Four years ago, my world came tumbling down around me. The father of my children passed away and I was left alone to raise our three young girls. My oldest, Natalie, was 8 years old, Yulianna was 3, and Catalina was just 6 months. I was devastated. It was difficult enough to care for myself, much less provide the emotional support that my daughters so desperately needed.

My YMCA “family” knew of my situation, and without saying a word, came to my rescue. Group fitness instructors insisted that I join them for yoga and zumba classes, even though all I wanted to do was hide from others and dwell on my loss. The playcenter staff comforted my crying baby, encouraged me to relax by the pool with a good book, and assured me that “everything will be OK.” Even the afterschool counselors, young people themselves, were sensitive to Natalie’s quiet grief; they allowed her to help them with “special projects” when she wasn’t in the mood to play with kids her own age.

In addition, the Tampa YMCA made sure that I remained connected to people who truly cared about me and my girls. The Welcome Center staff reevaluated the cost of my membership and worked with me so that I could keep Natalie in the afterschool program and Yulianna and Catalina in swim lessons. And, a few years ago, the Tampa YMCA provided me with toys and clothes so that my daughters had presents to open on Christmas Day.

Now, it’s my turn to return the favor. I hope that you will consider making a donation today to the Building Strong Kids Campaign so that the YMCA can continue to improve lives . . . like my daughters and mine!