During Christina's long fine-year battle with cancer, first Hodgkin's Lymphoma and then Leukemia, Christina had a dream. The dream was to hold a soccer tournament with the proceeds going to help send children to summer camps. This dream was developed within her because soccer had always given so much to her and she could think of no better way to give back than by using her love of soccer to help kids. She kept saying, "As soon as I am well enough I am going to make this happen." Unfortunately she never got well enough. On April 21, 2003, Christina went home to her creator and Lord.

There must have been a few others who knew Christina's dream, for they stepped up and helped make it happen. When the call came through asking for our permission to use Christina's name for this tournament, we did not hesitate. The vote was a unanimous yes.

June 2004 was the kick-off of the first "Christina Wright Soccer Tournament". We cannot put into words how much the response from the soccer community meant to us. So many of the players that participated were people that we had seen at the City of Hope Hospital, donating their life's blood in order to help keep Christina alive. Now they were on the fields, playing their hearts out in order to make her dream happen. There were also many players that we did not know, but were there because they believed in the concept of giving back by sending kids to summer camp. What we did not know was how healing this event would be for us, especially to her 15-year-old daughter, London.

After the tournament was over, letters of gratitude from kids started pouring in from all over the area: kids who had benefited from everyone's participation of this event. Those letters should have gone to people that made this happen and not us; for it is truly those individuals who made it happen by giving so generously of their time, talents and treasures. A special thanks goes to the volunteers, the Yorba Linda/Placentia Family YMCA, and the committee who worked so hard that year in order to make this an annual event.

Christina was certainly right when she said, "Soccer people are the best!"

The Wright Family
YORBA LINDA/PLACENTIA FAMILY YMCA

The Love for the Game
Written by: Amy Truong

First, it's the first step
Into the court where your feelings begin to roam
It's the friends and teammates that remind you of home
Coaches that push you to do your best
Where your talents are constantly put to the test

Yet, it's there at the game
Crowd cheering on the sides
You can see the glint of passion in your opponent's eyes
Jump, shoot, rebound, defense...
Plays run through your head
Fouls, whistles, coaches, players, and refs...nothing is left unsaid

Take a deep breath
Beads of sweat roll down your face
Both sides don't seem to be slowing in this race
Time winds down, the game is tied
Which team will let their power subside?

Only for a moment, and only then
You begin to wonder what lit that flame?
Perhaps it was the place that fueled your love for the game
And beyond the will to defeat your opponent till the end
You suddenly remember
That you two are both friends

Going to the North Orange County YMCA is an important part of my family’s daily schedule. From the cheerful greeting by the front desk staff, to the status reports on my kids’ activities in Kid Zone, our time spent here is very fulfilling. My husband, Rey, and I take many classes together including Body Pump and Zumba. We have gotten to know the instructors very well and they often ask about us if either one of us is sick or not at class.

My kids look forward to going to Kid Zone and never want to leave when it’s time to go. Kelsey is my oldest daughter and she has special needs. The Kid Zone Staff are very patient and caring with her. She has grown tremendously with her social skills and loves to paint-thanks to their encouragement. In addition to reading stories and helping with homework, Kid Zone staff even does face painting for the kids. Kelsey especially enjoys that.

My other daughter, Whitney, and my son, Zachary, have both been taking the Karate classes for about a year. They have since gone from white belts to yellow belt 2 stripes. They are not only learning Karate, but self discipline and how to respect others. I am so thankful that the classes are included in the membership, otherwise, this is something they never would have been able to experience.

Our family is also very involved in the youth basketball program. Both Whitney & Zachary have been playing for over a year and have received many accolades for the skills they have gained, like Sportsmanship and Most Improved Player. My husband has been a volunteer coach with both age groups and has been able to bond with our kids over their love of the game.

All of my kids also went to YMCA Day Camp during the summer. I worried how expensive it was going to be for 3 kids, but luckily the YMCA has special scholarships they can offer to families in need. We were fortunate to receive one of those scholarships. The kids had the best summer ever, going on field trips, swimming at the Y, and making new friends! We often see some of the camp counselors at events and the kids run up to them and give them all hugs.

The North OC YMCA has an outstanding reputation for community outreach. Without any hesitation, Gaby Milan agreed to provide face painting, crafts, snow cones, and popcorn at my kids’ school carnival. The beautiful and talented Malia Ingarta also performed some Polynesian dancing entertainment. I found it rewarding to work along side these two dedicated volunteers.

In my own personal experience, I have gained a Zumba Sisterhood. The instructors are so welcoming and encouraging to students of all different levels. They will often stay after class and show students how to do moves, or just chat. Lots of friendships have been made in those classes. I always knew the YMCA staff and YMCA members were great people to be around, but it was not until I needed surgery, did I find out just how special everyone is. Lori Maier, the original Zumba instructor, and Lizzette, a friend from Zumba class, formed a support group for me and established a website so people could bring my family meals and wish me well during this stressful time. Words alone cannot fully express how thankful I am for this act of kindness. It gives us comfort knowing that everyone always looks out for each other through sickness and in health.

