Susan Reazor will never forget the advice that she was given from an orthopedic doctor. She was told to put her boys in chest-deep water, “it is the best therapy and will help strengthen their bodies.” Susan did not know it at the time, but this advice was life-changing.

Susan and her husband Jason have three children under the age of 12 who have all been diagnosed with a clinically mild form of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), a condition characterized by fragile and brittle bones that can break easily. To help combat OI, they joined the Western Family YMCA where her sons could strengthen their bodies in a zero-entry pool that would ease the challenge of getting in and out of the water.

When Susan decided to leave her job to care for her boys full-time, medical expenses and going from two incomes to one, created a very stressful time for her family.

Facing financial strain, Susan applied for the Y’s Open Doors Financial Assistance Program, which helps families like hers afford membership and programs at the YMCA. Thanks to the program, both of her boys are able to attend swim lessons and even joined the swim team.

Susan says that her kids will never be able to play contact sports, but swimming allows them to compete on a more even playing field. They get to experience being on a team, and swimming is keeping them physically active and making them strong.