Ann Dinges!
Ann’s Story:
My name is Annmarie Dinges, and I would like to represent Jefferson school. Here’s my story:
My son saw me watching “The Biggest Loser” one night and he looked at me, ever so innocently, and said “Mommy, that’s what you should do.” Those words have stuck with me like glue. I considered applying for the show, but I cannot be away from my children that long. Your program offers me the same opportunity, right here, at home. What a gift! This is the chance of MY lifetime.
I’m a single parent raising two wonderful boys. I work full-time as a Telecommunicator Spec ialist for the Illinois State Police. I work the midnight shift, so I can be available to my children during their waking hours. I’m pursuing a Master’s degree to emphasize the importance of education to them. I volunteer in their classrooms, and last year held the title of PTA President for their school. Everything I do, I do for my boys. However, all my efforts are for naught, if I’m not here to raise them to adulthood. My fear is dying before my job is done. Of all the things I strive to teach them, I have failed to teach them the importance of diet and exercise, just as I failed to demonstrate a healthy image for them.
It is so difficult to lay everything on the line, especially in my hometown, where my family and I know so many people. I didn’t gain all my weight overnight. I am ready to accept responsibility for my weight, and share with the world, what I try to mask under baggy clothing.
How I got where I am today: I weighed 167 pounds in high school. After moving to Chicago in 1994, my weight climbed to 197 pounds (of course, I swore I would never hit the 200 pound mark). In 2000, I got pregnant with my first child, and gained 70 pounds. I never lost it. In 2004, I gave birth to my second child, and gained another 20 pounds. Again, I never lost it. I am now hovering right around the 300 pound mark, which I never imagined would be my fate. Nonetheless, here I am. I am 34 years old, 5’9, 300 pounds, and ready to make a change.
I’m tired of being “the fat girl.” I’m tired of buying plus size clothing. I’m tired of wondering if I embarrass my children; heck, I embarrass myself. I’m tired of warding off relationships and keeping a safe distance, emotionally, from people I care about. I’m tired of being uncomfortable in my own skin. I’m tired of wishing I were someone else. I once was that “normal” person, and I long to find her again!
If those reasons aren’t enough, my family is plagued with medical problems. My mother is finishing radiation treatment for breast cancer, following a mastectomy. She also suffers from diabetes and complications thereof, which have left her with disfigured legs and feet. My 41 year-old brother just suffered a mild heart-attack and ended up having emergency angioplasty. Yep, he’s just 41. My sister struggles with her weight and also has diabetes. Oh, and my dad too. To date, I have been fortunate enough to sidestep my curses, but I’m not sure how much longer I can ward off fate.
Farmer’s Market & YMCA, provide me with this life changing opportunity, and I won’t let you down. With your help, I can be your biggest loser!
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