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Maria’s Story

My name is Maria and I have arthrogryposis.  My condition causes extreme muscle weakness in my legs and limits my physical mobility.  I don’t let this stop me though!


For the past two years, I’ve been taking swim lessons at the YMCA.  Swimming has strengthened my legs so I rely less on my wheelchair and more on my walker.  This has improved my self-esteem, making me feel more confident and comfortable around people.

Recently, I competed in the Special Olympics where I raced against kids with similar conditions.  I met a lot of new friends there and even won a gold medal in the breaststroke event.  Thank you for giving me a chance to learn to swim at the Y!

To give a kid, like Maria, a chance to learn to swim, please consider making a donation to the Tampa YMCA.

 
Season's Story
 
My name is Season.  When I was a little girl, my dad passed away suddenly.  He was my primary caregiver, picking me up from school, helping me with schoolwork, and getting dinner started.

My mom and I were really devastated.  She was especially worried about finding an affordable place that would take good care of me while she worked.  Fortunately, she heard about the YMCA and all its youth programs.   I enrolled in gymnastics and was soon practicing handsprings all over the living room.  I felt like a winner! 
 
Recently, I celebrated my birthday with my friends at the YMCA.  It was a gymnastics party.  We flipped on the uneven bars, balanced on the beam, and tried vaulting.  I love participating in gymnastics at the Y.  Thank you for giving me a chance to be a real winner!

To give a kid, like Season, a chance to be a winner, please consider making a donation to the Tampa YMCA.
 

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