Story of Hope and Possibility: April, a grateful parent

April, a Swim Team volunteer parent, shared her story of Hope and Possibility with the YMCA of Coastal Carolina Leadership Team. She said, “My son is Autistic.  Years ago we came to the Y for additional swim lessons.  Jillian immediately recognized and remembered my son.  She said that’s she had seen him swim and that he could be on swim team. 

“He could be part of what?”, I asked.  

I never thought he would be part of a swim team.  We were just there for lessons. 

She has been one of his biggest advocates and supporters since. He has learned, has grown, and developed so many friends and social skills through the program.  

Both our lives have been profoundly impacted by swim team’s inclusion and support. There are special people in the world who see the child behind the sensory meltdowns, hesitation to just jump in, frustrating moments behind the block, and the need for things to be explained 10 times. This is the child that is encouraged and coached regardless of the challenges. 

We were invited once to participate in a Special Olympics team. When I mentioned it to my son he said, “No thank you.  I am already part of my team.” That statement was everything for a child with daily struggles. He knew he already had a home. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!