Having seen so many of my family members and friends suffer through the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, I decided a year ago to take personal responsibility for my own health. By working with a physical trainer and a nutritionist, I have shed 85 pounds, and I enjoy a much more active and vibrant life. Achieving my goals of losing the remaining 50 pounds, participating in a triathlon and lowering my risk for heart disease, cancers and diabetes is within my sights. I thought life was great before, but now it is awesome. There are very few things holding me back from whatever I want to do -- hiking, running, and even riding my bike 8 miles to work!