The Y – There When You Need It Most!

“The phone rang last Tuesday, and from that point our world had been turned upside down.” Todd Medrano shared that his wife Gina was informed by the doctor that their little girl Jessica, age 8, had leukemia. “We were told it was critical we get our Jessie to the hospital immediately. I left work and rushed home. After painful testing, pricking and prodding, we were told that she has AML leukemia. Treatment began immediately through her spinal chord, followed by 9 days of chemotherapy. If she reaches remission it will be followed by the protocol chemotherapy lasting the next 7 months.”

While Todd and Gina care for Jessica, sister Emily attends summer camp at the YMCA’s Camp Cristina. With mounting medical bills, the Medrano family was able to take advantage of much-needed financial assistance.

“I don't know if you will ever know how your assistance will help my girls. The Y is helping provide a safe place for my daughter while her sister encounters a most difficult time. This is more helpful than words can say, my heart will be forever grateful. Thank you for making this difficult time a bit easier for all of us.”

Financial Assistance to those in need makes the Y a cornerstone charity of the community and this year, Camp Cristina was awarded a very special gift presented by TECO Big Bend Station. TECO donated proceeds in the amount of $19,000 from their Big Bend Annual Charity Golf Scramble Tournament held last April. Thanks to the generosity of businesses like TECO our community is stronger and Y camps are welcoming to all.