Your Action Builds Community and Transforms Lives Like Lisa’s

We’ve all experienced moments when we needed support — and moments when someone else needed ours. That’s the power of community, and OAC Member Lisa Hernandez embodies it in everything she does. Known for her kindness, resilience and the warmth she brings to every interaction, Lisa has become a steady source of encouragement for others navigating life with obesity.

Lisa’s story begins in childhood, when she was constantly told her weight was just “baby fat.” As she entered her teens, that explanation no longer made sense, but answers were still hard to find. She remembers school field days where she pushed herself through pain and breathlessness, determined not to give up. Those early experiences taught her a lesson she still carries: keep going, even when it’s hard — especially when others are cheering you on.

Obesity runs in Lisa’s family, and throughout adulthood she watched loved ones face serious health complications. Her father passed away from a heart attack at 59, and her brother experienced one in his early 40s. When her mother became ill, Lisa stepped into the role of caretaker without hesitation. She managed appointments, medications, nutrition and daily routines — all while navigating her own health challenges. Caring for her mom shaped her perspective in a profound way: “I never labeled myself a caregiver,” she said. “I just loved my mom unconditionally.”

In 2010, recognizing her family history and wanting to shape her future, Lisa chose to undergo lap band surgery. But the turning point in her journey came when she discovered the Obesity Action Coalition through a bariatric support group. For the first time, she found a community of people who understood her experiences without judgment. “We may come from different backgrounds,” Lisa says, “but we share common challenges. We can learn from one another.”

That sense of belonging brought her to OAC’s Your Weight Matters National Convention in 2014 — and she hasn’t missed one since. Each year offers something new: educational sessions, workshops, inspiring speakers and opportunities to build friendships that last well beyond the event. In her words, the Convention is astonishing — a place where stories are valued, support is real and no one has to feel alone.

Your support helps people like Lisa find:

• Community without judgment
• Connection through shared stories
• Science-based education
• Hope at every stage of the journey

Help strengthen the Community that lifts us all. Donate now: www.obesityaction.org/promise