Kathleen Poague lived in pain until she found relief through the Auburn Valley YMCA.

Poague walked into the Y less than a year ago with a pre-diabetic diagnosis, living with limited mobility and very little hope that things would improve. Thanks to the Y’s innovative health programs, built-in community support and “accessibility for all” approach, Poague now is “living with hope for the first time in 17 years. It is more than a program or place, it is home,” she said.

Poague shared her inspirational story during the Evening with the Auburn Y event in the Rainier Room at the Truitt Building on Oct. 12. She was one of several speakers who discussed how the YMCA has impacted lives and broadened its scope to help others. The program celebrated life-changing experiences for community members and presented heart-warming personal stories about youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

For Poague, the Y has provided affordable, customized programs to help get her life back together. She credits low-impact, physical therapy programs, aerobics and educational classes for her turnaround.

“It has changed my life physically, mentally and emotionally,” she told the audience. “Six months ago, I couldn’t stand up for this long, or walk this far, and I couldn’t sleep with the pain. Now I wake up without pain.

“I do have hope now. I have joy each and every day, and I have thankfulness,” she said. “… I feel like I’ve been given back not only my hope but my dreams and aspirations. I have you all to thank for that.”