Support Alden's Weight Loss Journey for ADA & AHA

Why am I doing this? 

I need your encouragement to get healthy and lose all my unhealthy weight. I hope to inspire others in the same situation and let people know they are not alone and are not stuck being obese.  If you are having issues with your weight as well reach out to me, I am a good listener.  If you don’t feel comfortable reaching out to me, reach out to a love one and ASK FOR HELP!  It is ok to need help.

I know firsthand how hard it is to live with obesity and the depression that comes with it as well.  It is a very hard life to be obese. Simple things like walking your dog, going grocery shopping, heck getting the mail is 10 times harder when you are debilitated by your obesity.  I still deal with these things on a daily basis but they are getting better day-by-day, pound by pound! 

Who am I doing this for?

I am doing this for myself, my family, and my friends.  I want to live, love, enjoy, and celebrate life again!  Everyday is truly a gift for me.  I have battled with my obesity most of my life and the depression and health issues that come with it.

I am doing this publicly and in this format (I am a private person) for my late Uncle Greg who lived with diabetes for many years. He lost his legs because of it and died way too young.  This is my way of honoring him and saying goodbye in my own way.  I loved him very much; he was very dear to me.  Even when he was suffering from his health issues, he cared and expressed his worry about my health.  He was a very loving and giving man--I miss him and think about him everyday.

Where will the proceeds of this fundraiser go?

All proceeds will be split between the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association in my Uncle Greg's name.  I hope to be able to donate 15k to each in his name.  Please help me reach my goal!!!

What Changed?

Over 2 years ago I hit my all time low with my weight and I was over 535 pounds.  I don't know exactly how much I weighed because no scale that I had access to would go up that high. My balance scale went up to 525 but it could not weigh me even when pushing the weights past the markers.  I couldn't walk more then 10 feet without having to sit down.  I couldn't do normal daily things any longer.

It finally hit me that I needed to make a serious change when I went with my father to visit my Uncle Greg at the nursing home in Ohio. I had to fly which is a nightmare and expensive for someone that is severely obese. (I have to buy 2 tickets anytime I fly) When we landed it took me over 45 minutes to walk to get my bags.  On our return trip, I had to get a wheelchair and get pushed around to be able to make it to the terminal. Being 37 years old and being pushed around in a wheelchair in a crowded airport made me realize it was time for a much-needed change.

I came home from that trip and started to diet.  I still couldn't walk much but I needed to start somewhere.  I also went to the doctor for the first time in 7 years.  If you are in a similar situation please go see your doctor.  Yes we both know they are going to say you need to lose weight but you need to get checked out for possible diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or any health issues that could be deadly if untreated.

I lost 10 pounds by dieting but that wasn’t enough.  I knew I needed help.  I ended finding a local place (fitlife foods) that makes prepared healthy foods because it was hard for me to cook and go grocery shopping. (Thank you Rye for telling me about it.)  

It was not easy for me to walk into a place like that being the size I was and getting the usual looks and expressions.  This is when I met a person that really reached out and helped me.  Thank you Stephanie Stockert for being friendly and kind, making me feel comfortable with starting the wellness program. Thank you for being the awesome person you are.  Not only did she help me at the store but also, she is the person that introduced me to my personal trainer Coach Shawn Balow.

Me and Coach Balow (Tampa Strength)

Thank you Coach Shawn Balow for being in my corner since I started training with him in April of 2014.  I have had my ups and downs since starting with Coach but he has kept motivating me even when I was at low points in my life. I lost my dog (Buddy) and companion of 13 years and tried to eat the pain away. Thank you Coach for sticking with me and not giving up on me.  He has strengthened my separated shoulder so now I can swing a golf club again, and also throw a baseball around.  He has helped me gain more muscle and less fat.  He is one of my biggest supporters in my weight loss journey.  He goes above and beyond any trainer I have worked with.  Thank you Coach for all that you do for me.  You are an awesome person and I don't know where I would be without you.

Special Thank You

Thank you to the teams at Fitlife Foods and Soho Juice Company for all your encouragement and for having awesome healthy foods.

Thank you to my dear friends Heather, Garth, Branden, Damian, Irene, and Bill.  You all have been there for me for many years and made me a priority in your lives. I truly appreciate you all.  

And last but not least, thank you to all of my family.  I love you so much and cherish all the time we spend together.  Thank you for always being there during the tough times and good times.  

Hugs with lots of love,

--Alden

Donation Swag/Merch

NikeID "EAT DUST" by Alden

PS. More Donation Swag/Merch coming soon!