YMCA News For You

Teens managing the Plant The Seed table during Healthy Kids Day

at the Spokane Valley YMCA this past Saturday, April 27th


	Healthy Kids Day

Every day at the YMCA is fun for kids, but Healthy Kids Day is really something special. This past Saturday, over 250 kids spent their morning at the Valley Y learning ways to live healthier while also having a blast. There were over 26 activities and exhibits - the more popular ones including the Group Health blood & guts exhibit, the obstacle course and First Tee Golf.

There were also a number of Group Exercise demos that were geared towards the kids - Zumbatomic, Drums Alive, RIPPED for Kids, Taekwondo and Kids Tai Chi. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community partners and vendors:

- Washington Dental Service Foundation

- Group Health

- Second Harvest

- Step Up & Go

- Spokane Shock

- EWU and SWOOP

- SCOPE

- Spokane Valley Fire Department

- First Tee Golf

- Bike HUB

- Inland NW Drowning Prevention Coalition


	Y Story - Cumbie Family

To the Cumbie family, the YMCA has been their salvation. At two years old, Jennifer and Brian's oldest daughter Anna was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, just four weeks before her baby sister was to be born.

Jennifer and Brian were hopeful when they learned her diagnosis was treatable, but were frightened at the idea of giving the physicians permission to start her on a 2½ year chemo plan.

Anna continued her chemo for over two years and finally completed her treatment in May of 2009 - Madeline was two at the time. Anna continued to go to the hospital for checkups every 8 weeks, and was nearing her first anniversary since coming off treatment, when Madeline started getting sick.

Jennifer and Brian knew right away that their youngest daughter had leukemia as well. She was officially diagnosed in April 2010 and was put on the same chemo plan as her older sister.

Jennifer searched for a clean and safe environment for her family to spend time together - the YMCA pool became their second home. The other children that Anna and Madeline interacted with were very welcoming, and they didn't judge Madeline for not having any hair.

During the times that Madeline was in a lot of pain, Jennifer would bring her to the YMCA and put her on a tube in the lazy river. The calm, warm water and the gentle motion let Madeline relax and go to sleep while her mother rubbed her back. The YMCA was the one place she could be a kid.


	Penny For Your Thoughts

What you said last month: How will the YMCA play a part in your springtime activities?

"As a family, we love a diversity of outdoor activities... for our youngest child, the YMCA in spring offers a variety of sports, which we will take advantage of!" - Jeff Jenkins

"I'm excited to stick to my gym routine with a little more breathing room as the hoards of people that are usually at the Y begin to move outside... I plan on doing my workout THEN take a walk or hike with my daughter afterwards on the awesome grounds at the Valley Y!" - Beth Crossman

We'd love to hear from you! Tell us...

How likely would you participate in a dodge-ball league if one started at the YMCA?


	Upcoming Events & Programs This year, we will be offering a variety of specialty camps for our 1-6 graders. Our specialty camps for the month of June include: Multi-Sport Camp: Y-Winners Sport Camp for kids 4-6 years old. Two days each of basketball, flag football, soccer and T-baseball. Dates: June 17-27 YMCA/Shock Skills Camp: For boys & girls entering grades 1-4. Conditioning, fundamentals, character development and fun are what this three day camp is all about. This non-contact skills camp will be coached by Spokane Shock players. Dates: June 17-19 Explorers Mini Camp: For kids entering grades Pre-K - 1. This camp is designed to bridge the knowledge gap over the summer and to grow skills in areas such as reading and math. Dates: June 24-27 Click the image above to view our registration details. Also, register by May 11 to get 15 Y Bucks to our camp store! Click here to view our Summer Camp Guide _______________________ This summer, your child can experience all the fun Camp Reed has to offer with swimming, hiking, archery, riflery, arts & crafts, camp-outs, mountain biking, our challenge course and horseback riding! Some of these camps only have a few availabilities left, so register here today! And if you want to experience Camp Reed together as a family, check out our Family Camp (Aug. 22-25) _______________________ Celebrate Teens: Youth & Community Leader Forum May 7th @ Lincoln Center 4:00-6:00pm: RSVP Here This unique event connects high school students with adult community leaders. We want to see as many youth as adults, so please invite teachers, business owners, politicians, and anyone else you believe should participate!


	Take a Meaningful Action in the Fight Against Cancer Friday, May 17th, is LIVESTRONG Day. During this day, we're offering the opportunity to take meaningful action by registering to become a bone marrow donor. We are looking for volunteers to help out at our Central, North and Valley Y's. The volunteer shifts are in two hour blocks, and we need teams of 4 people every two hours for the bone marrow drive. The work is quite easy, and training will be provided. Thank you for your consideration! Contact Nicole Manus at nmanus@ymcaspokane.org if you have any questions.


	YMCA of the Inland Northwest The mission of the YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice Phone: 509-777-9622 through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.