Vicki Baade

Doing 60 in 06

Participating in a 60 mile walk may seem like a daunting challenge for most, but for Vicki, when it has a very strong purpose behind it, it´s more than worth it. Vicki has seen how devastating it is to lose a loved one to breast cancer and she does not want her family or other families to go through that. She walks for herself, her daughters, and her grandson; she walks to find a cure.

Vicki will participate in the Breast Cancer 3-Day which is a 60 mile walk over the course of three days. Not only is Vicki walking, but she has also pledged to raise $2,220 for the fight against breast cancer. "I believe in the cause and I´m willing to walk the distance," says Vicki. "It´s an experience that will change your life."

ACAC has been instrumental in Vicki´s training for the walk. Vicki trains on the indoor track and also takes Pilates and yoga lite classes to help prepare her for her challenge. "I once did 120 laps on the track to get my 10 miles in. I have to carry a clicker to keep count!" Vicki also works out with personal trainer, Tanya Stroh. "I have my very own cheerleader at ACAC. It´s great to have someone in your corner cheering you on!" said Vicki.

"I´ll be celebrating my 60^th birthday this year and my theme is 60 doing 60 in ´06. So to me, 60 is just a number. Mostly, it means 60 miles and a chance to go the distance in the fight against breast cancer," says Vicki.

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Deborah Fair

At the age of 45, Deborah Fair decided it was time to change her life. After seeing ACAC´s mission statement, "We Change Lives," she knew she had found the place for her. Two years and 100 pounds later, Deborah is self-confident, happy and passionate about helping others change their lives too. "My whole life has changed. Not just the way I look, but the way I feel and the way I relate to people," said Deborah. Upon starting to exercise Deborah did not want to join a gym because she was afraid to be surrounded by "skinny people in spandex." After joining ACAC she realized she had nothing to fear. Deborah loved ACAC so much she joined the Team. "I love coming to work; I feel blessed to work with such special people. I feel like I belong here."

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The Hutchinson Family

3 Generations

It´s not easy to find programs for children, adults and seniors all at one place, but that´s what you get at ACAC and that´s what the Hutchinson family loves about ACAC. Not only can mom, Suzie come to workout, but her two daughters, Victoria and Rebecca, can play in Kidz Zone and her mom, Hildegard can enjoy an aquatic class.

Hildegard, better known as Cookie, brings her three year old granddaughter Becca to ACAC at least three days a week for parent and me classes and swimming lessons. "During the day Becca and I take classes and then I come at night for the aquatic classes. After chasing her around all day, I find it relaxing to hop in the warm water pool," says Cookie.

Cookie´s other granddaughter Victoria loves coming to ACAC too. She takes dance, gymnastics, sports classes and swimming lessons. Both girls are like little fish having been in the water since they were three months old. "The girls really feel at home here; all the staff know them and they have made lots of friends here," said Cookie. Becca says, "My friends in Kidz Zone need me!"

But don´t forget mom. Suzie loves being able to drop the girls off and take a group exercise class. "The social atmosphere is great and I really like that you see people of all shapes and sizes," says Suzie. "The whole family just feels so comfortable at the club; my girls actually beg me to bring them here!"

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George Bratcher

Purely Positive

Winston Churchill once said, "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." George Bratcher is a prime example of this. After being diagnosed with diabetes and withstanding a kidney transplant, cataract surgery and a double leg amputation, George is still going strong and donning a smile while doing it. "I know there are people out there worse off than me, so why should I complain?" said George.

Over the years, George has been an athlete, a coach, a probation officer, and a teacher; he was even recruited for the Canadian Football League. So adjusting to diabetes and his new lifestyle was difficult, but he´s done it and he´s done it with a smile.

When George completed his rehab after his amputation, his doctor recommended he join ACAC´s Physician Referred Exercise Program. "I wanted to learn how to be self sufficient again," said George. He spends a lot of time in Health Quest on the weights, swimming laps in the pool and even walking around the track. "I've built up my stamina, increased my strength and lost some weight while at ACAC."

When George walks into ACAC it seems everyone knows him. "I´m a natural talker. I chose ACAC because the people treat you good and I love to be in the social atmosphere," said George. His smile and positive attitude make it hard not to admire him.