Greendale Family Branch
When Bruno Ferrari joined the Y, he had one goal – to recover from the massive stroke he had endured in November 2012. He first met Brandi Jacobs who directed him and his wife to Danielle Trubia to discuss personal training options. Little did Brandi know Danielle had suffered a mini stroke a year prior. Bruno and Danielle worked together immediately, 4 days per week, in order to help him regain his strength, his balance, but most importantly, his confidence. Bruno holds a high position within a foreign government agency and was used to being busy and active. After he suffered his stroke, Bruno was left with little mobility on his left side and felt quite lost. Bruno often discussed his fear of never recovering with Danielle, who only kept his spirits high through her sharing of her recovery stories and her persistent guidance and positive spirit.
After only 4 weeks together, Bruno’s doctors were impressed by his physical improvements and cut down his physical and occupational therapy sessions by half. They felt comfortable relying on the Y to guide him down the proper path to a full recovery. Once he felt more confident and comfortable, Danielle suggested the Burdenko water therapy led by Gaye Robinson. Bruno accepted this suggestion and till this day continues to work with both trainers multiple days per week. The gains made by this man have been absolutely incredible; his physicians, wife and also Bruno are so impressed with the progress he has made at the Y. Both Gaye and Danielle have been touched by this family and their strength through such a terrible tragedy, but are so empowered to help yet another Y member re-gain the life they once had and completely deserve back!
Central Community Branch
the YMCA’s Annual Campaign received a special gift. A new member (who joined less than a month ago) was asked to donate to the Annual Campaign. His response was as wonderful as it was surprising. He asked how much it would cost to send a child to Camp and we told him it was $150/week. Expecting a generous $150 donation, we were overwhelmed to receive a $1,350 donation – $150 for all 9 weeks of camp. What an impact that will have on a child this summer. We’re for Social Responsibility.
Boroughs Family Branch
We are for Healthy Living: We love mail especially when it’s fan mail from an unsuspecting member in appreciation for the things we do on a daily basis. Ruth took the time to write us a handwritten note to let us know how much she appreciates SilverSneakers® Cardio Circuit and Cardio Fit classes. Last fall not only did Ruth break her ankle but was also diagnosed with breast cancer. “After surgery I knew I had to exercise, in particular my upper body, to prevent lymphedema. I am 63 and thought I was too young for SilverSneakers®. I was wrong! It challenged my cardiovascular system and allowed me to protect my ankle while it healed. I am now a real fan of the program. I hope you keep this going and recommend it for younger folks (50+) who are put off by the ‘chair’.” Ruth never shared this story with us until now but her note reminds us that each of our members have their own story and are here for different reasons. We may not know them all but it makes us see how important it is to help people on their path to healthy living!
