Weeks 33-39

There is a saying "it takes a village to raise a child." During the last six weeks, Briana's mom has been in and out of the hospital. As her mom's health is dwindling, I have seen a village of people gather together to support Brianna. Friends, family, neighbors, caretakers, and acquaintances have all stepped up to provide healthy meals and transportation, assistance with cooking, and support with hygiene and laundry. It is because she has had so much support that Briana has not missed any of her special activities or workouts and has continued to follow a healthy eating plan. In June, Briana was able to be a cheerleader with the Broncos cheerleaders, continue her classes at Pure Barre, and see me three times a week. We took a two week break from the end of June through the first week of July. During that time, Briana attended her first Hollywood Ball. I had the honor of being a guest. It was a treat to see Briana dressed in her gown, socializing with friends, and dancing to her heart's content. Following the ball, Briana left for camp. Her aunt reported back to me that last year Briana had a difficult time at camp. She was unable to do many of the physical activities and could barely find the strength to walk from one part of camp to the next. This year, she had strength and stamina. She was able to keep up with everyone. She rode a bicycle for the first time and loved it so much that she snuck away to do it on her own. When I saw her for the first time after camp, the first thing she told me was "I rode a bicycle all by myself!" Upon her return from camp, Briana was ready for her weigh in. After several weeks off, the Hollywood Ball, and camp, I was praying that she at least had maintained her weight. She had lost three pounds at her previous weigh in, bringing her total weight loss to 51 pounds one week before our break. Hitting the 50 pound mark was such an accomplishment for her. I didn't want to see her slide backwards. She needed to get some good news on the scale. When she stepped on, I tentatively glanced at the numbers. I promised myself that regardless of the news, I would let her know how proud I was and offer support to boost her confidence. When I saw 174, I asked her to step off then step on again. 174 showed up again. "Briana, you lost another two pounds!" I exclaimed. This brought her total weight loss to 53 pounds! I couldn't be more thrilled and either could she. She made her round of calls immediately and was beaming from ear to ear as she shared her news. As she got on the treadmill that day, she told me how she ate healthy at camp. "I didn't have dessert, not one little bit," she said with satisfaction. "I had a hamburger and french fries one time, just like you said I could, and that's it. I ate healthy!" I swelled with pride knowing that Briana is beginning to advocate for her own health. I feel confident that by the time the year is up, she will be able to choose wisely, exercise on her own, and live a healthy, active life. Briana's village has given her a quality of life she may never have known otherwise. I am so proud to be a small part of that village.