A potentially life changing opportunity is handed to six local residents

On March 24th the lives of six local people changed when they received word that they were chosen for the Healthy Me! Program. 

Each of them wrote a 500 word essay and agreed to waive their right to privacy while involved in the program in exchange for advice from local healthcare providers.

This year’s participants are: Bret Bajdek, Bob Vale, Erika Jackson, Deborah Gordon, Joni Nedderman and Shaun Riffle.

Bret Bajdek, 33, South Bend, Indiana
“As a high school football and golf coach, I have begun to feel beyond hypocritical.  I yell at my football players to run faster, run longer, lift weights, push themselves harder, and put in the extra work necessary to make them better at what they do, yet I am winded walking up to the press box on Friday nights before games.  On the golf course I am telling the players who have walked 18 holes that they shouldn’t be tired, yet I have barely gotten out of the cart all day.  I don’t want to be a hypocrite any more, I want to be able to lead by example.  It’s time and I think this program is the best opportunity and I want to be held accountable.”

Erika Jackson, 33, South Bend, Indiana
Erika is an employee at Memorial Hospital and is ready to make lifestyle changes that will enable her to become a healthier individual and a good example for her two children. “Recently I put on 30 pounds and I was already overweight.  I can’t even bend over and tie my show from a seated position.  I find myself getting winded very easily and my self-confidence has been effected.”

Deborah Gordon, 49, New Carlisle, Indiana
As a wife and mother of two girls, Deborah’s goal is to become a happier and healthier person during the next year.  “It’s critical that I try to promote a healthy lifestyle and mealtime options for my children otherwise they may suffer from the same vicious cycle in their future.  I grew up being a chubby kid with poor eating habits that developed at a young age. I cherish the opportunity to work with your dietitian and personal trainer to instill healthy eating and exercise routines to encourage my weight loss. I lost weight before, I must do it again!”
Bob Vale, 52, Osceola, Indiana
“Two years ago I was told that I have diabetes and that things needed to change with my diet, exercise, medications and lifestyle. I have worked hard to change with my diet, exercise several times a week, and began daily medications.  I have lost thirty pounds, but for the past year I have been at a standstill and have found it very difficult to lose any more weight or lower my numbers significantly.  I want to one day experience the reality and celebration of grandchildren, a fifty year marriage, retirement, and to live beyond the devastating effects of my diabetes.”

Joni Nedderman, 54, South Bend, Indiana
As a wife and mother of six girls, Joni Nedderman is busy balancing her responsibilities at home and as a business owner. “I’ve been busy raising a family and helping in our business that I haven’t taken the time to care for myself the way I should.  I’m also watching my blood pressure.  I know I need to take charge of my life now while I am still able.  I feel if I could just find some motivation I could change the future of my family, as well as myself.”

Shaun Riffle, 23, Mishawaka, Indiana
“I have goals and dreams that include one day being a store manager, buying a house, and marrying my girlfriend of over four years and starting a family; however, my weight and health issues can and will stand in my way of obtaining my goals if the problem does not get under control.  I have a deep desire to be fit and healthy as well as an ever deeper fear of having a heart attack or facing many other health problems along the way.  I am committed to taking this journey of losing weight, getting in shape and reaching my goals of living a long, happy and healthy life.  I would someday like to tell my story to others in hopes of encouraging someone else to make the commitment to change their life forever, as well. I will work hard, listen, learn and carry the experience and knowledge I will gain with me throughout the rest of my life.”

Over the next year, they will receive twice a month sessions at Memorial Health & Lifestyle Center with Fitness Specialists Dave Woods and Jonell Witkowski along with a free gym membership. 

They will also meet monthly with physicians from Family Medicine of South Bend, P.C. and Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center Registered Dietitian, Erin Hurst.  The Medical Foundation will be providing quarterly laboratory testing and Dr. Jeffrey Mader will provide dental care. 

You can follow their progress and their struggles as they strive to hit their goal weight and become healthier individuals by following our and reading articles like the one published today in the Health section of the South Bend Tribune.