“My Physical Therapist couldn’t believe the strength and balance I had due to a Project Healthy Bones class I took at the Westfield Area Y.”  

I am a long time resident of Westfield and have two children, Jake and Katlin who work at the Y as swim instructors.  The Y has always been a part of our family life.  However, I never realized just how much the Y has done for my wellness as well as what my children learned at the Y until I was in a car accident over two years ago.

My son took over at the scene and helped me.  He had taken First Aid at the Y so he noticed there was something wrong with me that the first responders weren’t seeing.  He called my daughter to also come; she too had taken First Aid at the Y!  Both of my kids remained calm and took charge and demanded I go to the hospital! 

They did a CAT Scan and to my surprise, found out that I had an existing benign brain tumor and three brain aneurisms!   In December 2009, I had to have a Brain Coiling Procedure.  My physical therapist couldn’t believe how well I maintained my balance.  Then in December 2010, I had to have a Craniotomy.  Recovery took a year.  Once again, I required a physical therapist.  Even after having double vision, he could not get over the balance and strength I had.  I attribute it to the Project Healthy Bones class I took at the Y years ago. 

In May 2010, I was able to return to the Y once again.  The Y instructors watched over me and knew my medical condition and worked with me to ensure I was feeling good.  The class gave me the confidence, courage and balance to walk outside and around the block and recover from my surgery.