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Last Night's Big Surprise!

Dear Friends,

Okay, here's what's happening...

I just now got back to Los Angeles after a whirlwind flight to Sellersburg, Indiana where last evening, I made a surprise visit to our new Transformation Champion, Denise Taylor.

What I love about Denise is that she started with a 12-week Transformation back in 2003, and she has continued to transform ever since. Once she got her body in great shape, she moved on to transforming her emotional and spiritual health. As I shared time with her last night, I could feel how positive and bright her energy has become. She is humble, strong, and filled with love... she is simply a beautiful person.

bill-and-deniseI've been watching Denise from a distance for a long time. And she was chosen to be part of the Transformation Team for good reason. Her whole story is the topic of an upcoming Transformation TV special. For now, I want to share an example... Denise's 15-year old daughter Jonnae is battling leukemia. She is in a fight for her life. And her Mom is her teammate and best friend. In fact, when Jonnae was recently in the hospital for 6 weeks, Denise stayed by her side, day and night. She even worked out for those 6 weeks in the basement of the hospital so she could keep her strength and energy up, in order to give more support to Jonnae. Now that is what a Transformation Champion is all about... doing whatever it takes to be healthy and strong, physically, mentally and SPIRITUALLY. And then, the selflessness of giving all you have, holding nothing back, to CARE for others who need us.

I'll never forget the time shared with Denise, her beautiful family, and especially Jonnae, who inspired me with her courage, her faith, her sense of humor, and who made me laugh, smile, and cry more than I have in quite a while. I appreciate Denise, Jonnae, and her family so much right now as I am sitting here reflecting on the trip and unpacking my things.

I'm home for a few days now and then off to Florida next week to talk to a few hundred doctors about what they can do to help their patients start and sustain a healthy eating and exercise program. I'm looking forward to that!

Until next time...

Bill

PS: Oh, by the way, I brought an early, sweet-16 birthday present to Jonnae last night... it was the brand new car she had been visualizing and even had on her 'dream board' in her hospital room! She even gave me the first ride in it around the neighborhood. That girl can drive! =)

Car

 

May 8, 2008 | comments (52) | Notes from the Path

Tim wrote 122 Days Ago

Just read the amazing story. This is really really amazing. I'm a little choked up but okay. God Bless 100x's and Amen. That was a pretty good gift. Keep up your good works, and acts. You're inspiring...Thanks Tim "To another awesome day in paradise"

reppieren wrote 124 Days Ago

What a beautiful story!

AKABFLCHAMP wrote 137 Days Ago

The awesome thing about people sharing their life struggles is it gives most of us the perspective that our own lives are not so bad!

BlessedBlondi wrote 171 Days Ago

Bill I have been following your career for years. Thank you for your wonderful spirit and inspiring so many.

Plantman0819 wrote 174 Days Ago

God Be with you Bill, you are truly a giving and kindhearted man.

RUSTYDIVA58 wrote 180 Days Ago

BILL:You are truly a champion and Jonnae is my hero.I will be dedicating my next challenge to this brave courageous remarkable 16 year old. RUSTY

Kennie wrote 183 Days Ago

This made me cry. What a neat gift. Reminds me why the Make a Wish foundation is such an important charity for individuals that are in such challenging life situations. keep us posted on Jonnae's progress. kennie

TracyJeffries wrote 186 Days Ago

I cannot think of a better person to add to his Team. Bill's Team will never be the same. YOU are a HUGE BLessing Denise. Love,Love,LOve you sweets. Tracy

viz wrote 186 Days Ago

I thank God for heroes like you. Your faith, strength and courage are truly inspiriing. I'm with you in prayer to continue the fight and "kick leukemia in the butt!" May all your dreams become realities and may you always add to your dream board and never stop dreaming!!

Jim wrote 187 Days Ago

I love your statement,Jonnae, "I'm going to kick leukemia in the butt." That is courage and that is inspiration to all of us. Thank you.

