Y Journeys

We have made many new friends, my health has greatly improved, I am much stronger than I was, and I have way more energy! We love how friendly and helpful everyone is! The people we have met have been a vital part in my journey of health. I’m so thankful to be able to share my journey and hopefully encourage others to just take that first step towards health!

Y Camp Memories from 1977: We met on the hill right there in the pine trees. I split my time where the boats were, and I swam. I started sailing because of the Y camp. It was such a good time.

Your support has given me the peace of mind to focus on my education, knowing my children are in a safe, caring environment. As a single parent, opportunities like this mean the world to me. You all are dream makers. Without your support, none of this would be possible for me.

The thing I enjoy the most is how close everyone is, and how connected that makes you feel with the rest of the team… Learning to swim is not only an important life skill, but swimming competitively doesn’t just put you in good shape, it trains you to be disciplined and committed.

We work with students of all levels, but my favorite is helping beginner swimmers to overcome their fears. I get to witness their rise in confidence, from putting their face in the water to learning boating skills. There is a really welcoming group of volunteers, it is great exercise and such an important program for the youth of our community.

I had colostomy surgery in February 2022 because of 14+ years of damage caused by Crohn’s disease… after years of battling Crohn’s and its multiple side effects, I’m finally healthy enough to focus on rebuilding my life and my body. The YMCA has given my family a space to work out and spend time together.

My good cholesterol was up 21 points. She could see the improvement in my physical appearance, and my other test results were much improved… Yes, it is hard, but it is worth it. I feel fortunate to have been given the opportunity to have a better quality of life. All my hard work is paying off.

Before joining, I felt too weak for regular activities. Now, I’m gaining strength and endurance every week… I’ve noticed big changes—more confidence, stronger muscles, and even improvements in walking and climbing stairs. I want to stay healthy and live a long, active life.

I had triplets in 2021 and all of that—exercise, a break, an uninterrupted shower—was a rarity for me. We went from four to seven kids very quickly… The childcare has allowed me to take time for myself in the mornings while the triplets get to play and socialize… My mental health immediately improved.

In the past year and a half, I’ve invested more diligently in my health. My blood pressure is down, I discovered I had type 2 diabetes and got my A1C down without medication, and I’ve dropped enough weight that I went from a 3X to an XL. I used to feel like a workout was work. Now I look forward to it and enjoy cycling!

I am now able to go traveling and do everyday activities that I could not do before… Join today! Don’t miss another day to be healthy and happy.

I was very overweight and not active at all… The first time I ran on the treadmill, I couldn’t believe I could do it. It was such an empowering experience. I used to get short of breath just running errands. My entire lifestyle has changed. The Y is a huge part of who I am now.

When I started here at the YMCA, I was blown away with all the options offered in Group Exercise classes! …Pam’s classes keep us dancing and having fun. Sometimes I forget I’m at the gym! I feel young again in her Dumbbells and Drumsticks class! You’ll leave feeling so much stronger, healthier, and happier!

My family has a history of heart problems… I enjoy the variety of Group Exercise classes and the benefits I have experienced. I am happy to say that my heart is much stronger, joint mobility has increased and joint pain has decreased! …As I age, I’m so glad the YMCA opened here and my joints thank you!

Upon completion of my chemotherapy treatment, I was over the moon happy. The cancer was gone… There was a problem, however, in that I was so out of shape that recreational activities like hiking and paddling as well as work around our home was just too difficult… I got my strength back. Indeed, I met my goal by paddling 10 miles on Lake Jocassee!

What I enjoyed most was meeting people in different stages of their treatment and recovery. I loved working out together as a group and just encouraging one another. Laughing, talking and working hard together. Come by and say hi if you see me on the treadmill, bike or rowing machine.

I decided to join after my husband died last year from cancer. My physical and emotional body was a mess. At the Foothills YMCA in Seneca, I found healing from the staff and fellow members. At the end of the 12 weeks I was feeling much stronger and had lost 10 pounds.

What I like about being a member of the Foothills Area YMCA is that it is like being back at high school but only the good parts. If you show up, you pass… It is one big gang of local people joined together to improve their lives and their health. So if you are looking for a safe and clean place to exercise and be with friends, the FAYMCA is better than being back at high school and a lot more fun!

I started working for the Foothills Area YMCA in college. I was the Camp ONEOT summer camp director. Watch Emily’s Y Story on our YouTube channel.