The YMCA has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up taking swim lessons at the Y and later participated in synchronized swimming. After college, I returned to the Y to get healthy and fit - which I did, thanks to the people there - and later began working for the Y in communications and development. 

It was in this role that I learned the true impact the YMCA has on people. I was fortunate as a child that my family could send me to swim lessons and other recreational activities. As an adult, I was able to afford a YMCA membership so I could pursue my health and wellness goals. Not everyone is able to do this. Throughout my YMCA career, I have personally met and spoken to people impacted by the YMCA's charitable mission - parents who could not afford swim lessons, but wanted their children to learn this lifesaving skill; families in two-parent working households in need of child care or after school services struggling to make ends meet; seniors looking for a way to connect while living on a tight budget; individuals with chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and MS in need of guidance and support, and cancer survivors who are trying to rebuild their strength following their life-altering diagnosis. 

This is why I'm fundraising for the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA. I believe that when we help our neighbors we create a better community for everyone. Each year, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA offers over $300,000 in financial assistance to those in our community in need of support. This is largely supported by gifts to their Annual Campaign, which goes toward programming such as summer day camp, chronic disease prevention, swim lessons, child care, leadership programs, healthy living initiatives and more. The YMCA believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive and their mission is to never turn anyone away due to their inability to pay. No matter the size, a gift provides opportunity. Together, we can change the life of a child, adult, senior or family in our community. 

Won't you help your neighbor?