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In 1978 I joined TOPS#IL 1743, Worth with my friend because she didn’t
want to go alone. It only took a few meeting’s to realize this was the
program for me. I weighed over 270 pounds and I needed help. I married
my husband in 1946 and had 5 sons.
Over
the years, I went thru some trying times. I lost my husband, one son and
then another son. My blood pressure was very high; I developed diabetes
and was put on a strict diet.
In 2008
I had radiation on my scalp, followed by a life threatening accident.
But the Good LORD said “Clara not yet—Good things are yet to come”
I am
happy to say after 30 years in TOPSŪ on March 3rd of 2008 I reached my
goal and became a KOPSŪ and VERY, Very proud to be your 2009 ARD Queen.
I want to Thank TOPSŪ, my family and TOPSŪ friends for their
encouragement, love, faith and support. I love You all—GOD BLESS!! |
I had stints put in my heart and I was at my highest weight of 390
pounds. The doctors said to lose weight and start walking. I lost 32
pounds but it was lose 3 pounds and gain 5. I needed help.
I was holding my 2 year-old granddaughter when I realized, either lose
the weight or I would never see her graduate 8th grade. That
became my goal.
My mother-in-law had been a member in TOPSŪ so I decided to check it
out and joined October 2, 2006. It was one of the best things I ever
did. You have group support, you have the accountability of weighing in
every week and others striving for the same results.
We live in a small community and it was very encouraging when people
would come up to me while walking and say, Hey you look great! How are
you doing this!
I was encouraged by Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through
Christ, which strengthens me. My self-esteem and confidence grew by
leaps and bounds as the weight went off.
From my highest recorded weight in TOPS to my weigh-in weight on
October 1, 2007, one day short of my one-year anniversary, I lost over
100-pounds! I then needed to maintain at least the 100-pound loss for
the required 52-weeks, that I achieved.
I became a Century Award Winner September 22, 2008!
With a weight loss of 96.50 pounds in 2007, I was honored as Chapter
and Southern Illinois Area Division 1 – first place and Illinois State
Division 1 – second place winner.
After all of that, I reached my goal and became KOPS on February 11,
2008 with a loss of 153.25 pounds to goal!
I encourage other members to eat a healthy diet, keep walking and STAY
with TOPS!
I want to say thanks to my TOPS Chapter Illinois 2477, Rushville, the
TOPSŪ organization, my friends and family who have supported me through
all this. Thank you.
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