At the First Coast YMCA, we believe in the power of community, healing, and resilience. Today, in honor of World Stroke Day, we are proud to share an incredible story of strength, determination, and recovery—Trace Miles’ story.
In 2021, Trace experienced a life-altering stroke. As a result, every aspect of her daily life changed. From relearning how to walk, speak, and use basic tools like a toothbrush to overcoming chronic pain, Trace had to embark on a humbling journey of recovery. The stroke also presented emotional challenges—using pre-K workbooks to relearn writing and 3rd-grade materials to regain basic math skills was a daunting task. Yet, Trace fought back with perseverance, supported by the care and dedication of her therapists at Revive Rehab.
Despite the odds, Trace made remarkable progress—so much so that even the doctors were moved by the determination and resilience displayed throughout her recovery. But Trace knew that the journey couldn’t stop there. After much thought and prayer, she made a life-changing decision to rejoin the Brooks YMCA.
Doing so was more than just an opportunity to regain physical strength—it became a crucial part of Trace’s emotional and spiritual healing. Upon returning, Trace was met with kindness and support from the entire Brooks YMCA team, starting with Nicole Payne. Knowing that sensory issues could make navigating a busy gym challenging, Nicole personally guided Trace through the facility and suggested quieter areas for workouts. Her kindness and understanding immediately helped Trace feel confident about rejoining.
And it didn’t stop there. Sharon and Loretta at the front desk greeted Trace every morning with warm smiles and positive energy, setting the tone for each day. Their genuine care and hospitality were invaluable to Trace’s daily motivation.
Trace also took a leap by enrolling in swim lessons—an area that had become particularly difficult post-stroke. But thanks to Jamesha, a young instructor wise beyond her years, Trace found the strength to push through the challenges. Jamesha’s patience and encouragement turned what seemed like a daunting task to Trace into an achievable goal. Though relearning how to swim with impacted limbs and coordination was hard, Jamesha’s belief in Trace made all the difference.
One of the most transformative parts of Trace’s YMCA journey came in the Y-Fit class led by Veronica Gustafson. At first, the class seemed intimidating; joining a high-energy fitness group after recovering from a stroke was no small feat for Trace. But Veronica’s compassion and adaptability eased those fears. She took the time to modify movements to ensure Trace could participate safely and at a pace that worked best for her. Her reassurance that progress would come with patience helped Trace push through moments of doubt.
The supportive atmosphere Veronica created extended beyond her instruction—the entire class became a source of encouragement and camaraderie. They weren’t just a fitness group; they became Trace’s family. As time went on, Trace grew stronger and more independent in the class, and the progress didn’t go unnoticed by therapists.
Inspired by the improvements, Trace took on another challenge: personal training sessions with Veronica. These one-on-one sessions have already paid off, revealing areas for further growth and showing Trace just how much more is possible. Veronica’s constant encouragement pushed Trace out of her comfort zone and closer to her personal goals of strength and well-being. Trace’s recovery story is a testament to how the right support system can lead to incredible transformation.
At the Brooks YMCA, we are honored to have been part of Trace’s recovery journey. We believe in fostering a welcoming and compassionate environment for all our members, and Trace’s story is a powerful example of how the Y community can uplift and empower those facing the toughest challenges.
Trace’s journey is ongoing, and the progress is undeniable. From the support of caring team members like Nicole, Jamesha, Sharon, Loretta, and Veronica, Trace has not only found hope and healing but has embraced life with renewed strength and purpose.
We are proud to celebrate Trace’s story of resilience every day, but especially on World Stroke Day. Trace reminds us that recovery is more than just a return to normal—it’s about thriving in the face of adversity. The best is yet to come, and we’re excited to continue walking alongside Trace on her incredible journey.