TreasureKaren wrote 187 Days Ago

Thank you for sharing this story. What an inspiration the whole family is. I'm storming Heaven for you! Karen

micksan wrote 189 Days Ago

Bill - great work!! Denise and Jonnae's life has been blessed by your visit and love ! Life is not just about body building its also about empathy and love for others . Your energy and thoughtfulness is inspiring too all!! : Mickaro

belatony wrote 189 Days Ago

One of the reasons, I am now starting my very first Challenge is because you did this for the Taylors. I met Denise in the Bone Marrow Transplant parent lounge. My two year old son had his transplant a few weeks before Jonnae. It was so inspiring to see Denise sticking with everything while the rest of us were loading up on "not so great" cafeteria food. You definitely picked the right person!!! Her example is inspirational on many levels!

Crucky wrote 191 Days Ago

Bill, all I can say is "Thank you for being you". You have blessed my life and so many others in so many ways... I can't wait to thank you in person during the Cruise! Crucky

gotpeppernosalt wrote 192 Days Ago

Bill, You are an awesome person both inside and out. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all. We are truely blessed to have someone such as yourself in our lives. Holly

Silly wrote 193 Days Ago

Very, very cool.

CarrieAnn wrote 193 Days Ago

Bill, You have such a caring heart. What a wonderful surprise for Denise and Jonnae!! Thank you for the continued inspiration that you are. You're not just helping to restore to health the bodies of people that need it, but their hope as well. :o ) carrie

nygirl wrote 193 Days Ago

What a wonderful gift for Denise and Jonnae! Bill, you truly talk the talk and walk the walk! God bless you and the Taylor family. Jonnae, Happy 16th Birthday sweetie!! May you enjoy that car in abundant health and carefree happiness!!

rightlight wrote 194 Days Ago

-beautiful-

Heather wrote 194 Days Ago

Bill, You are a blessing to so many! This was an incredible and I'm sure unforgettable gift to Denise and Jonnae!!

Diane wrote 196 Days Ago

What ASTOUNDINGLY INCREDULOUS WONDERFUL news!!! *^*STARJUMPS*^* filled with great JOY and GRATITUDE for dear Denise and precious Jonnae : ). God's Most Gracious Blessings for YOU Bill, today and ALWAYS.

kathytnt wrote 196 Days Ago

Thank you BIll for recognizing the wonderful spirit of JOnna and her mom Denise. I met them on the guestbook on BFL and they are so deserving. What champions and warriors! Bill, Denise and Jonnae you are wonderful!!! You are all in my thoughts and prayers

jameshollis wrote 196 Days Ago

Hi Bill, Denise, and Jonnae! This is so cool. All three of you have reminded me that I'm a being of love at one time or another. I'm not surprised that life found a way to bring you three together. -JIM

wrote 196 Days Ago

This is so awesome for you and your family!

Paparock wrote 196 Days Ago

I saw Denise speak at a Tennessee event last year and I was so inspired by her strength! You have rewarded a very deserving family! Congrats Denise :) Bob

JanM wrote 197 Days Ago

What a fantastic story to start my connection with the new site off with! Denise and Jonnae are so amazing and I know your surprise will be a huge boost to their spirits Bill. Jan

GETHERDONELINDA wrote 197 Days Ago

This is an amazing story, I've been speechless all day, what a wonderful thing to do for this family. Happy Birthday Jonnae and many many more birthday wishes to come your way, congratulations Denise, Love Always, Linda

CinAz wrote 197 Days Ago

Bill, what an amazing thing you have done for this family. What a positive thing to have happened after all that they have been through. Having experienced a major personal tragedy last year, thinking there was no way I was going to cope with it, I would read Denise's posts on tracker. It made me realize that our situation was NOTHING compared to what she was dealing with. My children are healthy and in time will forget what has happened here and move forward. I believe that miracles do happen, and with Denise's faith and all the prayers that are being said for her daughter, her and her family, we will see one take place in their lives. I have decided to take Denise's approach and have started to use the negative and use it to turn it into positive with the BFL program. I wonder if you truly realize how many peoples lives you have changed with your words, actions and influence. Thank you and I look forward to meeting you in July. Carolynn

Carol wrote 197 Days Ago

I had to post my picture with Denise. She has been such an inspiration to me. Bill, you couldn't have chosen a more deserving champion. How exciting for Denise and Jonnae. Here's hoping they don't ever come down from that high. I told Denise that I'm inspired now to make my dream board. And, Bill Phillips' picture will be right in the center. If I dream it and work towards my goals, maybe one day I will meet him too. What a great piece of news. The only thing that could make this better is the news of Jonnae's recovery. Here's to many years of that teenager on the road in her new dream car! Thank you Bill for making so many dreams come true.

