Three decades back, I woke up in the ICU with two life-saving organs, a gift from Gina, a selfless soul who tragically lost her life in a car accident. At 34, I had already battled the complications of Type 1 diabetes—early diabetic blindness, nerve damage, and failing kidneys. The prognosis was grim; the odds were against me, and the clock was ticking. Dialysis and diabetes were a lethal combination.
July 1991 changed everything. The call came, and Gina's perfect match became my second chance at life. I emerged from the ICU with a new lease on life—the diabetes cured, kidneys functioning, and complications reversed, though not entirely erased.
Life threw another challenge at me at 48: a cardiac triple bypass. The toll of T1D on my heart's veins and arteries demanded the most invasive surgery. It took two years to find my footing again, but I emerged stronger. Life, with all its complexities, became another reason to marvel at the resilience of the human body.
Now, at 64, my WHY is clearer than ever. Grateful for each day, I've found a sustainable answer in bodybuilding and macro nutrition. It's not just about physical health; it's a holistic approach that intertwines mindset, consciousness, and spirit. A feedback loop that yields precise results if you embrace patience.
The cards dealt in this life fueled my determination. Every session at the gym, every nutritious meal, is a heartfelt ode to Gina, to life, to the joy of living fully in a healthy body. As the 30th anniversary of my transplant approached, I decided to push my limits. At 64, I entered two NPC Bikini Masters competitions, securing first and third places and having the time of my life. And guess what? I'm gearing up for more in 2022.
It's a reminder that it's never too late, and you're never too old. Find your WHY and go after it. I love spiraling UP, getting my BANG BANG boogie on, whether it's in the gym, hiking, or swimming. Being ALIVE is the ultimate gift, and I'm here to prove that age is just a number. So, join me in celebrating the journey, embracing transformation, and living life to the fullest.
