Day: September 5, 2024

After Darlene Borchardt and her husband, Phillip, retired, they moved to Lake Country and joined the YMCA at Pabst Farms. Every morning, Monday to Friday, Darlene took water classes while her husband worked out upstairs and they formed a great community. In the fall of 2021, Darlene experienced a significant fall that left her in considerable pain. She had to use a walker to get around, relied on a step stool made by her husband to get into their truck, and was
unable to drive. Her doctor recommended hip replacement surgery; however, she needed to lose weight first. Since land exercises were too painful, her physical therapist suggested an exercise routine in the pool so she began using the therapy pool.

Darlene is immensely grateful for the support she received throughout her journey. With her husband’s help, she was able to come to the YMCA and stay mobile. The lifeguards were always ready to assist her in and out of the pool, and fellow Y members often held doors open for her when she used a walker. The staff noticed her weight loss and offered encouraging feedback, boosting her morale. Cindy Grange from Member Services shared, “Darlene has been a true inspiration to many of us working at Member Services. Throughout her health issues, she would come to the Y almost daily, dedicated to making progress and always smiling. Her incredibly positive attitude brightens our day! It’s so good to see her walking without pain!” Even small gestures, like keeping the sidewalks clear of snow and wood chips, made a big difference. Darlene credits the “encouragement and support I received from all of my Y friends and staff which gave me the initiative to stay motivated to keep coming back through this process.”

By January 2024, after following her dietician’s and physical therapist’s recommendations, her BMI was within the required range for surgery. She had hip replacement surgery a few months later. Today, Darlene walks without a walker or cane, drives her car, rides a bike, and shops without needing an electric cart. She hopes to get back to water classes with her friends soon. Reflecting on her journey, Darlene says, “It’s been a long journey, but I have gotten my
independence and my life back.”