I was born with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy, and it wasn’t until two years ago, at the age of 28, that I first learned to walk at the YMCA.  Spastic Diplegia CP is a neuromuscular condition that  affects mobility and use of limbs; it is difficult for me to move voluntarily.  Due to my condition, I led a fairly sedentary existence for the first 20 years of my life, and at the age of 24, became further reliant upon the use of a wheelchair.

 

Knowing I needed a drastic change, I joined the Y.  From the beginning, the adaptive sports wellness staff rejected my claim that I was not able to walk.  After some seriously humorous attempts, they had me shuffling my legs on the treadmill.  In less than a year, I lost weight, gained feeling in my limbs, and took my first-ever solo steps!   No crutches, no wheelchair, no walker!

 

Ohhhhh . . . but the YMCA fitness staff was not quite done with me.  They added upper body strength and flexibility training to my exercise regimen.  This, coupled with their emotional support, greatly improved my overall quality of life.  But my progress didn’t stop there.  With the staff’s encouragement, I competed and gold-medaled in three field events at national and international levels in 2007.  And, in September 2008, I participated with the U.S. Paralympic Team in Beijing, China. 

 

 

Twenty-six different childcare centers in just eight years!  That’s how many afterschool centers that I enrolled my daughter Allie in before finding the Brandon Family YMCA.  You see, Allie has Autism Spectrum Disorder, commonly known as Autism.  Like many children with this disorder, she would throw temper tantrums, overreact to sounds, and exhibit repetitive, self-injurious behaviors.   

 

Because of Allie’s condition, it was nearly impossible to find childcare for her.  Many programs were either unwilling to deal with children with autism or were too large to provide the individualized care that Allie required. 

Finally, in 2004, I turned to the Brandon YMCA for help.  Although the staff had never worked with children with special needs, we were not turned away.  From the beginning, the YMCA trained their childcare counselors and employed certified educators who were committed to Allie for the long-term, many of whom are still working with her today. 

 

Four years later, because of the dedication of the Brandon YMCA, Allie has made great strides.  Her outbursts have decreased, her self-care has improved, and she is much more comfortable around others.  In addition, at the YMCA, Allie developed enough confidence to pursue music as a hobby.  In fact, she plays the clarinet in her middle school band and, now, I can’t get her to stop singing! 

 

Without the nurturing environment of the Brandon YMCA, I would not be able to provide for Allie and her sister, Jordan.

THE TAMPA METROPOLITAN AREA YMCA IS A 501 (C)(3) CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION, FEDERAL ID # 59-1742909.  A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800) 435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE.  REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.  REGISTRATION # CH-1227