YMCA Gets a Lift!

The Skagit Valley Family YMCA has a new lift in its pool thanks to a generous donation! The pool lift is used to get those with physical disabilities in and out of the pool, which, for many, is an important part of physical therapy and living a more fulfilling life. The Y pool is one of the only pools with a lift in the area.

Barbara Allen, 72, of Camano Island has only been a member of the Y since May, but has already made a big difference at the Y and to those who have trouble getting in and out of the pool. Allen, who is in a wheel chair, gave a donation to replace the old lift, which was old and sometimes unpredictable, according to Aquatics Director Jean McAdams.

"Lots of people come to the Y specifically because we have a lift and they can't do the needed therapy anywhere else," McAdams said.

The Y is important because it helps people who can't be helped anywhere else," Allen said.

She hopes the new lift will extend the invitation the Y already tries to impart: that everyone, all people of all categories, are welcome at the Y.

"This is where you come to get healthy," Allen said.

Allen uses the Y pool for physical therapy and has seen the improvements it has made in her life and the lives of others who use the lift and the pool. When she first started coming to the Y for pool therapy, she had to hold onto the ledge. She is now able to walk around the pool with the help of flotation devices. Allen notes there are several others who probably would not be able to walk if they did not have the opportunity to use the pool lift at the Y and utilize pool therapy.

Allen admits her donation was a little self-serving because she uses the lift, but no one at the Y sees it that way.

"She filled a need for a group of people that often gets overlooked," McAdams said.

Caring is one of the Y core values and Allen showed that she cares for those who need a little extra help.

"It was an honor and privlege to do it," Allen said of her donation. "I know how important that lift was to me...[It could help] people who might be able to walk again."