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When McKenna walks into ZOOZ Fitness, her smile says it all — this is a place where she belongs. For more than two years, McKenna has been an athlete at ZOOZ, working out alongside her peers, building strength, and forming lasting friendships. But her journey to ZOOZ, and the transformation she’s experienced since, is nothing short of inspiring.

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Before ZOOZ

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Before discovering ZOOZ, McKenna stayed active in a variety of ways. She had regular physical therapy sessions, played basketball outside, swam, and even joined her family in creative workouts at home. Her mom recalls setting up obstacle courses in their two-story house, complete with a weighted vest, ankle weights, medicine balls, and  workout circuits.

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“We really tried everything,” Charlotte, her mom said. “We wanted to keep her strong, engaged, and active. But it was all in-home, because going to a big-box gym didn’t feel comfortable. I worried about people judging McKenna, or people not understanding different behaviors.”

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That all changed when McKenna’s dad connected with someone who recommended ZOOZ. From the very first visit, it was clear this was different.

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Finding Comfort and Confidence at ZOOZ

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“Coming to ZOOZ was the best thing ever,” McKenna’s mom said. “She’s thrived here — physically, socially, and emotionally. She’s made friends, gained confidence, and surprised us with what she can do. I never thought I’d see her do box jumps, and now she does them with ease.”

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McKenna herself is quick to list the activities she enjoys most at ZOOZ: “The treadmill, core workouts, Zumba, and classes.” But beyond exercise, she loves the friendships she’s made. “I like to work out — and I like coming here because I get to see my friends,” she said.

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Coach Allison, who has worked closely with McKenna, has witnessed her progress firsthand:

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“McKenna has absolutely thrived since we started training together. Her strength and coordination have improved so much, but what stands out most to me is her confidence. She carries herself differently now — proud of what she’s accomplished, eager to push herself further, and always ready to cheer on her peers. It’s been such a privilege to be part of her journey.”

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For her mom, the benefits go even deeper. “Her confidence has changed dramatically. Her behaviors are better, her social skills are stronger, and I truly believe the workouts play a part in that. For me, as a parent, I’ve also met other parents, shared stories, and built connections. It’s more than a gym — it’s a community.”

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Living Beyond Limits

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McKenna’s diagnosis is a rare genetic condition — chromosome deletion 11p, also known as WAGR syndrome. Doctors once told her family she would likely be blind and face severe medical complications. But her mom refused to accept that as McKenna’s fate.

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“I said I wasn’t going to let a diagnosis define her,” her mom explained. “She’s exceeded every expectation. She go-kart races, she has a YouTube channel, she works, she cleans, she thrives. She lives life without focusing on her disability — and that’s exactly how it should be.”

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A Busy and Independent Life

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When she’s not at ZOOZ, McKenna stays busy with her job at Kaiser , where she works in labs and the pharmacy — transporting supplies, cleaning, organizing, and more. 

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She’s also gained experience in other workplaces, from Golden Heart Ranch to the Science Center, where she loved helping younger kids. And when it’s time to relax, McKenna enjoys swimming, watching YouTube, listening to music, cleaning (one of her favorite hobbies), and attending birthday parties and social gatherings with friends she’s met through ZOOZ.

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Looking Toward the Future

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At 21 years old, McKenna already has her eyes on her next goals: “I want to keep working out, keep getting healthy, and keep doing box jumps,” she said with a laugh.

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Her mom’s hopes are simple and powerful: “For McKenna to keep coming to ZOOZ, to keep building strength, and to keep making friends. I wish I’d found ZOOZ ten years ago — I can only imagine how much further she would be. This place has been a godsend.”

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A Place That Changes Lives

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For McKenna and her family, ZOOZ has been more than a fitness center — it’s been a place of growth, belonging, and joy.

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“ZOOZ helps our athletes physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially,” said Jake Weiner, founder of ZOOZ. “McKenna’s story is exactly why we do what we do. She embodies what it means to thrive, and we’re proud to be part of her journey.”

As for McKenna? She sums it up in her own words: “ZOOZ is good. I like to work out. I like to be here.”

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