I really don't know how I can write this but here goes.....

I've been disabled for 7 years now I've had numerous lower back surgeries, especially when a doctor puts screws in the wrong place makes me mad but it is what it is. I've struggled with exercising and eating healthy for a lot of years until Jan. of this year. I went to see a back specialist and they now state I need another surgery L2, L3 so I have had enough. I was searching the internet and I came across a EFL forum I've read what everyone posted and I was like Wow! Okay, so I went and bought 2 books one was the Eating Right For Life, and the other Body For Life. It took me almost 2 weeks to read through the books but when I did I was so pumped up that I said this will be for me. I started my transformation on Feb1st my wife and I do see some changes in my body as well as feeling totally awesome, I went from 224 to 201 in 11 weeks, I am so proud of myself but I running into some problems and I just feel like giving up. My exercising isn't much because of my disability there are times when I do a bit too much I get excruiating pain down my legs and I fall over at times. I cannot even walk I would have to stop working out for a couple of weeks. It gets me very angry inside of me but I just don't know what else to do? Honestly though everyday I get up I just want to say I can't go on but then I see how far I've come and it keeps me going. I just get tired I guess, when I saw that Bill Phillips redone this website I was like kool, cause I tell ya there are times when I could sure use some support. Anyways I just wanted to share a bit about myself.
God bless
Jerome

Jerome - Keep it up. Even though you have physical challenges the work you able to do is making you stronger. Look at and celebrate what you have accomplished. We re here for you!

Hey Jerome - I am proud of you for posting this. Your story inspires me tremendously. Although I have had injuries and back problems, my pain is no where near what you must be experiencing. To read your story and see your positive attitude and your never give up spirit is very inspiring. I can't give you any advice, but I wanted you to know that your determination has given me a new sense of purpose as I push through on my last 2 weeks of my first challenge. For that, I thank you!

WaHooWa!!!

JEROME!

Buddy, when I first read your profile...something about it just struck me right in the heart. I could tell you were a fellow who "gets" LIFE, and has probably experienced a whole lot of life.

I don't know why you're in the position you're in. But I can tell you this. You are here for a reason. You, my friend, were CREATED to make a difference. And because of your disabilities, and this sure is easy for me to say as I'm pretty well functional, so forgive me...but Jerome...you have a gift in your hands. The decision that lies before you is this - are you going to let life and all of its circumstances, all of its trials...life's terms in general...are you going to let them get the best of you??

Or are you going to pass your heart of hope on to the next person that needs...a heart of hope?

Let's grab onto hope, and let's grab onto prayer...and you keep doing your part. You still have your body. It's not going away. BE good to yourself. It's my opinion that God expects NOTHING less.

Right now, step aside - take a deep breath...and go find somebody and encourage them. Right now. Why? From my perspective...it's why the hek not?!!

Proud of you-

Kevin
Springfield IL

Hey Jerome!

You are an inspiration to me and others Hang in there and fight through the desire to quit. God does make junk and there are others out there who need to hear your story.

You will be in my prayers.

Julia

Wait God does not make junk and he made you, sorry about that!

In 2004, Body for Life selected as their Grand Champion Julie Whitt of Marion, Va. Julie's physical transformation wasn't as remarkable as some of her co-champions on the surface. You look at her pictures and the blurb on her and think "okay...so she went through 4 challenges. Big deal."

I hate to say it, but I thought that. Then I ran across her profile on another site. In her own words (from bodyforlife-tracker.com)

---Copied from bodyforlife-tracker.com---

I’ve been living the Body-For-LIFE/Eating-For-LIFE way of life for two years.

At age 19, I had lymphoma and the treatments nearly destroyed my lungs. I developed interstitial lung disease, a permanent condition. Through the years I’ve been plagued with serious lung infections, the last one culminating in pneumonia. I was on life-support and in a coma for weeks and it took months to rehabilitate.