Being members of the YMCA has helped my family grow closer together and gain life long friendships. We especially enjoy the family events like Family Movie Nights, Trick or Treating, Parents Night Out, and Dinner with Santa. We are so proud to call the North Orange County YMCA our home away from home and the staff our extended family. Thank you for providing my family with an all around healthy lifestyle change!

Anna Agustin
Loyal Member since February 2009

Our family joined the Fullerton Y in August 2010 after attending an open house BBQ, and we knew it was one of the best choices we have made as a family. We were so impressed with the facility and the programs that the Y offered for families like ours that we signed up as soon as we could, and cancelled our membership with Gold's Gym. Dani Kline was the first Y staff member we met who gave us a tour of the beautiful facility. She was so professional and seemed to truly care about our family. After getting to know Dani a little bit we knew it wasn't just a sales pitch. For a year my husband and I would come into the gym for workouts, occasionally our oldest daughter, Pernilla (12) would do a workout on the treadmill or elliptical while our youngest, Juliana (7) enjoyed the Kidzone. About 2 months ago I spoke with Clare McKenna about Pernilla who was diagnosed with scoliosis in May 2011. I was desperate for help and Clare was there to listen and help. Clare recommended that we set up an appointment with one of the trainers for a consultation, and with Dani's recommendation Pernilla and I met with Michelle Rose. Michelle was an answer to my prayers for me. She listened to my concerns and needs and took the time to get to know Pernilla a little better. She encouraged Pernilla and was so energetic and positive. After talking with us and hearing Pernilla's needs Michelle designed a workout circuit for Pernilla and took us both out to the gym and showed Pernilla how to do each exercise. You have no idea what a relief this was for us as her parents. We have been so concerned over the past few months about not having the resources to hire a personal trainer for Pernilla and needing a exercise routine to keep her back strong since she is wearing this very rigid Boston Brace for 22 hours a day. The fact that Pernilla, who is finishing her first week at Parks Jr. High in Fullerton, is not only willing, but enjoys the workout is something of a miracle to us. After discussing it with her spine surgeon we decided to pass on PE at school and in place of that have her exercise at the Y. The Y has given our daughter a safe, comfortable place to exercise without the worry of being teased by her peers about her brace, and at the same time make it a life habit of being healthy by exercising. The Y opened their arms out wide to our family and has now opened their arms to our daughter. They have given her the ability to exercise and feel great about herself, which we all know being in Jr. High is not always such a fun thing and wearing a huge back brace only makes things worse, but the Y is making a difference in Pernilla's life and continues to be a blessing to our family. This summer we have really enjoyed the Family Movie Nights and I do not know of any other gym that has anything like this for families. The Y just keeps getting better and better in our opinions! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Connie, Brian, Pernilla and Juliana Swanson
FULLERTON FAMILY YMCA

My son and I did Mommy and Me Swim at the Whittier YMCA when he was 6 months old. My girls took swim lessons at the Whittier YMCA. In 2007 I took a job at the Fullerton YMCA as an Executive Assistant. In doing so, my family became members also and have benefitted from using the facility. One of my daughters even works here at the Fullerton YMCA. It's a great place to work and a great place to work out!

Kim Leibert
FULLERTON FAMILY YMCA

Years ago I had my grandchildren take swimming lessons at the YMCA. They were very patient with them. My grandson had a hard time learning and he finally learned to swim. I would recommend this Y to other people.

Carol Ann Patterson
FULLERTON FAMILY YMCA

The staff here at the Fullerton YMCA is fantastic! I'm always greeted warmly and am happily helped when needed. Clare helped me out especially this week. I have some unexpected expenses that would have prevented me from utilizing the child care facilities. When I shared this with Clare, she immediately helped by offering a personal membership with child care included. It allowed me to continue to be a member while also being able to take care of some expenses I had not anticipated. I feel proud to belong to an organization that places such high values on its members and am exceedingly grateful to Clare, Thank you!

Lorna Hertogh
FULLERTON FAMILY YMCA

With all due respect- YMCA is the best place for the whole family to get in shape and have fun also!!! We really enjoy all of the Y's great fantastic programs. I recommend the Y to all family members wanting to get fit and improve their lifestyle. I'm totally thankful for the Y's wonderful and always friendly staff. The Y kept me on track with my sports and health requirements. Please keep up the great work! Thank you and God bless.

Jay Tanap
FULLERTON FAMILY YMCA

We joined the YMCA when my daughter was 4 years old and were looking to get involved in sports. Not only did my daughter have fun playing a variety of sports, but we also made some great friendships that have lasted years. After volunteering as a coach, I then went on to join the board and find other ways to give back to my community.

Nikki Ware
YORBA LINDA PLACENTIA FAMILY YMCA

My fondest memories of my youth are YMCA memories. My dad and I were in the YMCA Indian Guides Program. We spent quality time together at Camp Oaks and tribe meetings. I will always cherish those memories with my dad, who has since passed away.

Gene Hernandez
YORBA LINDA/PLACENTIA FAMILY YMCA