With the start of 2013 comes an onslaught of resolutions. At the top of most people’s list is improved health and wellbeing, in some shape or fashion. Richmonders do not have to look far, however, to find good role models when it comes to the success stories found at the various YMCA locations scattered around Greater Richmond. Here’s to some of our favorites-Makita Byrd, Amanda Clarke, Jesse Evans, and Aurora Johnston. Read their inspiring stories, think about them, and then get active.

JESSE EVANS, JR.
Jesse Evans, Jr., was born with spastic hemiparesis, a condition causing partial paralysis on the right side of his body. Evans, however, never let his disability stop him from working out and learning to swim at the YMCA. This type of enthusiasm and passion for achieving something new is what everyone should aspire to have, regardless of your disability. By learning what the cost of long term disability insurance can be, it can help you to effectively manage your time and finances to ensure that you have enough living costs to be able to spend time completing different activities, just as Jesse has done. Another consideration that people with disabilities may want to have is whether to apply for social security benefits in order to help them get by financially – Crest SSD offers support to those looking to go through the application process. Not only do the disabled need social security, but they also need care and support that can assist them in improving their physical and mental health as well. People tend to reach out to professionals who could provide medications or therapies that could help disabled people in recovering or dealing with their life in a relatively easy manner. Nowadays, there are options similar to disability services Sunshine Coast or that could assist them with timely recuperations. And today, Jesse is one of the YMCA’s most popular swim coaches, with private and group classes.

“People have preconceived notions that my ability to teach someone else is limited. But you just have to overcome your challenges. Growing up, kids called me ‘crip.’ It hurt my feelings, but I didn’t let it stop me. Now kids call me ‘coach’ and ‘the man.’ I’ve overcome a major disability and the Y has helped me even the playing field and feel good about myself.”

AURORA JOHNSTON AND AMANDA CLARKE
Aurora Johnston and Amanda Clarke, members of the Chester Family YMCA Swim Team for years, recently organized a campaign to help kids at other local YMCAs that do not own swimsuits.

“We were at the Y for a swim meet and we saw fliers that they needed suits for the younger kids at the Northside Y. We knew we could help because we have suits that we just don’t use. So, we made a poster and sent emails to people asking them to bring their old swimsuits,” says Johnston.

Within days, the girls collected and donated over 60 swimsuits, along with swim goggles, to kids at the Northside Family YMCA. “I feel great. It makes me happy knowing these kids are going to have the privilege to swim,” explains Johnston. “Swimming is a big part of our lives and we want it to be a part of these kids’ lives as well.”

Clarke agrees and credits the values she’s learned at the YMCA with encouraging her to make a difference. “Help out as much as you can because the little things you do can make the biggest impact. It can change someone’s life.” As the leading nonprofit for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the YMCA relies on the generosity of members, donors, volunteers and community leaders. Last year more than 7,000 volunteer leaders, fundraisers and policy makers contributed to programs allowing the organization to serve more than 170,000 people.

MAKITA HARPER BYRD
Makita Harper Byrd stormed out of her doctor’s office in a fit of rage after hearing him say she was morbidly obese. It was 2003, and Makita was an insulin-dependent diabetic who tipped the scales at 350 pounds. “I felt like he was trying to embarrass me because most of my family is morbidly obese; we were all 350 pounds or more. Everybody took medication,” she says.

When Makita left the doctor’s office she broke down and cried in her car; then she returned to see him. “I remember he said, ‘You’re angry? Well I hope you’re angry enough to do something about it.'” He told her she probably had six months to live before she would have a heart attack unless she changed her eating habits and got active.

“Today I can proudly say that I am no longer taking any prescriptions or medications,” said Makita. Following her doctor’s advice, Makita joined the Petersburg Family YMCA, started taking water aerobics four times a week and watched what she ate. She lost 30 pounds. Then a wellness coach showed her how to use the treadmill and other cardio machines. She was on a roll, but briefly lost motivation and didn’t come to the Y for a week. The staff noticed and gave her a call to check on her. “That phone call changed my life,” says Makita. “I was floored and it motivated me to say, ‘OK these people care about me’. From that point forward, it was on!”

Makita worked out consistently in the wellness area and started attending kickboxing and step classes. She lost another 75 pounds over a two-year period. “I attribute the weight loss to God’s grace, my endurance and the YMCA,” says Makita. “The staff and members were supportive and friendly. Even at my heaviest, I was never discriminated against nor did I feel out of place. Everyone has always been encouraging and concerned about me as a person.”

Makita has lost over 155 pounds since she joined the YMCA and she is using her experience to motivate others. She completed the YMCA’s Group Exercise Instructor Certification this spring and especially enjoys teaching cycling because she sees the rides as a metaphor for life. “I tell my classes that in life we all deal with issues– there are going to be hills, curves, pit stops and brick walls – but you don’t stop. You hit a wall and you get over it. Life is tough, but this is a moment that we have all been given to push forward to go to the finish line.”

She laughs, saying that they sometimes refer to her as a drill sergeant. “I am determined to inspire and encourage others to live a healthier life and that is why I became an instructor for the Y. I push them because, in losing 155 pounds, I had to push myself.”