Bowroo wrote 197 Days Ago

WOW Bill.. That is so generous! You are an amazing man.. You have changed so many lives, including mine! Denise is such a great person and a huge inspiration! Everyone that has been reading her posts knows what a great mother and friend she is! I am so happy for her and Jonnae!! Gina

AimeeD wrote 197 Days Ago

Yep...it's that "different kind of ATP" Attitude, Tenacity and Persistant Planning! I have not forgotten that speech and have shared it with many! How exciting for 3 (Denise, Bill and Jonnae) of THE most inspiring people I know to come together! I know that you will all keep on driving forward to deliver your powerful message to the world and I am thrilled that Denise will be a part of sharing that! She is truly gifted, and A GIFT to many! Love ya! AimeeD

kjunkrzy wrote 197 Days Ago

Bill, this could not have happened to a better person. Denise inspired me from the first time I met her in Knoxville last year. She taught me ATP: attitude, tenacity, and planning. She truly is grace under fire, and just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. I so happy for her and Jonnae. Thank you, Bill for seeing what so many of us already knew. Kelly

pam wrote 197 Days Ago

Denise, I have been reading your posts for a while and I have been inspired to say the least. Every time I think this is to hard I think about your doing it at a hospital with your daughter going though so much. You both restore my faith and make me want to fight for my life back. I was not surprised at all that you were asked to be on Bills team. You are a Champion in deed! Thank You

Golden621 wrote 197 Days Ago

That's so awesome, Bill!! You never cease to amaze me. -- Leigh

WahooMike wrote 197 Days Ago

Congrats to Denise and Jonnae - there is no one more deserving than these two gracious and humble women. Bill, you made the right decision in selecting Denise as a Transformation Champion. Not only has she transformed herself, she is in the process of inspiring and helping others to transform as well.

Devildogs_Doll wrote 197 Days Ago

Bill, thanks for doing this for our fellow tracker member, Denise. I've watched her posts daily about her daughter. Some days I just didn't know what to say to her. What do you say to someone going through such a thing? What could I possibly say to ease some of the pain, grief, and frustration she could be feeling? I couldn't think of anything. Sometimes I'd offer some words of encouragement, but so many times I'd just be silent and pray for her. Thank you so much for doing for her what all of us at the tracker site would have done for her if we had the means. I'm so glad to see this coming right at a point when they have been going through such a difficult time. Congratulations Jonnae and Denise and thank you for all you're doing to inspire others!

Humdinger wrote 197 Days Ago

The BEST! Kevin

Humdinger wrote 198 Days Ago

BILL... YOU are absolutely the best. GANG...are YOU getting it?? It's not about what you get GET. It's what you can GIVE. Thank you so much Bill. Kevin Springfield IL

bagley61 wrote 198 Days Ago

Denise is an inspiration to all of us and I am so proud of her for her strength and passion. Jonnae - How cool is that!? A new car and meet Bill Phillips! You rock girl. Thanks Bill - That was incredibly generous of you and I am sure that was a major pick me up for Denise and Jonnae to keep fighting. Paul

TaraTN wrote 198 Days Ago

You couldn't have picked a better Transformation Champion. Bill, thank you for changing my life with BFL! Tara

jillybean wrote 198 Days Ago

WOW! This is so incredible. Bill, your generosity and kindness continue to blow me away. What an awesome gift to a special girl and a wonderful woman. I know that Denise is going to continue to be an inspiration to many many people out there who need encouragement to transform. She truly is a Champion. Jill

JT4BFL wrote 198 Days Ago

Bill, What a wonderful thing you have done for Denise, Jonnae and her family! Denise was here in Knoxville, TN, last October for our Champions' Weekend and she is truly an inspirational speaker and example of a transformed life style. Despite all their challenges, she and Jonnae made all of her supporters/encouragers a FROG (Fully Rely On God) bracelet. I wear mine with pride! Thank you for all you do! -Jessie Trotter :)

