transformation, and as Wilma says, “Cross Timbers continues to give me, and many others, nourishment on our journey.”

For nearly eight decades, the YMCA has been part of the Bowles familys’ life.  After graduating from SMU in 1935, Don Bowles, Sr. made the Downtown YMCA his first home.  Don’s spirit sparked three generations of YMCA service in the Bowles family. Don Sr., who passed away in 2009, and his wife Wylfa were active members of the YMCA. Don served on the Downtown YMCA Board of Management, the Dallas YMCA Association Board of Directors, where he served as the Board Chairman, and the Dallas YMCA Foundation Board.  His love of the YMCA and service to others was shared with his son, Don Bowles, Jr., president of McQueary Henry Bowles Troy. As a young man, Don loved the outdoors and soon found himself actively involved at YMCA Camp Grady Spruce. In college, he met the woman whom he would marry, Janie, and quickly brought her to work with him at CGS the summer following their freshman year. Don went on to follow in his father’s footsteps and served the YMCA as Chairman of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Board and served on the YMCA of the USA Board, too. Don and Janie Bowles have two Y campers in their children, Lisa and Ryan. Now adults with children of their own, both were campers and staff members at Camp Grady Spruce. Lisa and her husband worked together and Ryan met his wife, Helen, during a staff training session at Camp Grady Spruce. Both Lisa and Ryan serve on the Camp Grady Spruce Board of Management and Lisa’s husband Greg Johnson serves on the Lake Highlands YMCA Board. Together, with their spouses, they are working on raising a fourth generation of YMCA members participating in Adventure Guides, sports and camp programs. Three generations whose hearts were touched by the work of the YMCA, the Bowles family continues the tradition of service started by Don and Wylfa.  Now they are touching hearts by giving leadership to the YMCA so that others may have the same life-changing opportunities.

Chris Robinson lives across the street from the Park South YMCA, but he says he “just grew up at the Y”.  It is a place where he knows everybody and knows that they care for him. During his elementary school years, Chris spent many hours in afterschool child care, summer day camp, youth sports and swimming programs at the Y.  As a pre-teen, Chris began also volunteering at the YMCA. At twelve, Chris had to deal with the tragic death of both his mother and sister who had been killed by a drunk driver.  Blessed with an indefinable spirit and strength, Chris doesn’t go to the Y to seek comfort but he goes to give back. Chris helps read to the preschoolers, sings with them and does puppet shows to teach character values on his days off from school.  He serves as an in-school ambassador to help recruit students for the Y’s Urban Swim Program.  On swim lesson days, you can find Chris in the pool area helping to hand out plastic bags for wet swim suits, directing traffic, and distributing snacks to hungry swimmers after their lessons.  “I just want to help people. It makes me feel good and I know it’s the right thing,” said Chris. It’s what the Y believes, too.

John Hazelton enjoys helping others and can’t think of a better way to do that than through the Town North Family YMCA. If something needs to be done you can count on the fact that he’ll be there ready and willing to do whatever it takes to support his community. There are few positions at the Y that John has not served in at one time or another. Over the years, he has been the Chair of the Board of Management; Campaign Chairman for the Partners Annual Campaign; volunteered in both Indian Princess & Indian Guides; coached boys soccer; and helped with Family Fun Night events. John’s children have been equally involved with the Y. They have taken swim lessons, gone to camp, played soccer, basketball, baseball, and even competed on the swim team. John especially enjoys contributing his time to support Healthy Kids Day. During the summer months, children are more prone to gain weight and fall behind in their studies. This free event encourages kids and parents to commit to keeping the body and mind active during the summer. John has helped make the event especially fun for the kids by setting up a special police department presentation with McGruff the Crime Dog, a cherry picker, a command center and fingerprinting station, officers on horseback, and even helicopters buzzing overhead! This is an example of John’s philosophy that if it’s worth doing, its worth doing BIG! In a nutshell, he walks the walk and is a wonderful community role model. John has made an impact in the lives of countless children and families, and the Town North YMCA is privileged to count him among their ranks.

