Journey To Strong Updates

First of all, I would like to take a moment and thank each and every one of you for your support.  Whether you are reading this blog for the very first time, or whether you have read from the beginning. As most of you know, I have struggled with my weight for a very long time. It was not until April 17, 2013 that my eyes opened and I embarked on a new goal - fitness and happiness with my health. Since that time, I have lost nearly 200 pounds and have maintained a loss of most of that. I could not have done this without each one of you. You have laughed with me, cried with me, let me vent, struggled with me, encouraged me, prayed with me and supported me on this journey. You will never know how much this means to me. Because of your support, I was able to claim the life I always wanted.

In just 27 days (eeeeek!) I will be having skin removal surgery in my midsection. Of course there is some medical jargon for it - the procedure itself is actually about 400 letters long. I have no idea how to pronounce it! At any rate (if you have a weak stomach, stop here and scroll down to the next paragraph) the procedure involves an 8-10 hour surgery wherein I will be cut from hip to hip, have the excess skin removed, muscles tightened and liposuctioned, and then flipped over to have the same thing done on my back. It's literally a circumferential incision that encompasses my whole waistline.

Of course with the surgery comes the medical expenses. Thankfully my health insurance is covering the majority of the surgery, but I still have about $1,750 in medical expenses out of pocket and any additional out of work time past two weeks is unpaid. How can you help? I'm glad you asked!

First, I covet your prayers. Every. Single. Day. My anxiety is acting up pretty good right now .... eek!

#JourneyToStrong Virtual 5K

A virtual run can be done in any location at any time, which makes it convenient for any schedule! Participants do not have to complete all 3.12 miles in one setting. The distance can be completed over the duration of the month and the times from each segment added together so that the total time can be submitted. Run, walk, crawl, or dance your way through the 5K!!

Did I mention you get a medal for finishing?!? Click the #JourneyToStrong Virtual 5K link above to register! Don't delay! 

GoFundMe

In case you don't want to run, walk, skip, crawl or dance through a 5K, here's another option! Just click the GoFundMe link above to be directed to my page, managed by Faith Akers.

#JourneyToStrong Bracelets

Available for a limited time! See Faith Akers, Christy Bodnar or Ashley Warren! These bracelets will remind you of your JourneyToStrong or will remind you to pray for me when you see it. Donation: $5.

Once again, thank you for your support and may you find success on YOUR #JourneyToStrong.