Disabilities can hit us at any time during our lives. Some people end up in wheelchairs, on prescription drugs for a lifetime, or require constant therapy and medical treatments. For some, living with a disability can be energy draining and may lead to depression or far worse. It is how a person handles their affliction or injury that can become a defining moment for them, and may even inspire others to rise up, resist infliction and make a stand.

Mark A. Morganti, Jamestown area resident and YMCA member, suffered a debilitating stroke many years ago. But, not content to sit by and let life pass him by, he chose a more positive approach to life. He fought back.

Morganti chose to keep physically active the best he could. The YMCA, through its scholarship program, partnered with him to ensure he stayed the course.

“I work out to stay in shape and for my mental health,” Morganti said. “I feel better when I work out at the Y.”

Morganti, on any given workout day, can be found in his favorite part of the Jamestown Area YMCA: the Y-Express. The Y-Express features state-of-the-art workout equipment, top-of-the-line cardio equipment, a Fitness-on-Demand room, and a handicap-accessible entrance.

“I really like to work my upper body out in the Y-Express,” Morganti said. “If I don’t keep my muscles toned, I’d feel like a 164-year-old man. Also, there are a few cardio machines I can use in there.”

While the YMCA is a great place to work out, the staff is also a factor in Morganti’s many years of faithful membership.

“The staff really go out of their way to help anyone they can,” Morganti said. “Sylvia Nunez always helps me into the building and onto any machine I want to work out on.” Nunez is a maintenance worker at the YMCA.

Morganti also mentioned the office manager of the Jamestown YMCA, Connie Myers, as one of his favorites.

“[Myers] is super nice, always smiles, and is happy to be around,” Morganti said.

Additionally, Morganti’s love of the YMCA and a few other places in town is evident by the status of his 2004 Chevy Cavalier automobile.

“I’ve only got a few places I go to the YMCA being one of my favorites,” Morganti said. “My car is a 2004 and I’ve only got 16,000 miles on it.”

The admiration, love and fellowship Morganti feels towards the local Y and its staff appears to be a mutual feeling for many at the YMCA. “Mark Morganti is an inspiration to me!” said an enthusiastic Connie Myers, the office manager of the Jamestown Area YMCA.

“I so appreciate his bright outlook on life. Even amongst his physical challenges, he always has a smile,” Meyers said. “I remember when some staff and I surprised him one Christmas; we went to his home to sing Christmas carols to him and he even joined in with us.”

Adding to the herald of praises lauded on Morganti is Mark G. Eckendorf, the chief executive officer of the Jamestown Area YMCA.

“Mark’s overcome a lothe’s an example for other to follow,” Eckendorf said. “He’s also well-liked by staff and other members, and has been a member of the YMCA for many years.”

While it is disheartening to see anyone suffer (be they young or old, long-term or short-term), Morganti’s decision to fight back rather than silently suffer from his debilitating stroke is an inspirational choice and sets himself apart from others. His positive outlook on life and his will to be in control of (rather than be controlled by) his disability speaks volumes to his character.

Etching a place form himself in the annuls of YMCA history, Morganti’s section will read.

Mark A. Morganti: the epitome of “Y-strong.”