Page 5 - YMCA of the Suncoast Annual Report 2022

INSPIRING IMPACT
Freddy was born in Brazil, 3 months premature and weighing less than two pounds. This tiny boy would spend months in intensive care and suffer through many health problems such as brain bleeding, pneumonia and generalized infections. Ultimately, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and discharged to live with his mother Isabela. At that time, Isabela made a choice for her family, “I dedicated my life to finding Freddy a long-term healthcare treatment plan. The goal was to find better resources for Freddy’s development with the aim to see him walking independently, autonomously and self-confidently.”
Today, as US residents, the family is thriving. Freddy is doing
much more than using his walking sticks. We see him engaged in
the community, attending middle school and also enjoying a wide variety of activities at the John Geigle YMCA. Instructors at the Y are constantly finding ways to include Freddy. He loves his Taekwondo teacher and his swimming class. Additionally, he has enjoyed trying chair Yoga, drumming class, cycling and some of the stationary equipment in the wellness center.
Isabela is so proud of her son and all he has accomplished in and out of the YMCA. “This is the result you can see when you are part of an organization that makes people’s lives better by embracing them, offering different ways or different accommodations for a family to develop a healthy body, mind, and spirit” [says Isabela].
2022 IMPACT SNAPSHOT
8,112
kids received support through early learning, after-school, childcare and summer camp.
5,212
children got a head start on
life through participation in sports at the Y, helping them with social and emotional development.
780
children received gifts donated by the community through our Giving Tree program.
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