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For 125 years, the YMCA has been a force of change and health in Oklahoma City, but never make the mistake of thinking of the Y as “just a gym.”
The YMCA of Oklahoma City isn’t just a place to sweat on the treadmill or pump weights. Instead, the Y is a charity that is dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
“Spirit, mind and body—we are making a difference,” said Paul Urquhart, executive director of the Earlywine Park YMCA. “We are an advocate for our community, and we aim to help make our city a better place to be in. We want the community to know that we can be called on to fill a need.”
In 2014 alone, the YMCA of Oklahoma also gave more than $3 million in financial assistance to more than 25,000 individuals to ensure that every person has access to the Y’s programming of learning, growing and thriving.
For one Oklahoma City resident, that mission has not only given her a place to thrive and grow, but has kept her out of a wheelchair as well.
Robin’s Story
“When I was in my mid-30s, I started having problems with simple tasks like crossing my legs or walking up steps,” said Robin Kerlick of Oklahoma City. “I thought it was because I was gaining weight, but I noticed other heavier people didn’t have the same problems.”
A doctor took a muscle biopsy and at age 42, Robin was diagnosed with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, an incurable disease that attacks the core muscles and the heart. Her doctor strongly recommended that Robin stay active to retain what muscles remained, but warned her that she would end up in a wheelchair.
Robin wasn’t going down without a fight. Finding a place to fight was harder than she expected, however. She joined several gyms, only to discover the staff were unable or unwilling to deal with her specific challenges.
Until she turned to the Earlywine Park YMCA, where she discovered water aerobics and the expertise of Aline Bristow, health and wellness director at the Earlywine Park Y.
Robin attends the Y four times a week for water aerobics, lap swims and even cardio machinery. She worked with Aline to develop a fitness regimen that was appropriate for her and her limitations.
When Robin lost her job of 23 years and was put on full disability, she realized she could no longer afford her Y membership. However, instead of being turned away, she was granted financial assistance allowing her to remain at the Y.
“Without the Y, I have no doubt I’d be in a wheelchair today,” Robin said. “Everyone here has been so encouraging and accepting.”
More Than a Gym
“When people come here to the Y, our goal is to make sure they have a positive experience,” said Urquhart. “We are constantly adapting to the needs of our community.”
Such needs include programs like “Everyone in the Pool,” a water safety class for Oklahoma City second graders; a YMCA Welcome Center at Will Rogers Airport for military, various youth sports and swim lessons, a program specifically designed for cancer survivors, a multitude of volunteer programs and more.
In addition, more than 41,000 meals were served to 800 children through afterschool and summer programs, 40 volunteers welcomed more than 32,000 service men and women at the Military Welcome Center and 349 high school students graduated the Y-Achievers program, which is designed to help underserved minority college-bound teens strive to meet their educational goals.
“We help individuals, children, families and groups fulfill their potential,” said Urquhart. “It’s the core values the YMCA was founded on. How can we ensure the health of the mind, body and spirit?”
For more information about the YMCA of Oklahoma City or where donations are used, visit ymcaokc.org.
Photography by Emily Brashier
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