In my life, I have faced a wide range of adversity, from living in group homes as a youth, to experiencing PTSD after serving in the Marine Corp, to overcoming cancer and other health issues. Through it all, I have been able to keep my mind and body strong at YMCAs around North America which has had an immense impact on my life story.
My time with the YMCA started when I was orphaned at age 13 and lived in a group home. I was experiencing a lot of anger and my counsellor suggested I join the Y as a healthy outlet for my rage. I had very little money but was able to join on a Financially Assisted membership. That’s one of the most special things about the Y, those that can’t afford a membership can apply for a subsidized rate.
Once I joined, I fell in love with wrestling and it became my new passion. It gave me a physical outlet for my anxiety, frustration, and anger. As a result, I experienced a lot of positive changes. I made friends, gained confidence, grew stronger, and was no longer treated differently just because I lived in a group home. Plus, it was the first time I felt like I had a family. I even got a wrestling scholarship with a university!
After finishing my degree, I had a series of misadventures that led me to joining the US Marines. My father was a Canadian RCMP but also had American citizenship and the opportunity presented itself when I needed it. My time with the Marines was a life-changing experience that provided me with many skills, but it came at a very high price. The men I served with in Lebanon and Somalia were my family and many did not come home. My survival of the Beirut bombing of 1983 and the loss of many friends left me with a great sense of guilt and a severe case of PTSD.
After leaving the Marine Corp, I was in a tailspin, frightened and going down a road that would have been detrimental for me. Once again, I remembered my experience at the Y and knew that rejoining would be a step in the right direction. I was in Texas at the time and decided to join the Houston YMCA. My passion for fitness was quickly renewed when I started doing weight training with other veterans. It also provided me with the community that I really needed.
For a lot of vets, having an outlet to overcome combat fear is crucial. The staff at the Y really went out of their way to ask people not to slam lockers or drop weights to prevent triggering our PTSD. I’m so grateful for their empathy and compassion. The professionalism at the Y is heads above any other place that I have worked out.
After getting back into a healthy routine I grew stronger physically and started to feel better mentally. I was motivated and decided to further pursue my education. I earned a medical degree and a Ph.D. in medical sciences. I followed that career path until I retired. As a Doctor of Human Health Risk Assessment, I learned the importance of paying attention to what my body is trying to tell me.
I am genetically predisposed to certain types of cancer because I have Gorlin Syndrome. I have experienced several forms of internal cancers, a brain tumor, and have had 650 skin cancers removed. Through all of this, being part of the Y has helped me refocus, and remaining dedicated to taking care of my body has always helped me overcome every hurdle thrown my way.
I have been to many gyms in my lifetime but none are as inclusive, professional, and inviting as YMCAs are, and they all have that same friendly atmosphere. One thing I noticed is that no one is turned away, especially marginalized people. I have worked out with homeless people, and it makes me smile knowing they were able to access this place. When I first moved to Kelowna with my partner, we joined the Downtown Y. They were our family and we loved it so much we ended up getting married right in the centre!
As a Y member for close to 50 years, I wanted to do something to show my appreciation for the organization that has helped me overcome unbelievable obstacles. On my 65th birthday, I raised over $10,000 for the YMCA of Okanagan’s financial assistance program, the program that allowed me to initially join when I was just 13!. I had my own charitable event and did over 650 pull-ups at the Downtown Y. The energy and encouragement I received was incredible! I will continue to do what I can to help other people access the YMCA and all their services as I have seen how critical it is for many.
Everyone has the ability to change their circumstances, but sometimes we just need a little help to build our physical and mental strength up again. The Y is a huge resource for communities. This is what makes their work so important. Without the Y, I can’t even imagine how different my life would have turned out.