Success Stories 2013

Do you know a GVSU faculty or staff member who serves as a role model for others living a healthy lifestyle? Nominate your co worker for our next newsletter!

December 2013: Rosie Blakeslee

Rosie Blakeslee, Systems Analyst, has much to be thankful for this holiday season. Reflecting on the past year, Rosie celebrates the fact that she didn't let pain control her life. While walking her dog last November, Rosie was hit by a car injuring her back, left leg and right foot. Rosie was diagnosed over 15 years ago with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain disorder, and although she is used to living with pain, the extent of the pain from her injuries was more than she could cope with. Read More About Rosie...

November 2013: Marcia Frobish

Marcia Frobish, Director of the Math and Stat Center, used to spend her summers working in the yard, exercising daily, and enjoying more relaxed workdays. This summer, Marcia became a warrior. After taking her doctors advice to receive a baseline mammogram at the young age of 35, Marcia was given the news that she was diagnosed with type 2A breast cancer. Read More About Marcia...

October 2013: Debbie Morrow

Debbie Morrow, Liaison Librarian, has been utilizing the Field House pool for exercise for 20+ years. She began exercising in the pool as a means to stay active and in shape, recently Debbie found the benefits of exercising in the pool to reach far beyond physical aspects. Read More About Debbie...

September 2013: Pat & Brent Smith

Over the last year, Pat Smith, Deputy University Counsel, and her husband Brent, Assistant Professor in Liberal Studies, decided to alter their wellness habits. The result? A combined weight loss of more than 60 pounds!

August 2013: Scott Whisler

Scott Whisler, Project Manager in Facilities Planning, has made running and marathon training a way of life. Scott has completed 23 marathons, an Ironman, 4 half Ironmans, and about 45 other races since 2007. I am always looking for the next challenge, being fit and finding new challenges is what keeps me going. Read More About Scott...

July 2013: Daphne Villatoro

Do you have the running bug? Daphne Villatoro, affiliate Spanish professor, does! Daphne began running in June 2012 after witnessing family medical issues transpire. Since then, Daphne has lost 50 pounds and 5 pant sizes. In addition to weight loss, Daphne says that she has more energy and uses exercise as her main stress reliever. Read More About Daphne...

June 2013: Kathy Rice

As Kathy Rice of University Development approached an age where many of her family members experienced heart disease related complications, she made the decision to say no to medications and yes to eating healthy and exercising daily. As a result of her efforts and support of a UMR Health Coach, her doctor no longer recommends that she be on prescription medication and Kathy has lost over 20 pounds by changing her health habits. Read More About Kathy...

May 2013: Charter Schools Office

The Charter Schools Office staff are members of the YMCA, participants in the Healthy Choices Wellness Program, and creators of their very own inner-office healthy choices competition. They are taking initiative to make healthier choices and develop a more sustainable lifestyle by individualizing their program and adding a little "healthy" competition. Read More About The Charter Schools Office...

April 2013: Kevin Johnson
Kevin Johnson, a Grand Valley Facilities Services staff member, has just begun his fitness journey. Kevin started walking the track after his shift at the Fieldhouse about two weeks ago. Already, Kevin notices more energy throughout the day and easier breathing patterns. He tries to incorporate 7 hours of walking a week into his schedule as well as biking when he can. One of Kevin's goals for this summer is to participate in a long distance bicycle race up north. Read More About Kevin...

March 2013: College of Engineering and Computing
Faculty and staff members, in the Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering and Computing, are truly embracing health and wellness in many aspects of their lives! We are highlighting not just one but, TWO success stories this month to provide a little extra motivation! Read More About the College of Engineering and Computing...

February 2013: Katie Clark
Katie Clark, a systems analyst for GVSUs Information Technology Department, has been taking small steps and long bicycle rides to help cure diabetes. Katie started training for her first Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Ride to Cure in 2006, soon after her daughter, Ellie, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Clark, herself, was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease when she was only 2 years old. Read More About Katie...

January 2013: Kirsten Bartels
Kirsten Bartels, an Honors Faculty Fellow, shares a vegan lifestyle with her daughter, Lauren. Lauren (who is 12), became a vegetarian due to her passion for animals. Through watching documentaries such as Food, Inc. and the Future of Food, she decided to take it to a more sustainable and planet-healthy level by becoming vegan. Read More About Kirsten...

To view other success stories, click on one of the links below:

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Page last modified September 29, 2020