It has been said that “those who can, do - and those who can do more, volunteer!” Valerie Mobley “does more” for the Richardson Family YMCA. She has a great history with the YMCA, from taking her children there to learn to swim when they were younger, to being a key volunteer for the Richardson YMCA Delegation as part of the Youth and Government program. She first became involved in the program five years ago when her daughter, Valencia, expressed an interest in overcoming her fear of speaking in front of groups. Like most teens her age, Valencia dreaded public speaking and she and her mother thought the Youth and Government program would provide an excellent venue for her to improve her skills. Valerie loved the idea of volunteering with the program so that she and her daughter could spend more quality time together. During her five-year tenure as a volunteer, she has doubled the number of teens participating in the delegation. She has also sent four teens each year to the Conference on National Affairs, and 15 of her students were elected into office at the State level, including her daughter. Valencia, who quickly overcame her fear of public speaking, has served as chair at several of the conferences, and was elected Speaker of Hyde House. Valerie embraces the values of the Y and leads a project each year to help her students give back to their community through the YMCA. Not only is Valerie a star volunteer, but she is also a busy wife and mother of four and a grandmother. But she still manages to find time to give back to her community and she has been a coach, a soccer commissioner, a math tutor, and a children’s minister. She is a woman whose heart is only matched by her drive!

More than seventy years ago, L.A. Bedford, Jr. took the Central Track Train from Thomas Street to the Moorland YMCA downtown on Flora Street. It was the place for a young boy to go, especially during the summer. For Bedford, the YMCA became a place to go over a lifetime, whether it was to go to camp, learn to swim, a place to hear new ideas or a place to give back as a grown man. Bedford’s Y participation began as part of the Friendly Indian group for boys 10 and under. He spent many summers at YMCA camps either north of town on a farm or at Camp Pinkston in Lancaster. L.A. attended law school in New York in the late 40’s, but the Moorland YMCA was never far from his mind and upon return to Dallas, he found himself right back at the YMCA. The Moorland YMCA was one of the main hubs of social and political awareness for the African-American community and Bedford joined a newly established Junior Board of Managers. These were young men just out of school who help organized lectures and speakers that came to the YMCA. From there, L.A. became more involved in the YMCA, serving on the Board and raising funds for many years. Reflecting back Bedford recognizes the tremendous impact the YMCA made on the “85 year old YMCA kid”.

Over the years, one thing that’s really stood out to Sharon Verigan is that we all need to have a sense of COMMUNITY. That’s why the Waxahachie Family YMCA has become so important to Sharon and her family. Because when they go there, they feel a sense of belonging - that good “home town” feeling of warmth you get when you see people of all ages, races, and economic backgrounds coming together to improve themselves and their community. “It’s like that satisfied feeling you get after eating turkey and dressing on Thanksgiving day,” Sharon jokes. “Of course after eating that turkey and dressing...and pumpkin pie (of course!), you usually end up back at the Y!” Since joining the Waxahachie YMCA, Sharon’s 12-year-old daughter has learned to play soccer and volleyball, do cheerleading and gymnastics, and she attended the Valentine’s banquet with her dad. Her 10-year-old son has played soccer, basketball, and football for two seasons, and both children have learned to swim in the Y pool. Sharon and her husband have also been able to enjoy classes and have made exercise an important part of their daily routine. None of this would have been possible without financial assistance through the Y Partners Annual Campaign and Sharon says she is grateful for the scholarship so that her children don’t miss out on the wonderful feeling of being part of a community. “I’m so grateful to be part of the Waxahachie YMCA where the staff actually knows my name when I walk in the door. We love having a place where we feel like everyone cares about us and we truly belong. Nothing beats that great ‘Thanksgiving’ feeling!”

For more than seven decades Ken Mighell has been a Y guy.  Ken’s YMCA introduction began in the summer of 1942, as a camper at Camp Crockett, the original Dallas YMCA resident camp. In 1944, Ken joined the Park Cities Y where he participated in baseball and in the High-Y program. In 1947, the Y engaged the current High-Y teens in a new program they were starting.  That year, Ken traveled to Austin with the High-Y Model Legislator Youth and Government program, the very first YMCA Youth and Government program. Learning about the legislative process and seeing it in action inspired Ken. After college, a stint in the Navy and law school, Ken returned to Dallas and joined the Downtown Y in 1957 where he has been a member ever since. By the mid sixties Ken had joined the Downtown YMCA Board of Management and served as Chairman in 1974.  A former U.S. Attorney, he has practiced in the private sector for more than 30 years and currently serves on the YMCA Board of Directors.  A scrapbook kept by Kens’ mother reveals the yellow clippings, certificates and snap shots of time spent as a young man at the Park Cities YMCA.  Newer photos show the next generation of the Ken’s family actively participating at the Y as members and volunteers.  For the past several years Ken has not missed the Camp Crockett reunion held each January by YMCA Camp Grady Spruce.  Although the numbers of campers and staff from Camp Crockett may have dwindled, the enthusiasm and camaraderie has not stopped for this Y guy.  

