y member stories
Max's Story
When four-year-old Max’s mom, Kara, was diagnosed with breast cancer, his family’s life was quickly thrown into a whirlwind of doctor appointments and hospital visits. Along with his two-year-old sister Graceann, Max watched his mom fight the disease; he watched her lose her hair and grow weak from chemotherapy.
As Kara fought to stay strong for her two young children, much of the family’s income went toward saving her life. By the time she had successfully finished treatment, she was in need of a place to rebuild her body, and more importantly, her family’s spirit.
That’s when she turned to the Jorgensen Y and its financial assistance, funded by the Strong Kids Campaign.
Now, as Max follows his mom’s example to be healthy inside and out, he can have fun at the Y. His favorite thing to do is run amok in the indoor playground, which he and Graceann get to do after his mom finishes her Zumba® Gold classes. He also loves to swim with his family.
Over the last few months, Max’s family has grown stronger together - in spirit, mind and body. They have overcome and triumphed as a family and continue to strengthen their relationship every day.
Tara & Berenice's Story
Over a year ago, Tara and Berenice decided they needed a change.
Tired of being members of the “chunky club”, as they put it, the two sisters-in-law embarked together on their wellness journey. After failed attempts at home videos, dieting, and other means of working out, joining the Wells County YMCA was a fresh start – starting with Zumba, which soon had the two hooked.
Also hooked on the Y are Berenice’s kids, Landon and Isabella, who beg to go to the Y to see their friends. During their “social hour”, they adore the friendly Child Watch staff and see the Y as a home away from home. “For one hour out of my day, I don’t have to worry about where my kids are and what they’re doing. I can work out, have fun and enjoy knowing that I’m doing something good for myself.”
After being introduced to the Y by Berenice, Tara was soon a regular as well – which was perfect timing as her husband went into active duty through the Air Force. Through the Y’s Military Outreach Program, Tara and her two children, Damon and Kaylee are able to take part in all the Y has to offer at no cost. With her husband deployed a world away, Tara has found comfort in the Y, not only as a place to relieve stress, but a place to take her mind off her husband’s active duty status.
The combination of the Y being a quality place for children, various engaging group exercise classes, helpful staff, and the Military Outreach Program have allowed this family the opportunity to change their lives together while becoming stronger, healthier individuals and mothers.
Mary's Story
Before Mary Frecker was first introduced to the Y, she had been struggling with the crippling effects of fibromyalgia. She had been looking for ways to get physically fit and overcome the limitations of her disease. But with five children and a strained household income, she felt her options were limited – until she was introduced to the Renaissance Pointe Y and its state-of-the art programs through Dr. Rudy Kachmann.
Since joining the Y, Mary has become an active participant in aqua aerobics classes, which are perfect for her physical needs. She often visits the Y with her daughters, where they work side-by-side, encouraging and motivating each other along the way.
“We’ve even played the Wii together a few times,” Mary laughs. Their membership has even inspired the family to work out together outside the Y!
Mary and her children enjoy the Y together as a family, because, she explains, “There is something for everyone whenever we come. It really lets us come together.”
Though they were already a close family, their membership in the Y has done much more for the Freckers – it has given them the opportunity to work together and give each other the gift of shared inspiration and motivation.