Y Stories

My Y Story

I have had two total knee replacements over the last eight years; since then, my life has changed for the better, thank the Lord.  This year, in March, I joined the West Roxbury YMCA for the Seniorcise program – a regular weekly program of movement, strength-building and cardiovascular exercise. This program has greatly increased my stamina, energy and pain-free joint range to levels that I have not experienced since my youth.

Picture this…the year was 1995. A co-worker friend and I went to a Museum of Fine Art program, Arts in Bloom. What made it so unusual was that my friend had to push me by wheelchair throughout the exhibits as I suffered the pain and fatigue associated with symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Walking, even standing was a challenge to me at that time.

Now, fast forward to fifteen years later on November 20, 2010, at the Grand Opening, of the new Art of the Americas Wing at the Museum of Fine Arts. This time, I drove my neighbor and I to the Orange Line Green Street station; we took the train to Ruggles station and walked over to the newly- designed MFA debut and eventually back. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremonies, we toured the facility for the next three hours from the third floor to the first. I enjoyed every pain-free moment and movement of the day. This was nothing short of a miracle! I am singing, “Y-M-C-A” !

– Gwendolyn Lewis / YMCA Member