Red Bank Catholic Grad To Open Pilates Studio, In Memory Of Mya Terry

RED BANK, NJ — This Red Bank Catholic grad is opening her own Pilates studio, and she created its logo in memory of her childhood friend, Mya Lin Terry, of Oakhurst, who died of childhood leukemia at only 10 years old.

The young woman is Paige Comerford, who grew up in Ocean Township.

Comerford, 21, just recently graduated from Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina, and that's where her studio, Pilates Social Clemson, is located.

Paige and Mya were in fifth grade at Ocean Township Intermediate School when Mya lost her battle with cancer, which she and her parents had been battling for five and a half years.

"The logo for Pilates Social Clemson was designed to include a butterfly, in honor of my childhood friend, Mya," said Comerford. "Mya inspires me and all of us at Pilates Social Clemson to always make purpose a part of our passion. In her honor, we will donate a portion of our profits to charities that support our mission to make a difference with health, wellness and much-needed medical research."

Mya died in April 2013 at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

"Within her 10 years, Mya was able to impact hundreds, if not thousands of others, with her positive approach to living life and her strong and willful intent to always help others," read her obituary.

Mya is also a published author: "The Day I Got My NG Tube," by Mya Terry, which is available on Amazon.

Before her death, Mya enjoyed being part of Ocean Township Girl Scouts, swimming, playing soccer, being on her iPhone and iPad, where she made movies, and crafting, cooking, gardening and riding her bike. She hoped to grow up to become an oncology nurse, open her own restaurant or work with pets.

Learn more about Mya: Mya Lin Terry Foundation

Comerford said she got into Pilates after it helped her recover from an illness during college.

"I was always an avid runner, who ran multiple miles a day. But after receiving an unexpected diagnosis of a rare neurological condition my sophomore year, I could no longer endure the high-impact workouts. The low-impact, but high-intensity exercise of reformer Pilates helped me rebuild muscle and improve my health," she said. "When I couldn’t find reformer Pilates close to campus, I became passionate about starting a studio of my own downtown. Bringing Pilates Social Clemson to the community of Clemson that I love so much, brings me great joy. I hope it can also help others in their journey to health and wellness."

Her studio is scheduled to open this August.

There is a large population of New Jersey students at Clemson, and Pilates Social Clemson is hiring, including for two assistant managers and multiple reformer Pilates instructors.

To apply or get more information, visit pilatessocialclemson.com You can also follow Pilates Social Clemson on Facebook and Instagram at @pilatessocialclemson

Pilates Social Clemson is located behind Roar and Backstreets, facing 114 Earle, in downtown Clemson, South Carolina.