Patricia Ridgley is one of the many people among us today who is living with cancer. However, she doesn’t like to define herself as just a cancer survivor. She is also an aunt, an educator, a gardener, a library enthusiast, and a person among many at the T. Boone Pickens YMCA working out on the treadmill. “Part of my program for getting well and maintaining my health involves regular exercise,” says Patricia. “Belonging to the YMCA provides so many resources for me in this quest! The variety of programs and equipment, as well as the willingness of the Y staff to walk me through the programs, helps me continue to learn and grow.” One of the things Patricia values most is the support and encouragement she receives from fellow YMCA members. Even when she may not know someone’s name, she misses them when she doesn’t see them at their regular time - and she finds herself relieved when they return. “On the days when I really need to push myself to be faithful to my health goals, I remember others who will be there working out - some older than I am; some living with greater challenges than I do.  Remembering these fellow members gives me renewed commitment to get moving and get myself to the Y!” Patricia is grateful to the T. Boone Pickens Y for being willing to work out a membership category suitable for her needs.  “When I was just a little kid, I learned to swim at the YMCA close to my home in Oak Cliff.  It’s great to know that decades later, the Y continues to help young and old, and to offer resources that help us take increasing responsibility and control of our health and happiness.”

For Adrian Martinez, sports and the YMCA are synonymous.  Playing sports since kindergarten, it seems natural that today, Adrian is a high school coach, training and mentoring others.  Growing up, he played sports at the White Rock, Park Cites and Town North YMCAs. The Y was a place that taught him character building and values through sports. Adrian’s youth sports playing days may have been over but not his passion for the Y.  At 14, a Town North Y staff member took him under his wing and Adrian started working for the sports department. Adrian’s involvement grew with his family as his daughter began playing sports at the YMCA. Adrian coaches every Y sport his daughter Cameron plays - soccer, basketball and baseball.  Next fall, his youngest daughter will begin Rookie soccer. As a coach at Woodrow Wilson High School, Adrian has introduced his high school athletes to the YMCA, as many of them have worked for the Y over the last seven years.  Adrian believes these kids are gaining the same character traits and the sense of responsibility he learned at the Y. Today Adrian still helps out at the Town North, Park Cities and White Rock Ys with sports clinics and as a referee. “I am thankful for the staff at the YMCA for allowing my family and me to be a part of the YMCA” says Adrian “And that’s why I try to give back to the YMCA as much as possible.”

Neuroblastoma is one of those medical terms that neither a child nor a parent should ever hear. Twenty-six months ago, Michael Malone was diagnosed with this rare, deadly and devastating pediatric cancer, shortly after fall soccer season at the Park Cities Family YMCA. Annually, fewer than 700 children will face a similar prognosis. Michael is now 6 ½ and in kindergarten at the Meadowbrook School. Thanks to the Y and some extraordinary coaches and kids, Michael has had the opportunity to play both soccer and basketball in the midst of his battle against cancer. Despite multiple chemotherapy and radiation treatments, several surgeries, a bone marrow stem cell transplant, and more than 100 nights in the hospital, YMCA soccer and basketball have become his reason to get up each day. His primary motivation for getting better is so he can rejoin his teammates. Scoring goals and making baskets has been one of the ways he can say to himself, “I can win.” Cancer, in his mind, is just another contest. The points and goals are a little harder to get, but what he learned playing sports, he applies to his every day struggles. As he’s put it, “my doctors and nurses are on my team.” Recently, Michael fretted that the latest rounds of surgery – two difficult and painful removals of tumors in his spine and his left orbital socket, would keep him from making opening day of his YMCA soccer team. The procedures were successful, and he bounced back in record time. But he missed the first game. That evening, he received an email from his coach. His team had worn “Team Michael” shirts in his honor. And they know he’ll be back as soon as he can. To Michael, cancer’s no big deal, when you know there’s another game on the schedule.

