Michelle's Story

Donation Recipient: "I CAN"

Hi Greg

Thank you and the HealthyHeart Foundation for the opportunity to help make a difference in someone's life. I apologize for the delay in my correspondence. There was a lot of time spent on rule #1. In the end, it was time well spent as I know the grant was spent on the best possible option.

I reread the letter from the HealthyHeart Foundation several times and I thought about it during many a run. What did a healthy heart mean to me? How could I use the grant and have the biggest lasting impact? A healthy heart has both physical and psychological implications. It embodies the concept "I CAN". With a healthy heart, you have fewer boundaries, more courage and more confidence. I wanted my cause to help an individual (or individuals) become empowered.

Unfortunately finding a way to truly influence someone with this concept is difficult. Ideas were debated and discarded. A hundred dollars, not even a thousand dollars, will influence a person more than short term. The person must be ready to step up to the challenge. In the end, my "cause" was there all along.

For over a year I had been talking to a co-worker about her heath, her weight and her inability to walk on the hilly terrain in her neighborhood, I began to suggest that she join a gym. When 24-hour fitness offered free guest admission in the month of June, I invited her to come with me. After several weeks, one day she impulsively said "OK". After several visits, she committed and joined. Then she convinced her husband to join. Since they joined a month ago, they have walked on the treadmill six out of seven days a week. (She just hit a 5 mile PR!). Both overweight and diabetic, they have lost weight and reduced insulin use. Their doctor is thrilled. Most important they have started to make simple lifestyle changes in the way they eat and spend their time.

They made the commitment. They do the hard work. Your grant has been used to encourage their journey. Most people hear the words "YOU CAN'T" far many more times than "YOU CAN". As adults we are rarely told "YOU CAN DO IT" or better yet "I BELIEVE IN YOU". Your grant served this purpose. Pedometers with computer download capabilities, swiss balls, exercise DVDs and exercise/yoga mats were purchased. These tools were given on a weekly basis for the first month. Attempts at anonymity in the gift giving process failed so information on your grant had to be shared with the idea of "Pass it Forward". Know that your grant will influence others of their acquaintance.

Your grant has served to provide some basic tools as well as to provide encouragement during the hard first month. You have helped to empower two individuals to say "I CAN".

Thank you again for the opportunity to help influence someone and to really consider the meaning of a healthy heart.

Best!

Michelle