Menominee

Member Since May 2001

My Story
At the age of 53, I joined Curves eight months after being diagnosed with a rare blood cancer called Essential Thrombocythemia (ET). And at that time I weighed more than I ever had so while worrying about my health, I also had to deal with being very unhappy with the physical shape I was in and my appearance. My doctor recommended that I exercise each week to first deal with the stress of having a chronic disease and Curves was exactly what I needed.

But while going to Curves at least three times a week, I wasn't yet ready to tackle my eating habits and my weight bounced around like a yo-yo for five years. But I did keep exercising due mainly to the tremendous support of the many Curves friends I made. Finally in July of 2006 I got serious and teamed up my exercise with a healthy eating plan and by June 11, 2008, reached my goal of losing sixty by my 60th birthday!

During that time, my disease had transformed into an even more serious disorder called Myelofibrosis, yet I continued to go to Curves because I really needed the support and encouragement of the members and of or club's new local owners. And they support me in ways I never imagined: celbrating my 60th birthday and weight loss in a grand fashion but most importantly, being there for when when I was having a bad day due to the side effects of high doses of Prednison and Thalidomide. They have truly walked this unbelievable journey with me and I've been blessed in so many ways with their love, concern and offers of help.

Now as I try to come to grips with the possiblity of a bone marrow/stem cell transplant down the road, they continue to touch my heart. They truly have become my family of choice and I am eternally grateful for each and every member of our local Curves family - they help me to be amazing because they're such an amazing club!

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