Help Nicole raise money

On May 28th, 2024, my body gave up.

At just 37 years old—a mother of four and a caregiver for my parents—I suffered a heart attack. I was overweight, overwhelmed, and quite frankly, barely surviving. My body finally said, "We can’t do this anymore."

That moment was a crossroads. I had to decide: would this define the end of my story, or be the beginning of a new one? I chose my family. I chose to be there for them. And that choice required me to make a lot of significant changes in my life.

The Road to Recovery

After nine weeks of cardiac rehab, I didn’t just heal my heart; I transformed my relationship with food, stress, and movement. As the weight began to melt away, I grew stronger with every step. But when I graduated from rehab, I faced a new challenge: Where do I go now to keep this momentum going?

Finding Home at the North Suburban YMCA

The moment I walked into the YMCA at North Suburban in Woburn, I felt an instant connection. From the welcoming staff to the bright, cheery Kid Watch space, I finally felt like I belonged. But what struck me most was how the Y truly creates a space for everyone. I saw people of all ages, backgrounds, and physical abilities working side-by-side. In a world that often feels divided or inaccessible, the YMCA is a rare place where "all" truly means all. Whether someone is recovering from an injury, managing a lifelong disability, or just starting their fitness journey at 80 years old, they are met with the same dignity and support. Joining wasn't just about a gym membership; it was about a lifestyle shift for my entire family.

Since joining, I’ve lost 82 lbs and reclaimed my life. With the help of a YMCA coach, I set a goal that was just for me: running a 5k on the one-year anniversary of my heart attack. I had never run in a race before but I had spent much of my life doing and overcoming hard things. On Mother’s Day, May 11th, 2025, I crossed that finish line in 43 minutes without stopping. Since then, I've found a love for running and have kept up with it. I’ve conquered 10ks and set personal bests I never thought possible.

Why I’m Raising $1,500

The YMCA gave me the tools, the coaching, and the community to become a "whole different person." But the Y is more than just a gym—it’s a support system that ensures everyone has access to these life-changing resources, regardless of their financial situation. It's a place where everyone can belong.

I am running the Falmouth Road Race this summer to pay it forward. I’m raising funds for the YMCA of Greater Boston so they can continue to offer valuable services—like swimming lessons, summer camp, youth programs, and wellness coaching—to families who need them most.

How You Can Help

My goal is to raise $1,500 by August. Your donation, no matter the size, helps ensure that another parent, another neighbor, or another child gets the "second chance" that I was so lucky to find.

Thank you for being part of my journey and for supporting a cause that truly saves lives.