I grew up at the YMCA, so you can consider me a "Y kid".  When tragedy struck in November of 2004, the YMCA was there for me and my family. I was in a car accident that shattered my pelvis and dreams of playing Division 1 Basketball.  I was able to have resources and support from the YMCA, my family, and friends. I found my second chance at living an active, happy life within the walls of the Y. It is my mission to make sure everyone has the opportunity to live a fulfilling life. A second chance will look different for everyone.  At the Y, it could be an adult who has become heavily overweight with no hope when the walk through our doors but find motivation and support, an elderly member of our community coming in to help fight the symptoms of Parkinson's,  a family in our special needs community coming in to find a place where they are accepted and welcomed with open hearts, and a child enrolled in our Power Scholar's program who isn't going to become another statistic. Through our Tennis Academy, we give children opportunities in life that they wouldn’t have without the Y like: playing the game of tennis and participate in STEM. This year I am raising money for the Tennis Academy.  Believing in a child is a magic gift in life that we are all capable of.  Every donation, in any amount, helps us be that second chance for these children and people in our community.