26 Reasons Y

My first American home was at a YMCA. I ran my first marathon while living there, just 16 months post-partum. I have always been an active person. I could run before I could walk, I played club sports, I swam for my city and went on to earn my degree as a Phys Ed teacher. Being active was my love language. My stress relief. My feel-good. My purpose. When I was just 20 weeks pregnant with my triplets, I was placed on hospitalized bed rest to fight off pre-term labor. It was Christmas eve and that hospital was to become my home for the next few months. I went from teaching Zumba while pregnant, to being completely immobile. I was allowed to use the restroom but even showering came with special permission, once a week, sat in a chair. It was the most sedentary time of my life. The girls arrived when I was just 28 weeks pregnant and weighed only 2lbs. While in recovery from my C-section, I reacted to the morphine and stopped breathing having not even met my girls yet. That episode earned me another week in the hospital. My girls spent an additional 2 months in the NICU. My Y family, although 2 hours away from the hospital, would visit regularly, bringing me food, positive energy and hope. I will forever be grateful to them.

When I returned to work, I also returned to my active lifestyle. I was teaching Zumba again, taking daily hikes, and lead a staff running club twice a week. But something was off. My body felt weak, my joints felt loose, my muscles felt like jello and I simply wasn’t myself. No matter how much I tried to be active, it wasn’t enough to give me back my spark. So, naturally, I decided to shoot for a goal. As an innate go-big-or-go-home girl, I signed myself up for a marathon. I needed to re-find myself and this seemed like the best option. In October of 2016, I ran my first marathon with the support of my Y family pit crew who leap-frogged my running route all day to support me. It was the greatest feeling to achieve something so big while surrounded by loved ones. It was a small enough race that I even got to pull my girls over the finish line in their wagon - a memory I will cherish forever. That race saved my life. It helped me regain my inner strength, my confidence and my worth. I felt like I could do anything.

That marathon was for me. I needed it. But I want to run this marathon for others. For all the Y families that struggle with food insecurity but get what they need at the Y. For the single mom who has to work but can’t afford childcare by herself. For the teen that struggles with mental health but finds comfort and safety at the Y. For the child that has suffered at home for so long, but learned what love feels like through Y staff support. For the cancer survivor that found strength, community and hope through the Livestrong program. For the camper that has never found a friend at school but found kindness at Camp. For the dad who doesn’t want their child to have the same fear of water as him so chose Y swim lessons. For the kid that has never received praise from adults until they found Y sports. And for all the untold stories out there. This marathon is bigger than me. The Y community deserves the same peace, strength and freedom that I received running my first marathon. I want to be a part of providing that by running with this team. Because Y.

26.2 Reasons Y is my way of sharing stories about the impact the YMCA can have. I will be sharing a new reason every week on Social Medial to raise awareness. Through this campaign, I aim to support vital programs that foster community, health, and wellness. The YMCA plays a crucial role in creating inclusive spaces for all, and I'm passionate about making a positive impact. Join me in my journey as I run to raise awareness and funds to support their incredible initiatives. Together, we can help strengthen our community and empower individuals and families to lead healthier lives!https://https://www.givengain.com/project/shelle-raising-funds-for-metrowest-ymca-110866?utmsource=Klaviyo&utmmedium=email&_kx=1VrlRJO61dhBTCNGVIC0VsngAgktAGNVJ0rKwhPNpro.VxXyiq