Abe Cooper received a huge wake-up call when he visited his doctor in 2009. He was told that if he didn’t do more to control his diabetes and blood pressure, he would be in serious trouble soon. That’s when Abe decided to visit the Oak Cliff Family YMCA to see if they had any programs to help him begin an exercise program and improve his eating habits. The YMCA staff explained that the Silver Sneakers program is a leading health and wellness program specifically designed to help older adults live healthy, active lifestyles. Abe liked the idea of working toward his health goals in a group setting with other like-minded participants, and he was even more excited to learn that his health insurance allowed him to join with no out-of-pocket expenses. He began working out each day and each day he gained strength. Within six months of joining the Y, he had lost 25 pounds. Best of all, both his blood pressure and glucose levels returned to normal. In fact, he noticed that all of his daily living activities were becoming easier. In addition, he was enjoying the social interaction and fellowship provided by the program, which inspired him to continue working toward his goals. Today, Abe is grateful he received his wake-up call in time to make the changes he needed to get healthy. He believes so strongly in the Y’s mission that he has even become a committed, and very successful, volunteer for the YMCA’s Partners Annual Campaign. He’s become an unofficial spokesman for the Silver Sneakers program and encourages individuals of all ages to visit their local Y and see first-hand how much fun it can be to “get fit and make friends.”

Susan Schewe has been a member at the T. Boone Pickens YMCA since the early 90’s when she was working for a company downtown.  With a disability, exercise has always been an indispensable component of Susan’s life. The downtown Y quickly became a central part of her daily routine. Susan found the YMCA to be so much more than a place to workout. Susan felt she could chose any work out place but the YMCA was a place she felt comfortable and encouraged.  In 2002 Susan lost her job. In an effort to pare down expenses to manage her sudden loss of income, Susan made the difficult decision to leave the YMCA. However, a staff member intervened and offered a scholarship to help Susan out. This scholarship allowed Susan to stay and pursue her active and healthy lifestyle. People who have disabilities face the same health issues that non-disabled people face. They risk diabetes, heart attack and stroke, and experience the effects of aging: loss of flexibility and muscle mass, and diminished physical stamina and mental flexibility. Lack of activity can complicate the effects of aging. Susan intends to enjoy a long life, and a quality of life, which means an independent lifestyle. She plans to participate as fully as possible in all that life has to offer. The YMCA and exercise gives Susan the tools and the spirit to do so for a very long time.

Five obstacles - that’s what Lisa Quillen knew she would have to overcome if she were to reach her goal of losing weight and getting healthy. First, in June, she suffered a stroke and her balance was affected on her left side. As if this wasn’t devastating enough, the inactivity due to the stroke led to a weight gain of 40 pounds. Second, Lisa works in Plano but lives in Waxahachie, so the drive on top of working left Lisa with very little time and money to spend on herself. Third, she has three wonderful boys who keep her busy and after working all day and then caring for her kids, she felt drained. Fourth, one of her sons has autism. The stress of ensuring his needs were met meant less time for Lisa to care for herself. And fifth, her lack of motivation was working against her. Being an assistant behavior analyst, she knew she needed reinforcement to begin her journey toward a healthy new life. To overcome these obstacles, Lisa turned to the Plano YMCA. Through their affordable programs, the Y provided Lisa with exercise options that made it fun and motivating for her to stay on track. She was also able to place her children in the Child Watch program while she worked out. “As a mother, $7 a month for a child to have quality child care during workout time is wonderful,” says Lisa. “It’s such a little amount for me to pay to have a break and allow me to concentrate on myself for at least a little while each day.” It wasn’t easy, but within two months, Lisa’s energy had returned and she lost 30 pounds the healthy way. “I have used every excuse ever invented, and believe me, I have some good ones,” she said. “The YMCA helped me overcome my five obstacles, and if I can do it, anyone can!”

