Lake Co. YCMA member instills value, gives back

You could say that Angie Schroedel won't let anything get in the way of her passion: nurturing and developing our youth.

Not even cancer. Five years after the initial diagnosis of breast cancer, Schroedel's worst fears were realized. The cancer had reoccurred.

“I still feel very lucky,” Schroedel said. “I have the ability to look outside my situation. I have always believed that there is a world bigger than any one of us.”

Part of that belief is based on her childhood and going to the Y on Irving Park.

“My parents instilled in us that all people are the same. It does not matter how much money you have or your social status. What does matter is that whatever your passion may be, give back when you can. You should help others.”

Initially diagnosed with breast cancer when her daughter, Tina, was one, Schroedel and husband Kevin joined the YMCA for swim lessons and the YMCA's staff quickly became family.

Now 6, Tina is following her mom's lead of giving back by running a lemonade stand with the profits going to the YMCA.

“Helping children is exactly what I want to do. Cancer can take my life. But it will never take my passion. By giving a child a sponsorship to the Y's summer camp, which would provide a safe environment, for example, that child can be the one to discover the cure for breast cancer in the future.”

We say that Schroedel and her daughter not only live the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility but pass them on to others. How many lemonades will you buy?

The Lake County Family YMCA is a cause-driven nonprofit that strengthens the community through programs and services that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Founded in 1892 as a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit, our association is comprised of the Central Lake YMCA in Vernon Hills, Northern Lake YMCA in Waukegan and Early Head Start in Waukegan.