Why the Y?

My YMCA journey began as a child growing up in Chicago when my parents brought me to the YMCA for swimming lessons. I have fond memories of my dad playing handball and I remember my mom and I talking about how strong he was to be playing such a fast-paced sport.

One of the YMCA’s we attended was The Leaning Tower Y. This YMCA had a duplicate of the actual Leaning Tower of Pisa right on the property that you could actually enter.  Fast forward to adulthood years as a parent, I wanted my son Dan to experience the YMCA like I did, so when I moved to the Upper Peninsula I enrolled my son in swimming lessons, and summer camp.

The Menominee YMCA became a familiar place for him and I me to go to as a family. After his graduation, I started focusing more on my health while also working. After his graduation, I started focusing more on my own personal health while also working. I had great fun working with the Corporate Challenge and also attended some Zumba classes.

Unfortunately, I encountered setbacks – I was diagnosed with Cancer and needed surgery, including reconstruction.

Then I required two spine fusions and additional surgeries – I knew I had to make lifestyle changes if I wanted to be healthy and mobile as I entered the next phase of my life. I decided to change my life’s direction and left the regular workforce to do what I always wanted – which was to sing in a band. (The Silver Cream Band). Being in a rock band requires physical strength and stamina, so I again joined the Menominee YMCA.

This was the best decision ever for me and it changed my life! I feel so much healthier and have lost over 50 lbs.

Being greeted with a smile by Michell, Heidi, and Tony LaMalfa makes me feel like I am home. Everyone is so welcoming and helpful that I feel I have developed life-long friendships at the Y. In fact, I met my love Rick there a few years ago and we are now sharing the journey, still going strong, we work out together almost every day!

I love the experience I have had with the Y for the different phases of life and look forward to continuing the journey. No matter your age or where you are in your journey of life, the Y has something for you, your children, and even your parents. You might even get lucky like I did and meet a life partner.

Lori Ann Payne (Csaki)

Find Your Family.

Find Your Y.