One of the first things you notice about 25-year-old Andrew is his abundance of energy. Whether he is running, squatting, high-fiving, or doing pull-ups, one can easily see how his life has changed since becoming a member at the Dancel Y in Ellicott City five years ago.

Andrew’s activities aren’t just limited to the fitness floor either – he loves the water and when he isn’t working out with his personal trainer, Trevor Sasscer, he is regularly seen taking a dip in the pool.  

After graduating from the Maryland School for the Deaf in 2013, Andrew has found the Y to be a stable and steady presence in his busy life. Like 11,042 other ​members  found working up a sweat in our 13 Y Centers across Central Maryland, Andrew’s membership is made possible through the support of generous donors in our community.

With severe loss of hearing in both ears, Andrew’s physical activity regime is heavily reliant on sign language, a skill his trainer Trevor has approached with enthusiasm and vigor.

“Working out with Andrew is a blast and I’ve really enjoyed learning how to sign. Not only is it such a valuable skill but a necessary one to ensure Andrew gets the most out of his workout!” says Trevor.

Andrew’s mother, Deborah, believes the Dancel Y has made an incredible impact to Andrew’s overall health and happiness. 

“Andrew enjoys swimming and working with his personal trainer. It has made an amazing difference in his life. He’s become more independent, lost weight and improved his overall health.”

Andrew enjoys the Dancel Y so much in fact that, according to Deborah, he never wants to go home!

“He loves it here and there’s never been a time he doesn’t want to work out! It has been one of the best things for him and we’re very pleased with the associates, programs, and support he’s received. We are very grateful for what the Y has meant to him and all the help he has received.”

Keep up the excellent work, Andrew!

If you would like to donate to the Y and help more children, adults and families participate in Y programs they could otherwise not afford, please visit our website. Thank you.