In early February, 2011, during a visit to my doctor he asked, “John, what do you weigh now?” “290.” “Two years ago you weighed 270 pounds. You told me you were going to lose some weight by dieting and exercise. What happened?” “Well, I got down to 270 just before the holidays but I popped back up.” He sighed. “John, come back next week, and I have a homework assignment for you. Look around and see how many old, fat people you see. Then tell me if you really want to carry the weight in to your late 50’s.” I went back next week with a different outlook. “Are you ready to do... [Read more]
My husband Justin and I have always loved the sport of rowing. For as long as I can remember it has been a passion of ours and even though we’re new to the Lake Nona area, we are certainly not new to rowing. With more than 33 years of combined experience, it’s our hope to bring new sporting opportunities to East Orlando and Central Florida while adding to the overall health and activity level of our neighbors. Our rowing team, South Orlando Rowing Association (SORA), has programs for anyone who is passionate or even just interested in learning about rowing. But starting last month, we began a whole new phase of programming that has... [Read more]
The rumors have been swirling about the Lynx bus service lately. Some people are under the impression that a new Lynx bus will service this side of town, that fares will increase and that the PickUpLine service will be changed. But those rumors are actually untrue. According to John Lewis, the CEO of Lynx, the only service change that will affect the East Orlando area at this time is the splitting of Link 30. The Link 30, which ran from Winter Garden to the University of Central Florida, needed to have it’s route cut in half as it had to cover such a large area and, therefore, has trouble staying on schedule. “It’s impossible... [Read more]
Dr. Brent Baldasare There are two events in my life that changed my awareness of my “self” and everything that surrounds me. First, an injury during a college football game left me paralyzed for four days. I felt pain, fear and isolation that I hope I never experience again. It taught me that I cannot control the outcome of every situation and I am a very tiny insignificant piece of this entire universe. It also changed the entire course of my life and career path. At the time I had a very big ego and this was a hard way for me to get this lesson. When my wife first heard my story I remember her saying, “Life gives you the test... [Read more]
I now have two dates each year that are personally meaningful. The first being a true celebration of life, my birthday, and the second is the anniversary of being cancer-free. I am a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a friend and now I am a Survivor. My cancer has changed not only my life, but the lives of those around me. My faith and a wonderful support system gave me the strength and courage to fight this disease and helped me teach my daughters how to triumph over adversity. Judy Procell beat breast cancer and now volunteers and travels the country to share her personal experience with other breast cancer patients and survivors. My personal... [Read more]
