Three years ago, Barbara Monaghan faced a life-changing challenge when cancer treatment complications caused severe muscle breakdown, leaving her completely paralyzed. Doctors told her she would spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair.
Determined to defy the odds, Barbara began intensive rehabilitation and spent seven months in a recovery facility. When she was ready to continue her progress, she and her husband Bill joined the Bear-Glasgow Family YMCA through the Open Doors financial assistance program—a vital part of how YMCA Delaware supports its members.
At the Y, Barbara was introduced to one of the organization’s adaptive fitness programs—a portable harness system that enabled her to walk safely on a treadmill. With time, practice, and encouragement from her therapist and the Y community, she gradually built strength and endurance, eventually walking more than 15 minutes at a time.
“The harness is a great system because it helps people who are not able to walk and it takes the fear out of falling.”
Barbara’s remarkable progress is one of many YMCA stories that highlight the ongoing impact on individuals rebuilding strength, confidence, and independence. Her journey is a powerful member success story that reflects the Y’s mission of health and community support.
Barbara credits her therapist and the Y for getting her to where she is today.
