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It's time to pay it forward in a bigger way then with my mouth. Running NYC Marathon November 7th for the WLSFA!

Please view Surviving to Thriving

I'd been obese from middle school on and yo yo dieted for years. In 2008 I decided I'd tried everything and my metabolism was shot and needed some medical intervention to assist me in reaching my long term health goals. I was deteriorating fast and and approaching 40 years old at 341 lbs.

I had:

* High Blood Pressure (on medication)

* High Cholesterol (on medication)

* Sleep Apnea (using a CPAP to sleep)

* Joint pain

* Depression

After much research I decided that the Duodenal Switch Surgery was what I wanted based on it's superior statistics over any other weight loss surgery procedure. I then began the process of finding a surgeon that performed this operation. I did and have never looked back. I had my surgery on July 2, 2008. Through support of many from YouTube, the DS board on Obesityhelp.com, friends and family I stand today weighing in today at 178 lbs. A loss of over 160lbs and off those medications!  Although it's a few pounds over a "normal" BMI I'm sure if I had plastic surgery to remove my excess skin I would be right on target.

I embraced my new life and it's taken my on an amazing journey so far. About 6 months after surgery I began running using the Couch-To-5K Program. I did my first 5K in February 2009, my first 10K in March 2009 and first marathon in November 2009. Today I've decided it's time to give back to help others get the freedom I have gained through weight loss surgery.

I'm running the NYC Marathon on November 7th 2010 to raise money for the WLSFA who has a three part mission:

* Ending Obesity by empowering people to move from surviving to thriving through weight loss surgery, education and support.

* Performing charitable services and supporting research to find solutions to enhance the quality of life of the morbidly obese community.

* Raising awareness and funds for surgery.

More information is available on the WLSFA website: http://wlsfa.org

Please consider a donation of any amount. Some people have no insurance, some have insurance but weight loss surgery is excluded from coverage ... which is strange since they will pay for everything that is a complication of obesity! Crazy. Thanks for taking the time to read my story. Please give and share this page with others you think may be able to give as well.

Donations by check can be mailed to: 

Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America

11230 Gold Express Drive #310-409

Gold River, CA 95670

Please include a note that it's for my fundraiser.

Tom

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WLSFA Fundraiser featured!

October 11th, 2010

On Bariatric TV!   Check it out HERE.

32 DAYS

October 6th, 2010

?32 DAYS TILL NYC MARATHON!! - I'm running to raise funding for the WLSFA. If you have time, please watch this 20 min. film about 2 amazing twins and how the WLSFA is helping. http://wlsfa.org/view-surviving-to-thriving/ Special Thanks to BTV donating services to make the film possible for the WLSFA!

WOW ... the NYC marathon

October 1st, 2010

IS ONLY 36 DAYS AWAY!!     My ITB is really causing pain while training.  I'm getting therapy and MUST be ready to run on November 7th for the WLSFA.   Please consider helping me with a donation of any size?   Thank you! 

Tom Runs NYC for WLSFA Donors.

FUNDRAISER PROGRESS

19%

GOAL: $2,500.00

Raised: $485
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  • Kimberley gave $50.00
    November 6th, 2010

    "You are such an inspiration to me! Enjoy the sights & sounds of NYC!!"

  • Barbara & Robert gave $50.00
    October 8th, 2010

    "Tom, This is your biggest goal, NY Marathon. You are going to do GREAT! I wish we could all be there at mile 18 for you, but we will be in spirit. If you start listening to your brain to stop, imagine all of us cheering you on! You are doing something wonderful! We love you and support you with every step you make. You are going to complete the NY Marathon OMG who would have ever thought that possible YOU, that's who!"

  • MiMi & Candice C gave $30.00
    November 6th, 2010

    "We are proud of you!! Keep up the great work."

  • Laura gave $25.00
    October 8th, 2010

    "You are truly an inspiration and the best Angel ever. Good Luck.... xoxox Laura"

  • Renee Harnishfeger gave $15.00
    November 6th, 2010

    "Good luck with the race!!"

  • MiMi & Candice C gave $30.00
    November 6th, 2010

    "We are proud of you!! Keep up the great work."

  • Kimberley gave $50.00
    November 6th, 2010

    "You are such an inspiration to me! Enjoy the sights & sounds of NYC!!"

  • De'Lise S. Temple gave hidden
    November 5th, 2010

    "Tom-if anyone can do this, it's you. Run sir Java. Run!!! Love ya Bay!"