I have 25% of the lung capacity that I need, or in other words, half of a lung! BFL was my pathway out of the destruction. Last year I was alive, but this year I’m living! When I began my first challenge, I was in such bad shape, I had to wear oxygen to do the least little thing. The first challenge changed my life forever and in 12 weeks I only needed supplemental oxygen with intense exercise. By my second challenge, I was doing well and my feeding tube was removed. Unfortunately, I stayed sick with bronchitis throughout the challenge. I even got thrown in the ICU for a day, but I made that free day, and never missed a workout until…the dreaded lung contusion in March. I was bench pressing at home and my bench malfunctioned and I instantly went from flat to decline and was thrown backwards onto a set of dumbbells. At the time, I thought, “I’m ok” and I even finished the workout. Three days later I was in the hospital in screaming pain, coughing up blood. This was the lowest point of my entire life. Here I was, trying to improve my situation, and I got hurt in the process. I had to start wearing oxygen again 24 hours a day. Still recovering from the contusion, I started my third challenge doing what I call “turtle” cardio and “weightless” strength training. I soon graduated to rolls of coins and then back to dumbbells. After six weeks or so, I had gotten myself back to where I was before the contusion and just used oxygen for exercise.

During this time, I found out that I had won the inspirational category of the EAS Jump-Start! Only God understands just how much that meant to me. During Challenge Three I endured a week of tests at Duke University Medical Center to be evaluated for lung transplant. I was hoping I would improve so much that I wouldn’t need it. During the heart catheterization, they found that my right coronary artery had collapsed from radiation damage. They did emergency surgery that day to correct it. On to Challenge Four! A few weeks later I get “the call”. Not only was I listed for double-lung transplant, but heart transplant as well. It appears that I’m developing radiation-induced coronary artery disease. This just devastated me until…I changed my thinking. A year ago, I couldn’t even be considered for transplant. Now I’m able to pass the exercise and other requirements to be considered. During Challenge Five, I spent two days in the hospital with chest pain and had another heart catheterization. Everything turned out to be fine and I continued with the program.

During Challenge Six, Porter Freeman came to town and crowned me the EAS Inspirational Grand Champion for 2004! To God be the glory! I don't know what the future holds for me, but the BFL lifestyle will be the one constant I can count on. I want to spend the rest of my life helping and inspiring others.

--

Julie died from complications related to her lung transplant on December 19, 2005. I have a picture on my wall of her oxygen tank and champions jacket taken just before her last workout.

I can't imagine just how much pain you are in. I can't promise you that the pain will go away one day. I can promise this. If you commit with everything you have to this 12 week process, you will find the key to change your life forever.

It's not about doing the challenge the way everyone else does it. It's about doing it in a way that works for you. There is not a single person on the planet who can't do this program. Julie, Paul Sullivan, and dozens of other inspirational champions and runner up champions have taught me that. I know it hurts, I know there are days you just can't move. Don't forget, when all you can do is lift your hands, LIFT YOUR HANDS! Don't ever stop pushing to be the best you possibly can be.

We are all here for you and pulling hard Jerome. You can do this.

Thank you everyone, you all have me in tears here as I'm reading this. I will push on!
God Bless
Jerome

Well, I will be finishing up my 12 weeks by this Sunday May 18th and I start my new 12 weeks again May 19th. It was very hard for me because of my lower back but I did it. I just pray I can keep going for another 12 weeks. I've lost weight because my pants size went down from 38 to a 36 and all my shirts went from XXLG to a Large so I do see some changes. Anyways I just wanted to share.
God bless
Jerome

Plantman
I feel horrible as I haven't had nearly as much time to cruise thru everything here and read about everyone ..I read some of your posts before as you kinow but this one escaped me..I did not know about your disabilty from your back and by gollie I can and DO COMPLETLEY UNDERSTAND! My hubby had a motorcycle accident June -04-05 and is still disabled and we have had all the up's and down's and all around of everything from emotional,fiancial,physical and just plain pain of it all..so after THAT wears at your nerves then you start looking for alternatives..we have been able to achieve a life long goal of mine to take care of foster childern and help CHANGE thier lives for the better..it is a win /win situation for our fam,ily and hopefully a help to recovery to thiers as well. We were not as a family doing the TRansformation,just me because I was the "fattest" but because of the growth of it all and all the GOOD it brings to our lives w/sharing & caring ,it is that I take to heart the most herre..At times I get frustrated because I have worn out my back a bit too and things are tougher..but I do as much as I can..thats all anyone can do..all the while living the healthier attitude style and better eating habits..today we went to BJ wholsale and bought a ton of HEALTHHY whole foods,I look like something out of Martha Stewart show! LOLOLOLOLOL..But it is the mindset that keeps me going..my hubby needs it too..although I can't take away your paiin ,his or mine ,I CAN ENCOURAGE YOU to do the best you can as you DESERVE the BEST!!!! Hugs and Healthier US in 08' ,Laura

Jerome -

I just wanted you to know that I dedicated my HIIT cardio to you yesterday. I want to thank you, because I have been stuck at the same level for my 10 for about a week. I pushed through it yesterday, because it meant something more to me. Thanks brother!

