I am a northwoods Wisconsin 51 yr. old married woman with 6 children (34,33,32,28,22 & 21); 3 are mine and a nice lady had 3 other ones that we share; 9 grandchildren (from 10 yrs. to 8 months).

My 22 yr. old daughter, Courtney passed away in a single car accident on 9/1/07. My life was devastated. Not sure I will ever get over her loss. My family & I continue to make positive contributions in her memory. We sell memory wristbands to raise money to give away as a scholarship in her memory at graduation. We just gave 3 individuals at her school $300.00 each in scholarships. We could not have done this without the peoples support. So many are wearing the wristbands and many we don't even know. It is wonderful!

I am not blaming this accident for my weight, however, it was hard to focus on myself or care. But I know my daughter and my family would like me to get and stay healthy. Why give them something else to worry about? And there are so many things I would love to do but the weight enables me. The time has come and it is slapping me in the face. I am in hopes that my guardian angel will give me the strength to move forward to reach my goal.