The 50 Million Pound Blog

My Challenge Family,

My team and I had a bittersweet and emotional weekend as we finished up the kick-off tour at the Bayou Classic in New Orleans. We’ve been all over the U.S., nearly 20 cities since April, meeting incredible people and spreading the message of The Challenge. But this is only the end of our 2007 calendar of events. We have a BIG year planned in 2008 as The Challenge goes to another level and we’ll visit churches and college campuses across the country.

Write me if you want us to visit your church or college.

Today, I’m proud to report that more than one-quarter of a million people are participating in The Challenge and we’ve lost well over a million pounds!

The past seven months of my life have been rather tough, I must admit. Within The Challenge team alone, we’ve been away from home; we’ve dealt with difficult personalities; we’ve laughed and cried; we’ve fought and rejoiced; sadly, we’ve even experienced the tragic death of a beloved member of our video crew. But, I am extremely thankful that through it all, we had each other.

The same sentiment rings true when I read your emails and blog comments. I’m stirred with compassion and hope for us because I trust that we’re facing The Challenge together. Our fight against the deadly threats that strip us of our lives is extraordinarily difficult, and the struggle only proves to me that we are doing the right thing.

Each of us are fighting to save lives—our own as well as those of the ones we love—and there is nothing more precious or fulfilling than this.

We are improving lifestyles by making smarter choices that will influence our loved ones, peers, and future generations. We are united, strong and hopeful, and therefore, I know we will succeed. You will reach your individual goals, and you can help others do the same. Together, we’ll not only reach our goal of 50 million pounds, but then we’ll kick it up a notch and go even beyond that.  This is critical to the life of our community and I know we’ll get the job done.

I’ve been all over the radio, on television, and in print asking you to join me in The Challenge and get Black America healthy again. Many have said it would never happen, but I never waivered in my belief in you—in us!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your courage, dedication, and vision. I look forward to the day when we will celebrate reaching our ultimate goal. As that day approaches, please trust that my team and I are committed to you through this fight. Keep updating your weight loss in your account and get your family, friends, and co-workers to join us as we take better control of our lives and make history!

Warmest.
~ Dr. Ian