One Man's Story of Beating All Odds at the YMCA

Many of you know Fowler YMCA member Brian Morgan, and know that he has been an athlete all of his life, he even played semi-pro basketball.

Brian takes aqua therapy at the Y, and he's steadily improving. The most exciting news is that Brian is practicing walking unassisted in the water at Fowler YMCA, according to his water trainer Jan Nance.

"Brian is an extremely motivated, hard-working client with the dedication of the athlete he has always been," she said. "Despite being told by a doctor after his profound stroke that he would never walk again, Brian is using his training and the healing properties of the water to walk lengths of the pool."

Brian's improvement in the water is also being reflected on land. He walked with his cane from the Y's parking lot to the pool area for his most recent session of training. Brian says that in water, he is "free."

He works with Nance twice a week, developing strength and skills in water for life on land. He has recently begun volunteering as a greeter and motivator for Y members and guests at the front membership desk.

The Peachtree Corners Y offers aquatic therapy for low impact, efficient muscular and cardiovascular therapy. By reducing gravity’s effect, water reduces pressure on joints, relieving physical stress and increasing flexibility for a faster recovery.

It is the community's contributions to the YMCA's Annual Giving Campaign that help make stories like Brian’s possible. If you would like to help finance Brian’s weekly aquatic therapy, contact Deb Harris at deborahh@ymcaatlanta.org 

Brian's story first appeared last fall. Click on the link below to read the beginning of his journey:

Despite All Odds: One Man's Story of Courage