The community of people that gather at a YMCA is often referred to as “YMCA family,” because being part of the Y is so much more than just belonging to a place to work out, go to camp, or learn to swim. And sometimes, the Y truly is family.
When Breeana Dixit was killed in a car accident near Western Michigan University’s campus in February, it hit the Lakeshore Family YMCA very hard. She’d worked in the Y’s childcare facility in high school and early in her college career, and her mother, sister, aunt and cousin all work at the Y as well. She had an impact on just about everyone there, members and staff, and her loss was a huge blow to all who knew her or her family.
Bree (as she was known) was a recent WMU graduate, loved working with children, and also loved running. “It was an important part of her life, as well as working with kids,” says Rose Cesario, the school-age childcare director for the Lakeshore Y. To honor her memory, the staff at the Lakeshore Y, along with a group of Bree’s friends, have organized a 5K run in her honor which will be held on April 27, the Y’s Healthy Kids Day. The annual event will be dedicated to Bree this year. Proceeds from the run will benefit the Y’s Strong Kids Campaign and the Ted Lindsay Foundation for Autism.
A tree will be planted in memory of Bree at the event before the run. The tree planting is at 10:45 on April 27, and the race starts at 11:00. In order to allow more people to participate, the race will not be timed and is for everyone from beginning walkers to experienced runners. Field day activities will run from the start of the race until 1 p.m. as part of the Y’s Healthy Kids Day. There will be sack races, water relays, cone relays, and an exercise relay, among other fun events.
The “Bree’z Through the Shores” run is planned to become an annual event. Registration is $20 for children and $30 for adults and is ongoing at Active.com.