As a young teen, John faced serious health challenges caused by excess weight, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), prediabetes and severe sleep apnea. Even simple activities caused pain and exhaustion, and relentless bullying at school pushed him into isolation, leaving him three grades behind.

Determined to help her son, John’s mom, Karen, tried diets, coaching and family-led routines. There were small successes, but the pandemic brought setbacks and worsening emotional struggles. Their pediatrician eventually introduced the possibility of bariatric surgery — a decision that took research, trust and courage.
At just 14 years old, John underwent surgery, hopeful for a new beginning.

Recovery required strict routines and major lifestyle changes, but John and Karen tackled it together. With support from family, church members, neighbors and even a retired Olympic gold medalist–turned–boxing trainer, John embraced healthier habits. He discovered new passions such as weightlifting, boxing and healthy cooking — earning the title of “the best healthy cooker there is,” according to Karen.

Over the next year, John lost 200 pounds, regained his mobility and confidence, and reconnected with activities he loves. Online learning gave him the space to catch up academically and emotionally. He even began sharing his story with other teens facing similar challenges, reminding them they’re not alone.

Finding Community Through OAC
A pivotal moment came when John and Karen attended the Your Weight Matters National Convention as part of OAC’s Empower Early Program, now known as Thrive Together. For the first time, they found a community rooted in understanding, science and compassion. It changed everything — even inspiring John to shift his dream career from engineering to becoming a doctor to help other kids.

Your gift helps teens like John find:

  • Compassion instead of stigma
  • Connection to a community that understands
  • Care grounded in science, not judgment
  • Hope for a brighter, healthier future

Give today. Help teens find hope and healing. Donate now: www.obesityaction.org/promise

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Your gift today helps build a brighter, more compassionate and more accessible future for every person living with obesity. And because of the Board Match, every dollar you give becomes two — multiplying your impact.

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