I am 38 years old from Bensalem, Pennsylvania (Near Philadelphia). I don't have any children but I have quite a few nieces and nephews! I am a geriatric social worker and have been for over 15 years.
In May of 2006, I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Social Policy and Practice with an Master's in Social Work Degree. I am currently employed at the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging and do evaluations of clients in their homes to assess them for services.
Two weeks after my graduation from Penn, I ended up having severe abdominal pains and was hospitalized for nearly 5 days. I was in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis. It was my wakeup call that I had to start living healthy- I had an ugly break up in February of 2005 which caused me to start eating way too much and not moving. I was given a second chance at life.
While in the hospital, I was pretty bored- there was little on TV as there were only about 8 stations. One night when I couldn't sleep, I saw an infomercial for Turbo Jam. I usually cannot stand infomercials but something about this one caught my eye. I believe it was the combination of Chalene Johnson's positive and fun energy and the music. I left the hospital with 95 units of insulin and a piece of paper that said turbo jam. When I got home and bought it, I remember thinking that I probably would not use it much- that it would collect dust... but I went for it anyway and it was the best decision I could have made. What a fun workout it turned out to be.
A few weeks later, I joined weight watchers- Since my hospitalization, I am down 116 pounds and am completely off insulin and do not need any diabetes medication. I am also off cholesterol medications. As of my doctor's appt in March 2007- he told me that I "have a resting heart rate of an athlete."
In August of 2006, I had the opportunity to go to Orange County, CA to meet Chalene and the TJ crew, and many others from all over the US and Canada who are hooked. I had the most amazing time- the positive energy was through the roof. It was at that point that I realized that I will pay it forward to others- something I strive to do daily.
On February 3, 2007, I went to New York City and got certified in Turbo Kick (the gym version of Turbo Jam). TEN hours of training and working out. Wow- it was amazing! I am now certified to teach Turbo Kick- although it may be a few months before I feel comfortable teaching. I also hope to maybe be a personal trainer.
In April of 2007, Chalene Johnson, the QUEEN of all things TURBO, invited me to go on stage with her during her keynote speech in Chicago during IDEA'S FITNESS FUSION! What a HUGE honor that she chose me- The theme was how to inspire others to fitness. Chalene hadn't seen me since last August- so part of the surprise was to surprise her and it was such a great experience!
In August of 2007 I went back to Camp Turbo Kick! I was so fortunate to have been chosen to be a team leader with Chicken George for the ORANGE TEAM and I was also given the honor of being in their fashion show. I will continue to pay it forward to others! I am completely grateful for all the love and support I have received.
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