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Contestant's Case to Win

While being a single parent and working full-time as a FDNY (Fire Department of New York) Rescue Paramedic I decided to go back to college to get my second Bachelor’s degree. This second degree led to my going to Graduate school to obtain a Master’s degree in Immunohematology and then a Doctorate in Public Health. My intent was to go to third world countries and help establish health programs. That desire soon changed when while working as a Paramedic I came face to face with a 9-year old child that weighed almost 200 pounds. At that moment I realized that before I could go fix someone else’s home I needed to fix my own.
I had always been involved in fitness, but it soon became a passion. I noticed either kids were signed up for so many activities that parents didn’t have time for their self or you had parents who went to the gym while their child(ren) sat in the Kid’s area playing video games. In addition, families barely spent time together. The economy being what it is I had to work a lot more which meant more time away from my son. There was also a lack of knowledge of health issues in the community and teens had a hard time finding places to learn lifelong skills while still allowing them to be teenagers. As result of all of that I opened up Family Fitness Unlimited. A fitness studio that provides fun fitness classes such as Latin dance, Zumba, Capoiera, Breakdancing and yoga, for all ages plus family classes, health classes, CPR training and a teen group, giving teens a place where as a team they work on different volunteer projects, learn interview skills and health issues.
This business was opened using my single income and after 8 months of having opened I continue to have to cover both my household and the business including payroll, for the most part on my single income. Business continues to grow however since being a relatively new business it's been really difficult to afford regular advertisement. Instead, I've had to use most of my spare time to go around promoting the fitness studio. My 8- year old son and I have had to forego certain “luxuries” and even cutting down on some basics for the good of the community. I work nights for the city and then spend my days, 7 days a week, at the fitness studio. It’s not the easiest of tasks, but it has been truly satisfying. It has allowed me to make a difference and also spend time with my son. It takes a few people to come together to improve a community. Winning such a competition would be a major help. The exposure would prove to be priceless allowing me to further grow my business and reach more of the community.
My motto has been "don't think about it just have fun". I along with my staff encourage people of all fitness levels and of all ages to exercise. It's about taking the first step and working with what you have. We take the time to talk to the clients and thereby building personal relationships. The clients also build relationships with each other, encouraging each other and also commenting when someone has improved. It could be said that we've built a little family. We, at Family Fitness Unlimited, do this because we love it. The community has been graciously welcoming and spread the word about Family Fitness Unlimited to their friends and family, that along with my son is what encourages me to keep going. To say that being a single parent is hard would be an understatement. Now add career and business owner and one would wonder how it's even possible. My family, friends and clients have praised me and see me as an inspiration to people of all ages, referring to me as Super Woman or Wonder woman. I see it simply as my civic and parental duty.

http://www.liherald.com/westhempstead/westhempstead/stories/New-studio-brings-fitness-to-the-whole-family,36066?page=1&content_source