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At the Y, strengthening community is our cause and as a result the Y makes accessible opportunities that empower people and our community to learn, grow and thrive. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the community’s health and well-being, and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors.
Stories of Impact
Hope, Healing and Resilience - Ron's Story
If you visit the Y pool on a weekday morning, you might spot Ron. He’s there two to three days a week, often doing pullups on the starting blocks or joining the water volleyball group that welcomed him as one of their own. The laughter, teamwork and movement fuel his recovery and his spirit.
For Ron, the Y became more than just a place to exercise; it became a place to rebuild. The supportive environment and friendships he’s formed here have given him the motivation and confidence to keep pushing forward in his recovery journey.
It’s hard to believe that just over three years ago, Ron’s family was told he would likely never walk, talk or live independently again. After a horrific motorcycle accident, he was in a coma with significant brain damage and countless injuries. After months in the hospital, his doctors told his family to prepare for palliative care—that his best hope was to live comfortably in a nursing home.
Then, one day later, the impossible happened. Ron woke up.
The nurse who made the call to his family said that in 26 years, she had never seen anything like it—and she gave him a new name: “The Miracle Man.”
Today, that same determination and miracle are visible every time Ron walks through the Y’s doors. The pool, people and sense of belonging have all become essential parts of his recovery and his life.
A Safe Home Away from Home - Emily's Story
For Emily, a single working mom, the Y has been more than just a place for her kids to spend time before and after school—it’s been a lifeline.
“My sons have been part of the YMCA program since they first started at Park View Elementary, and I can’t say enough positive things about our experience. As a single working mom, it brings me such comfort knowing that my children are not only safe but genuinely happy there. They often ask me to pick them up later so they can spend more time playing with their friends—they truly love being there!”
Over the years, Emily has seen firsthand how the Y’s caring staff make a difference. From learning their favorite game, scatter ball, to helping manage her son’s medical needs, the YMCA team has gone above and beyond. Emily remembers feeling nervous on that very first day until Cindy, one of the Y’s dedicated staff members, eased her worries with kindness and care. Four years later, Cindy feels like part of their family.
“The staff have been incredible. They know my boys so well and truly care about them. I never worry when they’re at the Y. It feels like an extension of our home.”
Teen Leadership and Empowerment - Elle's Story
Every day, the B.R. Ryall YMCA empowers young people to discover their potential, develop their voice, and find purpose through service and connection. Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, teens have the opportunity to lead, learn and shape their futures in meaningful ways.
For Elle, that journey began with the Y’s Teen Advisory Board (TAB).
“After hosting and planning several teen-led events as a Teen Advisory Board Member and TAB President for the 2024–25 school year, I really started to understand what leadership meant—not just having a title, but being someone who listens, communicates clearly, supports the team and isn’t afraid to try new ideas.”
Being selected as president was both an honor and a responsibility that helped Elle grow in ways she never expected.
“I realized leadership is as much about the behind-the-scenes moments—checking in on someone who’s quiet or making sure everyone’s voice is heard—as it is about standing on a stage or leading a meeting. I’ve learned how to delegate, how to handle challenges when plans don’t go perfectly, and how to motivate a group toward a shared goal.”
Through her experience, Elle found more than leadership skills—she found belonging and direction.
“TAB gave me more than just leadership experience—it gave me confidence, purpose and a passion I didn’t know I had. I discovered a real love for organizing events and bringing people together, which has inspired my future.”
Today, Elle is studying Hospitality Management with a minor in Event Planning at Penn State — a path shaped by her experiences at the Y.
Belonging, Healing and Hope - Pat's Story
At the Y, we believe in the power of community — in creating a place where everyone, at every stage of life, can find strength, connection, and hope. The B.R. Ryall YMCA’s specialized programs, like our Parkinson’s program, help individuals live fuller, more confident lives. Thanks to your generosity, we’re able to provide the support and encouragement that make all the difference.
For Pat, the Y has truly changed her life.
“I’ve been participating in the B.R. Ryall YMCA Parkinson’s program for about two-and-a-half years. Before joining, my decline was gradual but steady. I struggled with balance, needed help getting out of a chair or car, and experienced more than 40 falls in a single year.”
Diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s in her late 30s, Pat faced daily challenges that slowly began to limit her independence. But when her sister introduced her to the YMCA’s Parkinson’s program, things began to shift.
“The program is staffed by knowledgeable, dedicated people who understand what Parkinson’s patients need. It offers power movement exercises, yoga and cycling. After 10 years of not biking, I’m back on a bike. I can ride nine miles in 45 minutes. I’m proud of that.”
Through hard work, encouragement and community, Pat has regained strength, balance and confidence.
“I’ve cut my falls in half, improved my gait, and can now get into and out of a car without help. I’ve also made friends through the program — we even organize monthly lunches after class. I’m much happier and have a better outlook on life.”
For Pat, the Y is more than a fitness program; it’s a place of belonging, healing and hope.
Finding Community - Steve's Story
At the Y, we believe that everyone deserves a place to belong—a place that inspires growth, connection and purpose. The B.R. Ryall YMCA is more than a fitness center; it’s a welcoming community where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to strengthen their bodies, minds and spirits. Through your generosity, the Y continues to be a space where friendships are formed, support is found and lives are enriched.
For Steve, that sense of belonging has made all the difference.
“Having grown up in the YMCA culture in Iowa, where I participated in swim team and summer camps, I was delighted to learn about the local Y in Glen Ellyn. I wandered in one day and joined—and I’m so glad I did. The B.R. Ryall YMCA soon became a regular part of my daily routine and, over time, an invaluable community connection.”
What Steve found at the Y went far beyond exercise.
“The Y is more than just a place to work out—it’s a place where I belong, where I contribute and where I connect with others. Its’ membership is wonderfully diverse—spanning generations, backgrounds, professions and experiences. Conversations are shared, friendships are formed and a genuine sense of community emerges through kindness, care and encouragement.”
Over the years, the Y has become a second home for Steve—a place that reflects the best of what community can be.
“I have witnessed many expressions of the highest good in both words and actions among the members and staff of the B.R. Ryall YMCA. It is a living example of those values in practice.”
