Since 2004, I have experienced 3 heart attacks, triple bypass surgery, bladder cancer, ventricular tachycardia, and just recently an ischemic stroke. My wife says that I’m on my 7th life and I have both the hospital and the YMCA of Southern Interior BC to thank for making it to lucky number 7.
After my third heart attack, my cardiologist implied that to benefit from bypass surgery, my lifestyle had to change. So, in 2013 I stopped drinking, quit smoking, improved my diet, and made the YMCA a major part of my routine.
The Kelowna Family Y has, for ten years now, been invaluable to myself and my wife. We absolutely love it. The Y keeps me focused and I credit the Y’s Healthy Hearts program with preparing me to undergo the triple bypass surgery that saved my life. Being physically and emotionally strong helped immensely in my recovery. Soon after, I returned to my workout routine and have happily continued with it since.
We are extremely fortunate to have access to facilities such as the Y, who provides preventative health programs to so many people, like myself.
The YMCA offers many preventative programs to those experiencing health issues. There are many who, life myself, have benefited greatly from these programs and the facility’s equipment, but it’s the expertise and friendship of the caring staff who keep us coming back.
Simply put, I possibly would not be here if it were not for both the YMCA of Southern Interior BC and the hospital and am extremely thankful to the many generous donors who make this all possible. The Y has helped saved my life and the lives of countless others.
From myself and my family, a huge thank you to all who donate to and support the YMCA!