MEET CHARLES: MEMBER OF THE MONTH
A member for over 10 years, Charles' YMCA fitness journey began after a heart attack in 2007. His doctor recommended walking 30 minutes a day, but Charles asked about biking—and his doctor gave the green light. Since then, Charles has made the wellness floor a nightly routine, riding the cycle bike at 7:30 p.m. every evening. The membership staff says it's their favorite time of day, and Charles says the group he's met at that time has become a true community. "If I miss a night, people always ask, 'Where were you yesterday?'" he says.
Athletic his entire life, Charles grew up on the hill where Blue Cross Blue Shield sits now—back then it was his whole world. He walked, biked, and skipped up and down that hill daily, even going to school there. Charles' connection to the Y runs even deeper than membership: he was a camp counselor at YMCA Camp Ocoee in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
When he's not staying active, Charles enjoys spending time with his granddaughter, who keeps a close eye on him. "She wants me around until she has kids," Charles says, adding, "I’m determined to stick around until I'm at least 100."
We're incredibly thankful for Charles; for his longstanding commitment to the Y and our community!
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