A year ago, I joined the YMCA as a way to accelerate my weight loss, build community and ward off depression. Because my income is so low I was unable to join until they offered financial assistance. My application included a personal note assuring them that their investment would yield a success.

Fast forward a bit and they are now using my story as a way to inspire donors for their Annual Campaign. God's grace works in mysterious ways.

In gratitude, I'm making a Birthday Appeal celebrating 1-14-63 and my 130 lb weight loss. Please consider a symbolic donation of $1, $14, $63 or $130 to help me thank the Y and so they can offer assistance to others. With turning 63, my hoal is 63 donors, so even a $1 contribution is welcomed.

My involvement at the Y has assisted me in dropping 130 lbs. The weight loss is secondary to the joy I have in reclaiming functional movement I had lost. I love my home and want to stay there for many years. My extra weight reduced my mobility so much that I was shortening the time I could live alone in my house.

Beyond burning calories, my time at the Y improves my mental health and sets me up for success in other areas. I’ve experienced episodic depression and know that withdrawing and isolating is the worst thing I can do. Regular participation at the Y is great for both my mental tal and physical health. I'm grateful for the confidence that's spilling over into other areas of my life.

The Y has provided me with a sense of community. I've become a regular at one class, so on a day I was running late, I arrived just as the warmup was ending and slid into the only available station. As I tried to slip in unnoticed, four people cried out "There he is!"

I felt valued and seen. I knew I belonged.

The Y has several programs for active older adults to build community and/or improve their fitness. The Y makes these programs accessible to all by providing financial support to those with lower incomes. I am so grateful to donors like you who make these programs possible.

With your help, I have increased my flexibility, strength, and overall physical and mental well being. Most importantly, I have increased my self confidence in ways that positively affect other areas of my life.

I like this new person I’m becoming and can't wait to spend more time with him.

Thank you for your generosity.