It can be said that when Lewis Diminuco likes something, he sure sticks with it! He has been a continuous YMCA member for almost 75 years! His family membership first commenced in 1938 when he joined the Rochester, New York YMCA. He even received a 25-year silver card from the Rochester YMCA in 1963 to commemorate his dedication to the organization. When he and his family relocated to Dallas in the 1960‘s, one of the first things they did was join the Town North Family YMCA. It was there that his sons participated in just about every organized sport imaginable and they attended camp each summer at every level by age group. “The Y has played a major part in the lives of our family,” says Lewis. “Without a doubt, the Town North YMCA has been an important influence on my children as they grew up, and our entire family has benefited enormously.” The family tradition continued as Lewis’s grandchildren have also become involved in YMCA programs and activities, and when his grandchildren from out of town would visit, they always added the Town North YMCA to their list of things to do. “I check in at the Y several times each week for workouts and to socialize with friends,” says Lewis. I enjoy the atmosphere and the staff are so pleasant and ready to help and serve. The Town North YMCA is the hub and star of our neighborhood!”

The Rockwall Family YMCA’s Angel Camp is a day camp for children with special needs - the only camp of its kind in Rockwall. The camp includes typical day camp activities, plus weekly field trips specially designed for kids with special needs. Chase Wood was born with Downs Syndrom and he often has to deal with people who treat him differently because they underestimate his abilities. But this isn’t a problem at Angel Camp - they know that kids like Chase enjoy all the same activities as other campers, like canoeing, horseback riding, basketball, and swimming. The camp counselors encourage the campers to try everything and to strive to do their best. Chase was nervous at first about horseback riding. He had never seen a horse up-close before and its size was intimidating to him. But after the counselors let him take some time to get to know the horse and reassured him that they wouldn’t let anything happen to him, he climbed on and now loves riding. He even plans to compete in the Special Olympics horse competition this year! Even Chase’s mom, who is his biggest advocate, was surprised that the campers were learning to use bow and arrows. The counselors asked her why she thought they shouldn’t be allowed to shoot arrows when other kids at camp were doing it; and even she had to admit that maybe she had underestimated her son. Chase has also discovered that he is very good at basketball. He is extremely tall, so he often plays against the counselors and he has gotten so good that he has been a member of the Special Olympics team for the past three years. All of these discoveries were made possible because of Angel Camp, and as Chase simply explains, “Angel camp is about taking the “dis” out of disability!”

Ches Hudel has dedicated much of her life to helping children with mental and physical challenges learn to swim. It began when she volunteered as a college student to help a child with cerebral palsy learn to swim. Now approaching 82, she teaches swimming to more than 40 students in a program called Adaptive Aquatics at the Park Cities Family YMCA. “Learning to swim gives them a skill, develops their muscles and coordination, and makes them feel more like their peers,” Ches explains. “Besides, swimming is fun!” You can find Ches in the water almost every day working out herself or with the Adaptive Aquatics students. She and two “wonderful” assistants teach several afternoons each week, plus Saturdays, giving one-on-one lessons to children who otherwise may not have the opportunity to develop water skills. The lessons help the students build self-confidence and it gives the parents peace of mind that their child is safe in the water. The students come to Ches with a variety of challenges, although she said the hospital neonatal units are so good now that she sees fewer children who suffer from birth defects. Instead she is seeing more students with autism, Down Syndrome and other brain issues. Her passion and dedication for children with special needs is nothing short of amazing. She means a great deal to the Y and to the families of the students she serves. But Ches is quick to say that she gets as much out of the experience as her students. “It is the most gratifying thing.” Ches says. “I am always eager to get there - I meet such neat people!”

Robin Gray grew up in the inner-city of South Dallas and the Park South Family YMCA served as an oasis for her. She enjoyed going there and talking with the more “seasoned adults,” who were always pouring positive affirmations into her life. They made her feel special, and as a young person finding her way through the world, they helped her discern the difference between right and wrong and gave her the courage to choose the right path. It was through these special people, that Robin’s character was shaped and she learned what was truly important in life.