Zooman wrote 198 Days Ago

Jonnae emailed me yesterday and told me about your visit and the fact that you have made one of her dreams come true. I think that is the most awesome thing I have seen in a long time. I wanted to thank you also because it is something I'll always remember and Mr. Phillips, you have always inspired me and will continue to do so to become a better person.

sunlightandshadows wrote 198 Days Ago

Denise and Jonnae Your words and story have touched my heart more than you will ever know in the short time I have 'known' you (online). I do not know of anyone who deserved this more than you - you are a light, an inspiration, a guide and beacon. You shine even when 'the weather is bad' - you turn every challenge into growth and I respect you immensely. For Jonnae - I look forward to seeing pictures of you in your wonerful new car! You are a star and even though I do not know you - I wish you so much joy. Bill - The perfect gift for both and your timing was probably the best it could have been. Amazing Namaste Jaki

keithpatricks wrote 198 Days Ago

Bill you inspire me to to do better with my personal life, and with my business! I am ready for my transformation all the way around! Keith

Laura wrote 198 Days Ago

This is the best way I could ever awke this am. I actually wrote Denise & Jonnae yesterday to ask if they wer ok!! LOL..I am BEEMING from ear to ear with your BEAUTIFUL visit! The car was just a bonus! You must of made her world! That was without a doubt the best gift you could of given her! What a help to her recovery your love & compassion to go there and be with them,sharing,talking,caring & hugging! I am so very happy you are a part of their life & so many others thru the years. THIS is who I always thought you were. Now I know you are even better than that! Your gifts come from the heart & that is a place where no money lives..just true love God wants us all to share! I'd say you are a PERFECT EXAMPLE of God's LOVE! Amen,Brother!!!!!! Hugs,Laura

deniset wrote 198 Days Ago

What an amazing man, experience and blessing. It just occured to me how I can express the magnitude of the joy I know as a result of it. As a child of God and one who longs to serve Him with every word, action and deed, my ultimate dream is to hear my Heavenly Father say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" (Matt.25:23 NIV) and "this is my beloved with whom I am well pleased." (Matt 3:17). As a human here on earth, it has been my earthly dream, since I finished my first 12 week BFL challenge in 2003, to hear Bill Phillips, the author and creator of BFL to say, "you are a Champion! Will you be an ambassador for transformation, work with me and be on my team?" Does that help you realize the elation I know from Bill's surprise visit? Does that help you realize that as you put goals into action, based on your dreams, you will see those dreams become reality? The sky is the limit, I can't wait to fly higher and higher as one of Bill's Transformation Team Players, knowing that as I LIVE the dream here on earth, I will realize the ulitmate dream in Heaven.

Sharen wrote 198 Days Ago

WOW!! Congratulations! This is wonderful news! I am so very happy for your family! I must admit to being choked up and having tears of joy in my eyes for you all! We will all be very excited to read and hear more! Mr. Phillips, you never cease to amaze. God Bless you all!!

Shane wrote 198 Days Ago

As you said Bill "thats what a Transformation Champion is all about". What an inspring story and I am excited to learn more. I read your posts Denise on the old Transformation site and was inspired by you. I am also inspired by the gift you brought her daugher Bill, its not the car it's the caring gesture that it was. I continue to be amazed to learn that the man I saw on stage at my Superconference is turning out to be as awesome as I thought you were.. Thanks for caring and congratulations on your Transformation Bill. I cant imagine the joy you must feel.

martygoldman wrote 199 Days Ago

I just can't over it. Her prayers and dreams came true!!!!! I am Estatic from the depths of my heart!!!!!!!! I am having the time of my life watching this. What will happen next. Stay tuned to Transformation Life!!!!!

martygoldman wrote 199 Days Ago

God Bless You Bill! What a joy. Beautiful story!! You are so kind!!!! Can't wait to talk to her!!!!!!!! I

Blue wrote 199 Days Ago

Wow, all of those times I would take a quick look at the board and read Denise’s posts, it was so hard to imagine….and now to see this….it makes you just stop and realize how special some things are.

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