WaHooWa!!

Jerome,

Keep pushing on as you have....May 18th is a day to celebrate your victory and move onto the next one. We're all here for you when you need us!

Shannon

Jerome,
The hurdles for each of us are different. And obviously you've got some big hurdles. The thing that's most important to remember is we aren't forced to quit, we choose to quit. No matter how many times you fall, get up and keep pressing forward. If it's not a full out sprint, so be it, but just keep moving forward.

I've watched my daughter overcome monstrous hurdle after monstrous hurdle and even though she is full aware that there are many more to come, she keeps pressing forward. Think of this 15 year old girl and her tenacious spirit. and let her be fuel to you. Know that you can overcome any adversity that comes your way.

Blessings,
Denise

Jerome,
I feel and know your frustrations because I too am disabled. I have partial use of my left side due to head trama and I've tried and tried to compete in the BFL Challenge ony to give up out of that frustration. Only when I gave up the idea of competing in the challenge and just working the program did I make the change. Instead of 12 weeks to make this drastic change, I freed myself of time constrants and focused on just getting better. It made all the difference in the world . Hope that helps. Good luck.

Jerome and Steve,
Just the thought of you giving it all that you have given your situations is truly inspiring. While most struggle with the simple choice to make a change, few are faced with such profound obstacles. We are all very proud of you two for doing the best you can. Please don't like your frustration discourage you. While you may not have as easy of a time as others, your outcome will multitudes more rewarding. Take care of your body to the best of your ability, and in return it will take care of you.

Will

Clara brought up a great example. There is a site that was created for Julie Whitt. The torch site. The Torch - Index
Go there and read her blogs and story. It will truly inspire you to go on. She was an amazing woman and will continue to inspire people for years to come.

Stay strong. Find out what exercises you are doing that cause you the severe pain. Change them so they don't aggravate your back.. Speak to a back specialist and tell him what you are doing, what it results in and see if he can recommend exercises that won't cause the result you've been getting.. Don't give up, you will end up feeling much worse in the long run. Think of where you were before you started this. I am sure it was much worse then you are now. Don't give up, don't ever give up!

Jerome,

YOU ARE damn amazing. Hear it, accept it, and own it. I admire your will and fire. Don't let it go. My hand is out, grab it if you need it.

Clarissa

Powerful post, Lite!

Jerome,

I'm glad Clara posted the info on Julie and someone else posted the Torch link....wonderful story and wonderful website.

Let me add that I have also struggled with significant neck/back pain and am about 30% disabled with permanent impairment from a car accident last year. I've not lifted weights in probably 6 months or more. It is EXTREMELY frustrating to me that I cannot lift the weights...espcially knowing what I was capable of..and what I've done/accomplished in the past with BFL.

What I have learned over the last year is this....do what I can...when I can...where I can. I'm not the originator of that thought..the great BFL champ Stephen Cater came up with that one...but it is an important concept to grasp.

You should NOT do exercises that your doctor would frown upon...I'll just say that upfront. But for me personally I know what levels of pain I can take and have a tendancy to push myself really hard despite what I know will be painful consequences.

Focus on the CAN...not the CANNOT....it is truely hard to get past the CANNOT and 'victim' role that we can assign ourselves when things happen that our out of our control(my accident..your surgeries)...but if you can just reach past that into what IS possible...then you will find yourself willing and able to make permanent changes.

Feel free to send me email anytime...

Good luck,
Stephanie

Just thought I give an update to what's going on with my back. As of Tuesday the Doctor's want to implant a spinal cord stimulator into my spine to help with some of the pain.The verdict is still out on that one. I just don't know what to do???
I'm tired of the paralysis in my legs if i'm up for a period I get shooting sharp pain in my legs then i fall over and can't get up for a few minutes it is a bit scary though. So my wife and I are really praying and giving it great consideration about the implant stimulator the only downfall is I cannot workout for a month or two but I still can eat clean. I just don't know what else can be done for me. So please keep me in prayers.
Thanks
God bless
Jerome