Dawn Campbell: Overcoming Obstacles and Inspiring Others at the YMCA

Dawn Campbell walks at least 5 km a day. She has faced many obstacles in her life, but that doesn’t slow her down.

“When I became sick, I was sick for a long time and I had so many wonderful people in my life, and they helped me through a lot,” she said. “Although people have limitations, you learn to like yourself and then carry on, because you’ll never be the old you, you’ll be a new person. The Y has helped me realize that.”

Campbell became a member of the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick through community sponsorship. On a cold January morning, she slowly walked through the doors of the former Prince Edward Square Fitness Centre with a big smile on her face.

Campbell said the Y has helped her to gain more self-confidence and allowed her to be a new person.

The Y staff describe Campbell as extraordinary. Throughout her life, she has worked as a lifeguard, taught hairdressing, and even played professional volleyball. And Campbell describes the Y as part of her family.

“As far as teaching and compassion, this place is superb. They don’t let you give up, but they don’t push you,” she said.

After falling in love with the YMCA community, Campbell decided to become a volunteer.

“I owe a lot to the YMCA. When they accepted me as a volunteer, I felt as though I did still matter. One day I came in without my cane and everyone clapped,” she said with a shaky voice, holding back tears. “It was amazing”

Campbell uses her life struggles to help others in the community. Some days at the Y she volunteers simply by talking to other members, and helping them realize it’s okay to have limitations.

“A lot of people here are cancer survivors, or stroke survivors, and I have experienced both,” she said. “Sometimes  I just come and talk. It’s easier to relate to somebody who’s been there and done it.”

According to Campbell, a smile is the cheapest thing you can possibly give someone, and her smile is something the Y is thankful for.