Russ

For Russ, it happened while painting cars. After inhaling paint fumes, he lost consciousness and fell, suffering a traumatic brain injury. During his hospitalization, complications led to further injury, and he underwent major surgery on the entire right side of his brain.

The road ahead was anything but easy.

After physical therapy, Russ came to the YMCA to continue his rehabilitation. At the Downtown YMCA, he learned to walk again one determined step at a time. Today, he continues his journey at the Newton YMCA, where he’s been working alongside personal trainer Becky to improve his strength, balance and independence.

Recently, Russ reached a milestone that many people might take for granted. He was able to get down onto a mat and back up by himself.

It wasn’t just an exercise. It was a victory.