Paralyzed Spring Valley YMCA member John Curcio got himself back in shape through support, exercise, and encouragement offered by the staff at the Spring Valley YMCA in Limerick. 6ABC covered the way Curcio turned the personalized goodwill he received into tangible thanks back to the organization.

Curcio expressed his gratitude by organized a fundraising bike ride to benefit the Y.

He challenged himself to cover 100 miles on a hand-powered stationary bike, soliciting donations for every mile logged. It generally take nine hours to reach his benchmark.

In two years, he’s raised $30,000.

He earmarks the funds to help members of the community avail themselves of the lifestyle benefits the Y offers but who struggle with the finances of membership.

Curcio, a career roofer, fell 35 years ago when a ladder he was on collapsed. The two-and-a-half-story fall that followed severed his spinal cord, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.

He recognizes the difference the Y made for him.

Owing to the inactivity resulting from his physical condition, his weight soared to more than 300 pounds. His exercise regimen at the Spring Valley YMCA now has him at a fit-and-trim 200.

Community members who want to support his fundraising campaign can do so at a page on the Spring Valley Y website.

More on John Curcio is at 6ABC.