Why We All Need The Y

November 21, 2011

At the YMCA of Marquette County, strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with community members to address the most pressing needs in Marquette County to make sure that everyone—regardless of age, income or background—has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Our work is not easy, but real and lasting changes can only come about when we work together to invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors and the first step to achieving these improvements is having the full support of our community.

In many places, the Y is known as a place to go swimming or work out, but it’s much more than that; it’s a place that changes lives. For example, Pete was first introduced to the Y because he heard about our LIVESTRONG program. During the summer of 2010 Pete found out that he had prostate cancer. At the same time he was told that an MRI displayed curvature of the spine and scoliosis. He completed nine weeks of radiation and physical therapy for his back. Because of this, it proved to be a cure for the cancer and relieving the pain in is back. The real incentive for Pete was that it encouraged him to continue and maintain an exercise and strength training regimen through the LIVESTONG program at the Y. “Participating with the group and the positive training set forth by the instructors has been extremely rewarding. I feel better physically and mentally” says Pete.

Pete’s story demonstrates the intrinsic value of having a Y in Marquette County, and there are many others who could benefit greatly from the different services and programs offered by the YMCA of Marquette County. This is why we are launching our annual community support campaign. Your financial gift to the campaign will help continue the important work the Y does, be it providing kids a safe place to learn and grow before or after school; offering families opportunities to reconnect and grow together; or providing people of all backgrounds access to education and training to help them reach their full potential.

We encourage everyone in the community to join our cause. When we all pitch in and help our neighbors, we make a meaningful, enduring impact in the lives of children and families and ultimately, strengthen our community.

To learn how you can support the YMCA of Marquette County’s campaign or volunteer at the Y, please contact Lisa Coombs-Gerou at 906.227.9622 or lcgerou@ymcamqt.org.