What Inspired Me to Become an Advocate

Cherie Desjardin’s advocacy journey began in 2013, when she underwent gastric bypass surgery through a small program with minimal post-operative follow-up. As a healthcare professional, she had the knowledge and support to navigate her recovery—but she quickly realized that most patients without that background faced a very different reality.

“I knew firsthand how isolating it could feel. It made me realize we needed to do better for patients who didn’t have the tools or support to navigate their journey.”

The spark to take action truly ignited at her first Your Weight Matters National Convention in 2014. Surrounded by patients, advocates and healthcare professionals, Cherie realized that her personal experience could be a powerful tool to create change—not just for herself, but for others navigating similar journeys.

A Proud Advocacy Moment

One of Cherie’s most memorable moments came at work after reaching her goal weight. She noticed how perceptions had shifted; people no longer saw her as someone living with obesity. One day, a colleague made a hurtful comment about a patient. Rather than staying silent, Cherie spoke up. She explained why the remark was inappropriate and reached out to the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) for educational materials to share with her team.

“That was the moment I realized my voice could make a real difference. Even small actions can have a lasting impact, especially when you have the right resources and support.”

Her effort was well received, and it reminded her that advocacy is often about seizing small, meaningful moments to educate and influence those around you.

Advocacy in Work and Community

Cherie has since expanded her advocacy in both professional and community settings. When her facility began offering bariatric surgery on a limited basis, she leveraged her experience as both a patient and healthcare professional to help develop a patient guide. She shared resources and guidance to ensure patients felt informed, supported and empowered throughout their journeys.

Outside the hospital, Cherie has applied her advocacy skills in the community. After joining her local League of Women Voters chapter, she volunteered for Lobby Days at the state capital, speaking confidently with legislators about healthcare and obesity care. She also shared OAC resources with her local network, encouraging others to contact their representatives and advocate for policies affecting patients at the state level.

Advice for New Advocates

Cherie encourages anyone interested in advocacy to start small and build confidence.

“Reach out to OAC—they provide excellent resources. Begin with emails, and as you gain confidence, you can call your local and state representatives. Every action counts. Advocacy is powerful, and once you start, it becomes contagious—you want to do more.”

Her story demonstrates how personal experience, professional insight and courage combine to create meaningful change. From patient to healthcare professional to community advocate, Cherie has shown that one person’s voice—when used thoughtfully and persistently—can transform care, influence policy and inspire others.

Advocacy isn’t about perfection or grand gestures. It’s about speaking up, educating others and seizing every opportunity to make the world a better place for people living with obesity. Cherie’s experience proves that when passion meets action, real change is possible—and it starts with a single voice willing to be heard.