Local Mom Brings in Donations to Support Y

The Y’s largest annual fundraiser, the Gala, is right around the corner on October 29. Local mom Michelle Reed has become our volunteer fundraising MVP, bring in auction items from all over the local area totaling over $5,000 in value.

“I really love, and it’s a place my family cherishes,” said Reed. “From the first moment I walked through the door, everyone has welcomed me warmly and pointed me in the right direction to find classes and help for my daughter.”

Reed’s daughter, Natalie, is 9 years old and spends a few days a week here in swim lessons at the Y. Natalie has a condition called SCN1A, a mutation so rare that she is one of only six in the United States identified with the condition. Years of genetic testing, hospital stays, blood tests and painful spinal taps were required before she was diagnosed with the condition, which is a blend of autism and epilepsy.

The Department of Developmental Services and Fidelity have provided services to the Reeds, and funding for activities for Natalie. They pointed her in the direction of the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA for a variety of adaptive classes.

Adaptive programming through the YMCA helps developmentally challenged or delayed children to become socially engaged with other kids, and to exercise and use their bodies.

“Natalie has bonded with her swim instructors,” says Reed. “She looks forward to the days she goes to swim after school, and tells me her excitement to go to the Y when I pick her up from school on those days. That is something that is incredibly difficult for a child as developmentally delayed as Natalie.”

Because she has bonded with the Y instructors, her attention span has grown, her visualization to another person has improved and her speech has increased. Her gross motor skills have become much better because of the swim classes. All of these things are almost impossible for a child with Natalie’s conditions.

Recently, Reed watched in awe as her daughter swam the length of the Olympic-sized pool and back, while the instructors watched her from the side of the pool.

“We never expected her to be able to swim the length of the pool independently. The special needs swim instructors are so kind and understanding with all the parents and children. They have made strides with my daughter that we never thought were possible. For parents with special needs children, I wholeheartedly believe the Y is the place to go. I thank the swim instructors with all my heart, they truly are miracle workers.”

The YMCA of the North Shore strives to create strong communities by investing in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

The Gala is our largest fundraising event of the year, and the money that is raised by each Y individually stays with that local Y to help benefit local families.

Last year, our YMCA had an impact on more than 6,500 deserving children, adults and families throughout the North Shore.

We provided over $2 million in essential Y programs and services so that all people, regardless of ability to pay, could benefit from the YMCA.

In addition to this, we offer many adaptive programs for developmentally delayed children. To learn more about the Gala, visit our website.