Hi my name is Del Merrill, I am from the valley and went to school at ASU. I was an athlete on the wrestling team. In my mid 40s, I developed diabetes. In 2013 I had a heart attack and lost use of 1/3 of my heart and almost died.
I came to the Y for the 50+ strength and fitness class which I started in 2011. Bill Wershing developed the class and asked me to assist him back then. I worked at the Q Fitness Center which became 24 Hour Fitness Center before the YMCA was even built. Through the programs with the Q, 24 Hour Fitness and working out at the YMCA I could manage my health better. The Y is important because it offers programming and opportunities for all age groups. I think it is very valuable for the association to have senior programming, it keeps us point on and working harder as a community, example: pickle ball, nutrition classes, and the Silver Start Strength and Fitness class are all anchors for bringing senior involvement into our YMCA.