Before joining TOPS, I used to say to myself, “I’m not supposed to be fat,” and discovered that I was right. While on my TOPS-to-KOPS journey, I began to reflect on my life to see if I could determine when and why I started to gain weight.

This is what I discovered. One major contributing factor was that at the age of 17 I became pregnant. For many reasons, I chose to have an abortion. I remember telling myself immediately after I had the abortion that I needed to eat for two—just in case I got pregnant again. I know it’s not a rational thought, but I can remember very distinctly having it.

Just as there was a contributing factor to my gaining weight, there was also a contributing factor to why I wanted to lose weight this time, once and for all. One day at work (I work at a healthcare facility), I had an epiphany. I began to observe the patients. I noticed how many were overweight and also how many of them needed assistance from loved ones. I realized that, although my body is my own, what I do to my body does affect those around me. I joined TOPS #IL 1214, Harrisburg, shortly thereafter.

As far as my personal experience, I give the greatest credit to Jesus. But I also found help from some very understanding and compassionate people. My husband has been my greatest supporter in all things.

The same is true of my weight-loss journey. I have some very special people walking alongside of me, many of which are TOPS people.