An interview with Ridgewood YMCA Board Member Spencer Anderson
Posted January 2, 2012 at 9:10am
Board of Directors member, Spencer Anderson, discusses his involvement with the Ridgewood YMCA.
What initially brought you to the Ridgewood Y?
I came to the Y looking for help – and found it.
Fourteen years ago I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. I had been running for exercise, and increased the amount of running I was doing in order to be at a high level of fitness before the symptoms of the disease, such as stiffness and reduced gait, became more pronounced. After a few years, and a couple of falls, I stopped running. The symptoms worsened.
I literally shuffled into the Bolger Fitness Center at the Y, started working with the training staff, and with the support of many people, I was able to make a comeback and ran the 5K at the Ridgewood Memorial Day Run. Seeing the benefits of exercise, I now make time every day for training sessions. And it has worked. Most people would not know I have PD just by looking, and I have run the 5K every year since.
What inspired you to join the Ridgewood Y Board of Directors?
Because the Y, its program and people, did so much for me, I wanted to give something back. I spoke to a couple of board members, learned more about the wide variety of programs the Y offers, such as the “Living Strong, Living Well” exercise program for cancer patients, and saw the opportunity to get involved.
You were instrumental in the development of the “Delay the Disease” program for people with Parkinson's Disease. Can you tell us a bit about that program and your involvement?
Since exercise had helped me so much, one of my first challenges was to do research to see if it made sense to launch an exercise program for people with Parkinson’s, similar to “Living Strong, Living Well”. I was hoping for six to nine participants in a pilot we ran a year ago. We had to stop enrollment at 19, with many more on a waiting list. After the success of the pilot, we scheduled several sessions a week, with 86 people enrolled. Everyone has found it to provide benefit in every day living and coping with the symptoms of PD, and we are continuing to offer the program, certifying more instructors and offering more classes. The Y staff and volunteers have made this program a success, and are making a real difference.
I must say, seeing the smiles on the faces of people who were doing things on their own, without assistance, that they had not been able to do for years, was one of the most satisfying things I have experienced.
Are there other any specific Board initiatives you're currently involved in?
The Y helps so many people in so many ways there has been plenty of opportunity to get involved. One of the major activities during the holiday season is transforming a corner of the Y’s parking lot into a Christmas tree farm. The objective is to make people aware of the Y’s “Good Works” programs, and to raise some money to support those programs through the sale of trees. It is a great way to deliver our message to the community.
The Y helps so many people in so many ways there has been plenty of opportunity to get involved. One of the major activities during the holiday season is transforming a corner of the Y’s parking lot into a Christmas tree farm. The objective is to make people aware of the Y’s “Good Works” programs, and to raise some money to support those programs through the sale of trees. It is a great way to deliver our message to the community.
The Y means different things to different people. What does the Y mean to you?
The YMCA has obviously made a big impact on my life, my involvement in the community, and has become a very welcoming place where I have been able to fight my battle with Parkinson’s while helping others do the same. We are fortunate to have this organization available to us.