Radiating with Positive Energy

Have you ever met someone who inspires you after talking to them for only a few minutes? I was fortunate enough to meet a person who does just that.  Verne Wagner has the ultimate positive attitude - and it's contagious.  He is passionate about taking action to quell the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity in our area's youth.  After my first meeting with Verne, I found myself re-energized and grateful... Grateful that Verne was committed and wanted to work with Fit City Duluth and our efforts.

You see, Verne was given a tremendous opportunity by an unlikely source, and he plans to make the most of it...

One year ago, Verne Wagner and his son, Patrick, had no way of predicting what an incredible transformation the two would undergo in 2008.

Verne had fallen into an unhealthy lifestyle, engaging in little regular exercise coupled with a love for cooking good food without a consideration given to nutrition.  Over the course of several years, Verne's weight had crept up to a point where Verne admitted "I didn't recognize myself in the mirror anymore."

At 22 years old, Verne's son, Patrick, who was also overweight, had developed a lifestyle that included a lot of screen time, little exercise, and too much unhealthy food.

Verne was more concerned about his son than himself.  "I wanted to make a difference in my kid's life. That's a parent's job - to inspire your kids and be an example."

So when he heard about Dr. Phil's Ultimate Weight Loss Race, he thought it might be the best thing he could do for his son - and of course, himself.

Just fewer than 17,000 hopefuls applied to take part in Dr. Phil's Ultimate Weight Loss Race, and in the end, 6 teams of 2 were chosen.  That's right, Verne and Patrick, the only father and son team, were chosen as contestants.

We will all have a chance to view their Dr. Phil's Ultimate Weight Loss Race journey because it will be airing soon on the Dr. Phil show.  Verne insists it won't disappoint.  Of all the contestants, Verne was the oldest by more than a decade.  The younger contestants did not seem to have an advantage - Verne asserts that in the challenges, the Baby Boomer generation will be proud.

Verne and Patrick have been back in the reality of everyday life in Duluth, MN for a couple of months.  Their routine is quite strict and it's up to them to continue to make good on their continued weight loss efforts.  Verne and Patrick work out 6 days a week, cardio and weights.  Verne now cooks with health as a priority, and his wife, Mari, enjoys his cooking more than ever.  She's lost a dress size without even needing to.

Verne realizes that this once in a lifetime opportunity, given to Patrick and himself by the Dr. Phil show, is an opportunity to help others avoid AND overcome obesity and the many preventable diseases associated with it. 

Congratulations Verne and Patrick!  Your achievements and hard work are truly inspiring!
(We hope to feature Patrick in our next E-Newsletter).*  

*Contributed by Mimi Stender, Director, Fit City Duluth