Y Pool and Community Vital for Melica’s Health
Melica was 6 when she started swim lessons at the Eugene Family YMCA.
Like most families, Melica’s mom wanted her to be safe in the water. But there was also a more urgent reason: Melica had been diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome and needed the water to strengthen and stretch her muscles and ward off extra weight.
Prader-Willi Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, left Melica with low-muscle tone and an irrepressible hunger.
“When Melica was diagnosed, the doctor told me, ‘the pool is going to be her friend’,” says Melica’s mother, Jane. “In fact, the pool is essential to her wellness.”
When COVID-19 shut the Y facility and other local pools, walking and virtual classes weren’t able to fully offer Melica the exercise she needed. Being sedentary led to significant health problems, including sciatica and digestive issues.
“Melica had to undergo a colon surgery during the pandemic because of lack of exercise,” Jane says. “When you have low muscle tone, walking is very difficult and can’t provide all the fitness. Plus, swimming is something she loves.”
Melica, 22, remembers when she started swim lessons with Y staff Sabrina Hershey Black, now the Aquatics Director.
“She would have me find the animals painted on the wall and swim to them,” Melica says. “It was magical. She made it so fun.”
Sabrina’s fun swim lessons were also strategic and educational: Melica knows every swim stroke and how to do flip turns. Even the swim team that practices at the Y is impressed with her form.
Melica also goes to aqua aerobics and loves aqua Zumba. She enjoys soaking in the hot tub after a good pool workout, and she makes friends while using the locker room afterwards.
“I know the lifeguards really really well,” Melica says. “I know many other people at the Y, including some with Prader-Willi Syndrome too, and I know other Y staff. It is also my social place.”
Before the pandemic, Melica spent time in the steam room and sauna. She took yoga classes. She walked to and from the Y and home every day.
“It is total community for her,” Jane says. “She feels safe there. The staff know her—they are even aware of her eating disorder and how to keep her safe from food. We are so grateful she is part of the Y community.”
Now, even with restrictions related to COVID, including when reservations were required for her favorite classes, Melica has continued to go to the Y at least 4 times a week.
“I wouldn’t be who I am without the Y,” she says with a bright smile.
