From poolside nervous to 5K slayer: Marjorie’s health journey

Marjorie joined the Y when she became her seven-year-old nephew’s guardian. While her nephew played and learned to swim, Marjorie watched from the sidelines. Marjorie was carrying extra weight and was self-conscious about getting in the pool. “I was embarrassed and did not want to embarrass my nephew.” Everything changed when Marjorie received a phone call with devastating news—her daughter was denied the kidney and liver transplant she needed to survive. “I knew I needed to be my daughter’s strength and courage,” Marjorie said. 

After months of watching her nephew swim, Marjorie finally found the courage to get in the pool. Then, she began taking long walks and challenged herself with group exercise classes and the Y’s Wellness for Life program. 

Marjorie lost a significant amount of weight because of her efforts. She has now even run three 5K races to raise money for her daughter’s disease. “In my last race I even pushed my daughter in her wheelchair across the finish line.” 

No matter where you start or where you come from, everyone can find their healthiest self at the Y. By improving membership access to people of all income levels across our region and by creating innovative new programs, the Y is growing healthy communities. 

Programs like the Diabetes Prevention Program, Wellness for Life, and Actively Changing Together! (ACT!) continue to help individuals and families learn about nutrition, healthy habits, and ways to increase physical activity that are practical and tailored to participants’ everyday lives. 

At every opportunity, the Y’s Healthy Living Team strives to identify new ways to improve the health and well-being of the community. As our work continues to grow and evolve, our focus remains the same: to help all people reach their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.