My Y story began long before 2006 but it was then I learned the power of the Y.  In the spring of 06 I was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis, an auto-immune disease that attacked my pulmonary system.  It was treatable but the day of my diagnosis I was prepared to be told I had lung cancer.  Sarcoidosis mimics Lung Cancer with many of its symptoms.  Prednisone was the treatment for two years which began to add weight and energy to my days.  I began running recreationally to help control both and joined the Y which has allowed me to continue this journey. My Sarcoidosis went into remission but my desire to work on my health did not. I say my Y store began long before 06 because the Y is about community and for a number of years I have worked for organizations which serve the community including local governments, non-profits and churches.  Community organizations work to overcome barriers. The Y does this daily. Regardless of socio-economic backgrounds, individuals who walk through the doors at the Y can work to improve themselves. That is the power of the Y is community. The power of the Y reinforces the understanding that community is all of us.  Each person that walks through the doors at the Y is on equal footing.  This is my Y story.