January's Most Inspiring Person of the Month

Samantha Poon: Surviving Diabetes

In 2005 at 24 years old, Samantha Poon was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes. Requiring three shots of insulin every day, Samantha chose to follow her doctor’s advice by managing her blood glucose, starting yoga training and attaining a qualification in professional yoga tutorship. In 2007 she joined the Bayer Dream Fund and was selected to take a senior yoga tutorship program in Bangalore, India. During her 2 months in India, Samantha learned the language and culture and experienced the significance of good blood glucose management. Four years later, Samantha continues to practice yoga every day and is managing her illness by following the advice of her doctor and her yoga tutor and closely monitoring her blood glucose. Her story is an inspiration to diabetics around the world who are struggling with managing this disease.

Frankie Medadows: Overcoming Addiction

Frankie Meadows drug addiction began after breaking up with her high school sweetheart. She was prescribed pain medication for kidney stones and was prescribed more pain meds after having gall bladder surgery. After three months of using, she was hooked. Over the next several years she married and had two sons, continuing along with her husband to use prescription drugs and cocaine. Periods of being clean came but never lasted. When their second son was 3 months old, her husband was arrested and served 6 months. He returned home clean but Frankie had once again fallen into addiction. Both finally became tired of how they were living and wanted more for their children so they joined a Methadone Recovery Clinic. Now clean and the parents of three children, this inspirational couple credits God and their children with saving their lives.

Keith Ahrens, Heart Attack Survivor

In 2007, at age 45, Keith Ahrens tipped the scales at 400 lbs. It wasn’t until he finally went to the doctor after experiencing shortness of breath, dizziness and nausea that he found out he was having a heart attack and needed a triple bypass. This close call is what prompted Ahrens to change his life forever. He educated himself on heart-healthy eating and began exercising and eating healthy. Now weighing in at 200 lbs. he is an active advocate and spokesman for the American Heart Association. In 2009 he won the Lifestyle Change Award for the Las Vegas Heart Walk. Ahrens wrote a book about his journey, “Outrunning My Shadow: Surviving Open-Heart Surgery and Battling Obesity, The Decision to Change My Life”. He is a true inspiration to those who are struggling with obesity and trying to live heart healthy lives.

John Goodman: Weight Loss

In 2007 at 58 years old, Roseanne and Treme actor, John Goodman weighed 368 lbs. Wanting to “live life better”, Goodman decided it was time to do something about his weight. To help him achieve his new healthy lifestyle he hired Health Coach Mackie Shilstone. Shilstone has trained with many athletes including tennis player Serena Williams. Following the advice of his coach, Goodman quit drinking, eliminated sugar from his diet and began an exercise regimen. Now over 100 lbs. slimmer he continues on his sugar free diet and spends time on the elliptical machine six days a week, John is happy with his results and is enjoying the opportunity to “live life better”. His weight loss has been an inspiration to his family, friends, colleagues and fans around the world.

Sarah Alford: Overcoming Addiction

After losing her father in 2007, Sarah Alford turned to drugs and alcohol to attempt to numb the pain of her loss. Her addiction grew from alcohol and marijuana to the use of illicit drugs. Realizing that she had an uncontrollable force and desire to get high, she reached out for help. Alford says that her recovery was possible through first her honesty with herself about her addiction, her willingness to humble herself and ask for help, having a sponsor, doing the step program, attending meetings, having a Sober Support Network and having fun. Today she shares that there is no magical cure and everyday remains a struggle but with determination and the support of those around her, she remains sober. Her road to recovery has not been an easy one, but it is an inspiration to all those who struggle with addictions.

Renee Kopache: Mental Health Advocate

In 1993 during her fourth year of doctoral studies, Renee Kopache ended up in the hospital once again. The doctors informed her that she would be unable to work or finish school and begin the process of getting her on disability. A mental illness diagnosis destroyed all sense of hope in her life. Over a period of 10 years she was hospitalized 40 times, was on nearly 40 medications, survived three suicide attempts and 23 ECT’s. Two years later, despite her doctor’s advice, Renee found a job. She now credits that decision with being a huge factor in her recovery. With the support of her co-workers, Renee began her recovery process and is now medication free, has a satisfying personal life and works as Recovery Coordinator for a Mental Health Board in Ohio. Her journey is an inspiration to the thousands of Americans suffering from mental illness.

Pete Thomas: Weight Loss

Biggest Loser Season 2 at home winner, Pete Thomas won $100,000 for losing the most weight of all the contestants that season. With a starting weight of over 416 lbs., he lost 185 lbs. in nine months. Thomas grew up with a mother who suffered from serious mental illness and was never taught proper nutrition or exercise. He was often left alone or with a younger sister for weeks and forced to find food wherever he could. Thomas credits The Biggest Loser with saving his life by helping him gain the knowledge that revolutionized the way he eats and exercises. He has appeared on The View, The 700 Club, eXtra and been featured in People Magazine, TV Guide, Real Health and Runners World. He is now a motivational speaker who travels and spreads his “Winning Principles” to organizations nationwide.

Gaylene: Lung Cancer Survivor

After 36 years of smoking and being diagnosed with emphysema, Gaylene made the decision to quit on October 21, 2002. Not long after, she got involved with a support group and worked through the process of letting go of her smoking habit. Gaylene also became a moderator for a large quit smoking community at About.com. In March of 2007 she received devastating news that she had small cell lung cancer that had spread to her thyroid and lymph nodes. Throughout her treatment Gaylene kept a public journal at the smoking cessation forum at About.com that detailed her 5 month journey of treatment following her diagnosis. Today she has beaten her cancer into remission and is approaching over 4 years cancer-free. This incredible woman’s testimony is an inspiration to those around the world that are battling cancer and other life threatening diseases.

Jennifer Hudson: Weight Loss

Hollywood and she certainly has the awards to prove it, including a Golden Globe Award, an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Hudson has been in the spotlight over the past two years for another great accomplishment, weight loss. After the birth of her now 2 year old son the size 16, actress/singer was inspired to really lose weight to set an example for David Jr. Jennifer joined Weight Watchers and with their help she is down 80 lbs. and several dress sizes. Now an official spokesperson for Weight Watchers, she credits the program with providing her the tools and support needed to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Hudson’s weight loss transformation is an inspiration to others who are struggling to lose weight.

Mark Acevedo: Stroke Survivor

At 41 years old, Ventura, CA fire captain, Mark Acevedo had a stroke while fighting a wild-lands fire with his unit. He was flown to a nearby hospital where doctors determined the stroke has resulted for a dissected carotid artery. After 5 days in the hospital, Acevedo was transferred to an assisted living facility and told by his neurologist that he should retire and go fishing. He loved being a fireman, and wanted to return to his job but nobody encouraged that. Three months post stroke, he found a special needs fitness trainer, Tom Wisenbaker who told him that he thought he could get him back to work. After 13 months of working with Wisenbaker, Acevedo passed the department physical fitness test and was re-instated as a firefighter. His incredible journey is a an inspiration to stroke survivors around the world.