Claire Willenberg

I grew up in a neighborhood that was all boys, so I was very competitive in nature. I was an athletic swimmer with the Wichita Swim Club and eventually ended up at University of Kansas as a swim coach and instructor.

After a while, I stepped away from the pool and became a caretaker for several years, letting my physical condition deteriorate along the way. Eventually, my husband and I enrolled in the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program for cancer survivors at the Downtown YMCA, and it was a game changer for both of us. 

We continued our membership afterward, and now I try to attend three bootcamps each week along with other group exercise classes to regain my physical endurance and strength.

It’s a journey, but exercise and physical conditioning have given me renewed purpose and motivation in life. I’m thankful to the YMCA for providing a place where I can build a community that is welcoming, encouraging and supportive while continuing to grow stronger both physically and mentally.