Live Healthy Appalachia (LHA) is an Athens, Ohio-based nonprofit organization which aims to promote health and wellbeing in our Appalachian region.
Tammy Bobo
The picture from 1992 from the winter before I started running is still shocking to me. The one on the right is from the November marathon.
In August, I’ll celebrate my 26th Runniversary. August 15 to be exact.I know this because it was a video of our youngest son’s third birthday party that was the eye-opener to just how heavy I’d allowed myself to become through both inactivity and poor food choices. I started to cry as I watched what should have been a celebration of our sweet little boy, yet all I could see was a mommy who no longer seemed to care about herself. I asked my husband why he hadn’t mentioned my weight gain.His answer was that he loved me no matter my size. I decided then and there that I owed it to myself AND my family to become healthier. Not only did I start paying attention to the foods that I ate, I began to run the very next day. That day in 1993 and the approach I now take to diet and exercise have changed my life. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I’d argue that it’s actually a video. 
Kari Boyle
I never thought that one day I would call myself a runner. Having joined the military 9 years ago and running being a requirement, I have grown into being able to call myself a runner. Thankfully, joining the military helped propel me into living a more active and healthy lifestyle. I believe LHA serves as a catalyst to help our community have the opportunity to learn how to live a healthy lifestyle. By educating and supporting community members through so many programs, they can serve as this change agent like the military served as one in my life. I firmly believe everyone should have equal access to live a healthy life and make healthy choices. LHA works hard every day to make this true in our community. I am proud to help support this mission!
John Kotowski
I am a board member at Live Health Appalachia and have been since the organization came into existence. I continue to be involved with Live Health Appalachia because its programs help empower individuals and give them the tools to live healthier and longer lives. I truly believe that each person needs to take responsibility for their own lives and the programs at Live Healthy Appalachia point people toward eating better and exercising. I am participating in Race for a Reason to help raise money for Live Healthy Appalachia's programs and as a part of my exercise program. I hope to see you out at the event.
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Michelle Oestrike
Wilfred's once again racing in his stroller to raise money for health and wellness programming in Athens and beyond - and he needs your help! This year Art Oestrike is making it a family affair and joining Michelle and Wilf on Live Healthy Appalachia's Race for a Reason team! Donate now to help Wilfred & family reach a fundraising goal of $750! All proceeds benefit the Athens-based non-profit Live Healthy Appalachia. Wilfred knows it's never too early to start advocating for your health. Please join him on his health mission and donate today to support Live Healthy Appalachia!
Ruth Dudding
I’m participating in Race for a Reason because I believe that Live Healthy Appalachia changes people’s lives. Their programs are essential to our region and I am grateful for the good work they do.
Cathy Waller
In 2013, my mother had moved to an assisted living facility. She was confined to her bed and therefore her world had become the tv and what she could view from her window. One night as I sat with her, I realized that unless I changed my life, it would be me in that bed and my sons sitting watching me. I knew I didn't want that for them, so there began the journey to a happier, healthier life.
In May 2013, I became a member of a Risk Reduction program at Wellworks at Ohio which introduced me to yoga, walking, and working with a trainer. I was in a group of 7 people for this journey, and who became my friends for life! In January 2014, I began CHIP classes through LHA, and it all just fell into place. I, who was a diehard milk drinker, discovered almond milk was great! I signed up for Race for a Reason in April 2014, thinking that if I could actually walk a 5k, the changes were worth it. I recruited 20 people to walk with me, mostly so if I couldn't make it, there would be someone to save my body from wild animals! We all finished!! So with my new dedication to living a healthier life, I lost 120 pounds between May 2013 and October 2014. I am a diabetic and my A1C is great and I have gone from 7 medications to minimal dosages of 2, with the goal of none. I am walking in Race for a Reason 2019 on behalf of Live Healthy Appalachia, so that we can continue providing programs such as Live Healthy Kids to as many schools as possible, as well as the CHIP classes and cooking classes in communities throughout the area. 
Barb Kostohryz
Live Healthy Appalachia is a wonderful non-profit that has made a huge difference in our area. I love all the programs they offer and especially "Live Healthy Kids" which is inspiring our youth to live healthier more active lives.
Since the founding of LHA I have been volunteering in many different ways, including designing t-shirts, organizing art activities, running a billboard contest for students to illustrate healthy lifestyles, and having a contest for children's art for the "Live Healthy/Love Athens" flags in Athens. Please support me in this "Race for a Reason" to keep these valuable programs going! |
