Members Speak!
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. What does that mean? Our members say it best. Here are their stories, in their own words.
Up on his feet again
Dear YMCA Centennial Hills Community Center,
My name is Troy Geiges and I am a member. I am a member because of the generosity of your charitable rehabilitation program. I wanted to personally thank you for the help in cost and for the fantastic facilities you maintain. Without either I would not feel the way I do today. I’m also writing to thank the helpful staff you have.
I was recently hospitalized due to an illness for two months. The illness took my ability to walk and atrophied my muscles to about 20%. The doctor who helped heal me said I may not ever walk again. When I returned home I was in a wheelchair, could not go upstairs (the showers were upstairs) and I didn’t have very high hopes.
My mother mentioned using the YMCA as a place to shower. So I called to see what was offered. I’m very glad I did. When I told my story and what I needed to the staff, they had me come down to take a look at the facilities and signed me and my family up as a package that day. Instead of just using the showers, I was also working out, using the therapy pool and other programs you offer.
While in my wheelchair I would try to workout a bit and then use the therapy pool (thanks to the handicap chair that lowered me in), then use the showers. I found the pool very useful for balance reconditioning. This helped me take steps toward standing upright and then walking in the pool. So I also wanted to thank the lifeguard staff at the therapy pool. They were very friendly and helpful during my recovery. I wish I had names, but they know who they are.
Working my muscles out became the main focus in my recovery. I had never really “worked out” much, so I wasn’t sure where to start. I just gave it a whirl and thankfully was spotted by Jeff who simply said, “Let me show you how to do that properly.” The very next time I showed up Jeff had me in a “routine”, showed me what to do and what not, proper form, correct weights and basically vowed to help get me out of my wheelchair and walking. So instead of small hopes for recovery, I had Jeff who gave me tremendous confidence and really quick results. I looked forward to work outs and together we watched me go from the wheelchair, to leaning, to standing, to the walker and now amazingly walking! (a bit like Frankenstein, but the natural gait will come). I owe a huge debt of gratitude to you Jeff, I consider you a friend.
So a huge thank you to all staff members of the YMCA. My recovery continues and you will see me there often, working out, swimming and now walking!
Gratefully,
Troy Geiges
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A happy camper
(This letter was sent to Breezy Bolden, branch director at the Durango Hills YMCA)
Dear Breezy,
I recently signed my children up for summer camps at the Durango Hills YMCA. Summer sign-ups have always been a nerve-wracking experience for me at other facilities, and since this was my first experience with the YMCA I was especially nervous. I was met by Ariel at your front counter, and she made everything alright. Her manner was professional, and her demeanor was friendly. She helped me to understand the confusing camp schedules while simultaneously assisting in keeping my bored 5-year-old occupied. She even went out of her way to show me how I could save a few dollars. Ariel gave me her full attention while she was serving me, and never appeared frustrated with my questions and misunderstandings. In short, Ariel was the epitome of excellent customer service.
I feel it is natural to be nervous about leaving my children with "strangers" for an entire summer. Knowing that your facility is staffed with personnel such as Ariel leaves me with a confidence I haven't felt with other summer camp programs. We are looking forward to an awesome summer at the Durango Hills YMCA. Please give Ariel the recognition she deserves for a job well done.
Thanks, Teri McGeachy
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Variety builds confidence
How do Dawson, 9, and Kalen, 6, stay active at the Durango Hills Community Center YMCA? They participate in Tae Kwon Do, swim lessons (every summer!) and exercise in the wellness center. Their mom, Rena Mullen, says she's seen a positive change in her kids.
"They are healthy, happy and confident. We are able to stay active together in a facility close to home and easily accessible. We are glad the cardio room has been opened up to young children (8+) upon completion of an instruction session. It sends a message to kids early on that exercise and their good health is important." -Rena Mullen
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Poof! 120 pounds gone
David Manzo, a 24-year-old military man, dropped 120 pounds in nine months! He did it by working out six days a week at the Centennial Hills Community Center YMCA. A combination of lifting and cardio, plus healthy eating, led to his success.
"The YMCA staff members are friendly and helpful. I am familiar with lifting weights and working out, but if I have a question I can ask anyone there and they help me. It's such a welcoming environment. I see people of all shapes and sizes. Everyone is happy at the YMCA because we're all working on ourselves." -David Manzo
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"I'm walking, yes indeed..."
During a time of personal stress, S.B., age 43, found relief through walking. She walked, and walked, and walked some more, and then her clothes got looser. She realized walking combined with a diet change would result in serious weight loss. So began her mission to get fit.
"I changed my diet to remove almost all processed foods, sweets, fat, salt and breads. I walked my neighborhood six days a week, up to five miles daily. Once it got too cold, I joined the YMCA and went as often as I could. When I couldn't make it I'd do yoga or exercise at home. I went dancing in October 2009, something I hadn't done in 20+ years. I fell in love with country line dancing and now go regularly! I've walked three 5K races and done two big hikes. I didn't follow anyone's diet or exercise plan. Instead, I simply found things I like to do and foods I enjoy. I'm very pleased with my results!" -S.B.
Starting weight: 213
Current weight: 129
Weight loss as of June 2, 2010: 84 pounds
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Getting back on track
President & CEO Mike Lubbe received this letter from Lea Lucibella, the grateful recipient of a Back on Track membership. The program, which ran from October 2009 to January 2010, provided free memberships to unemployed individuals and their families. True to her word, Lea is now a paying member, works out regularly and attends yoga at the Durango Hills Community Center YMCA.
February 26, 2010
Dear Mr. Lubbe,
I am writing to thank you for providing free memberships to people who were laid-off this past year. I am among one of those affected by the lay-offs. The membership has been such a blessing to me during these hard times. I look forward to having a place to go to exercise and it is great to be able to take a class and be around other people. Being unemployed can be a lonely, isolating experience. My membership has helped ease that isolation and helped me stay positive and feel good about myself by working out several times a week. I really want to thank you again for your decision.
Sincerely,
Lea Lucibella
P.S. As soon as I am employed I plan on becoming a paid member of the YMCA.
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Mirror as motivation
Ron Ketchum, retired, began working out at the YMCA in San Diego in 2007. When he moved to Las Vegas in 2008, he continued his wellness routine at the Centennial Hills Community Center YMCA. Just shy of 6'2", Ron went from 253 to 190 pounds.
"We all have that nagging knowledge that we should exercise, yet few of us are motivated to do anything about it. My doctor told me I was pre-diabetic, and I didn't want to deal with anything of that nature, so I changed. The YMCA is affordable, has a good message and the atmosphere is inspiring. It draws a large segment of the community together." -Ron Ketchum
What does Ron's healthy lifestyle include?
- He exercises five times per week, including resistance training for 30-45 minutes, elliptical for 45 minutes.
- His diet includes a small breakfast, salad or wrap for lunch, lots of fruit and a fish plate, pork or a little beef for dinner.
- Ron controls hunger by drinking water, brushing his teeth, keeping a motivational drive...and looking in the mirror!
