When I decided to pursue personal training as a career all I really wanted to do was spend most of my days in shorts, tennis shoes, and a t-shirt. I loved working out and I hoped people would want to workout with me . To this day, I love walking in any gym. I get a little excited still. I knew I'd meet all kinds of people. What I never counted on was the relationships I would develop. I had been personal training for about 3 months when an older man named "John" came in to the gym. As we talked he revealed to me that he had AIDS.  I immediately did as much research as I could about his condition. I talked to his doctor and he informed me that John needed to stay as active as possible. Within  a few months John was hospitalized for the flu. He died 4 days later. I went to see him the day before he died and what affected me the most was that he was alone. No family. No friends. I bought him some flowers and a balloon and told him I would check in on him. When he passed away I was devastated. 

   As the years passed I would meet clients, who would become friends. I watched people go through the loss of loved ones, births of their children, marriages, divorces you name it. I developed very strong connections and attachments. When my clients were upset or hurt, it affected me. 4 years ago when I went through my own divorce, the same people that had confided in me over the years were now there for me. One family in particular gave me so much guidance, love and support. Patti  and Maurene(sisters) always believed in me. They told me to fight for my son and never give up. As grueling as my divorce was , I pushed forward. It was the support of my close friends that got me through those times. The day before Halloween last year, I got a phone call from Patti. She wanted to tell me that she had cancer and she wasn't going to make her thursday appt. My heart sank. I drove home, canceled the rest of my day, sat on my bed and cried. My Aunt had died of cancer. She was the one person in my family who told me to believe in myself and do what I love. Patti and her family had always meant so much to me. I was heart broken. It was hard to look at her. Why do bad things happen to good people? Patti has two beautiful children and the most amazing husband. I often told her that I strove to be like her and her husband Michael. They always seemed to "do it right". I would have fallen apart. For all my talk, I'm just not that tough. As the months passed, Patti endured 5 chemotherapy treatments. She struggled at times, but made it to every workout. She always smiled. Always made me laugh. She doesn't know this, but after each appointment I had to break down a little.  What moved me was her determination. This thing wasn't going to define who she was. She walked in that door with so much love, strength, courage and honor. She left me inspired everyday. Tomorrow Patti endures her final chemo appointment.  True champions push themselves. True Champions fight. And true champions get up when they have been knocked down. Tonight I'm sending much love to Patti, Michael, Ethan, and Zoe. 

   Patti, you are a true champion, and I am honored to call you my friend.