As an adult, she returned to the Park South Y several years ago, she found a different group of people there. Yet, the warm family atmosphere and positive attitudes still prevailed. The Y provided support as she worked to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle through the many classes offered. When she found herself in the battle of her life fighting cancer, the folks at the Y rallied behind her and let her know that she would not go through it alone. “Just walking into the Y and receiving their warm smiles really brightens otherwise challenging days,” says Robin. “I relish in the fact that my daughters have an opportunity to become a part of an organization that not only teaches them to exercise and educates them on the benefits of wellness, but also provides a sense of community. For everything the Y has given me over the years, I would like to extend my most sincere thanks! I am a proud member of the Park South YMCA!”

The YMCA believes strongly in supporting those who have sacrificed so much for our country as members of the armed services - not only the members themselves, but their families who have also made tremendous sacrifices to ensure our freedom. Chris was hit by a roadside bomb while serving in Iraq in 2006. The Marine sitting in front of him and the Marine sitting to his left were both killed. He was lucky that day, but didn’t walk away completely unscathed. He was burned by battery acid, has nerve damage in all of his extremities, multiple herniated discs in his cervical and lumbar spine, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and a traumatic brain injury, to name a few. He retired from the Marine Corps in October 2011 due to his injuries and their family relocated to Dallas to be closer to the medical services he needs, and also so that his wife, Suzanne, could return to school.

That’s when they learned about the Plano YMCA and the many programs they provide to support families like the Johnson’s. Chris’s family received a scholarship through funding provided by the Partners Annual Campaign. Chris uses the facility so that he may continue his rehab, and their son attends the preschool, as well. “The preschool has given our son a place to learn and make friends,” says Suzanne. “With my husband’s injuries, our son has had to sit in hospitals and doctor’s offices a great deal. It’s nice for him to have a place where he can receive an education and still have fun while my husband and I go to all of his physical therapy and doctor’s appointments.” The Plano YMCA is blessed to have the Johnson’s as part of the YMCA family and salutes their perseverance and bravery in the face of such great challenges. Semper Fi!

Ryann Heim credits Camp Grady Spruce with helping her make better choices, set priorities, and to focus on the really important things in life, like true friends and a deep connection with her faith. Like many teens, Ryann felt insecure about her body and didn't feel free to be herself around her friends. Camp taught her about acceptance, patience, and determination and that true friends will always support her through life's ups and downs. Ryann especially enjoys the Raggers program and it has helped her set new goals for herself spiritually, personally, and environmentally. She has also discovered a true love of sailing. "When I am sailing, I feel amazing," said Ryann. "Even when the wind isn't blowing, I could sit out in the lake with my legs dangling in the water and be content. When the wind is blowing, it's such a rush! I love being in control and knowing that I can direct the boat wherever I want to go or I can capsize it if I choose. I love the feel of the wind in my face as I make turns. It's just me and the sailboat and the wind. "Without camp, Ryann would not have had the opportunity to discover her passion for sailing or the other things she discovered a talent for, like wake-boarding and hiking. She even added a variety of healthy new foods to her diet. These new experiences have helped her become more confident in her abilities, and the new friends she's made have helped her become more comfortable with herself and less self-conscious. Ryann knows she is blessed to have been able to attend camp, and it's her wish that every child has a chance to experience camp and discover new things about themselves the same way she did!

We all know camp is a perfect place to have a great time, meet new friends, and take part in exciting new adventures. But sometimes, camp is about much more than just having fun. For a camper who has lost a loved one or is experiencing some other kind of personal tragedy, camp becomes more like an extended family, where they can feel free to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment. This was the case for Zach Johnston, whose mother passed away last year. For Zach, it felt like he not only lost his mother, but he lost his best friend, as well. He was feeling depressed and lonely, but attending Camp Grady Spruce was something he always looked forward to doing. In fact, it was a family tradition. His father and his aunt not only spent many summers there as campers, they also became staff members. After Zach arrived at Frontier Camp last summer, he quickly realized that he was not the only camper to have lost a parent, and he formed strong friendships with other campers and staff who understood what he was going through and how he was feeling. The camp activities were a good distraction for him and soon he began feeling like he could move forward with his life - something his mother would have wanted for him. He is following in the footsteps of his father and his aunt and plans to attend camp this year as a Counselor In Training, and hopes to become a Junior Counselor the following year. Camp Grady Spruce will be lucky to have him and future campers will benefit from a caring and compassionate counselor like Zach.