News and Stories

After decades of battling an extreme drug addiction that left me working on the streets, I got clean and moved to Kelowna in search of a new beginning. I was finally sober, but still had so much healing to do to avoid relapsing. 

Physical activity is something I have always enjoyed and prioritized throughout my life, so I was devastated when I became disabled a year ago. I was in debilitating pain from my sciatica, fibromyalgia, and arthritis in my knees and lower back. I tried so hard to continue working, but in the end, I had to go on disability as the pain was just too much to continue with my job.

Staying healthy in mind, body and spirit during COVID-19 has its challenges, especially for those who have likely taken on added roles with their kids at home. And for the kids themselves, whose friends, routines and daily activities have been out of sight for what seems to be far too long.

Before our world changed, our long-time Y volunteer and member, Alyson, was teaching at least one fitness class a week out of the H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre near her home. Once COVID-19 became an increased risk in our community, she didn’t know what she would do without this regular part of her life, and without the social interactions she came to know and love.

Maria is a fitness instructor, personal trainer and holistic nutritionist at H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre who is currently at home, practicing social distancing, in a larger effort to help our community fight this global pandemic.

In a time when nothing seems normal, seeing a familiar face and participating in a familiar activity can bring a sense of normalcy back to our lives when we need it most.