Dr. Ian shared the story behind the letter below this morning on the Steve Harvey Morning Show. Craig's story demonstrates the powerful influence of friendship.
Enjoy, and please allow the words of Craig's story to encourage you as they have us and many others.
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I just want to drop you a quick line to thank you, State Farm and The 50 Million Pound Challenge for changing my life forever, as of today I have lost over 198 pounds and I feel great!
What do you do when you’re going the wrong way? You TURN AROUND! As you already know because of a tragedy in 2001 my life/weight started heading in the wrong direction fast. I ballooned to as high as 415lbs in 2003 to 406lbs in 2006. I cared about my health because I wanted to live and I had seen better days in my college and military years, but I just couldn’t get it together on my own.
So what does an overweight person do?
A) Surgery
(Not an option for me when I considered the risk of not waking up)
B) Reality show
(Almost an option but I was rejected twice after being flown to California for auditions)
C) Believe I can, find resources & support and start applying it to my life
Option C was for me.
I started turning around on March 1, 2007 at 390lbs and with the support of two great friends I started eating better and working out on a regular basis. I was motivated to lose 105lbs by August 07, but I wanted more.
I heard Dr. Ian on the Tom Joyner Show and I knew “The 50 Million Pound Challenge” was just what I needed – 24 hr info, support and motivation when friends aren’t around. But, I needed one more friends to help me out and that was you!
Mike, you and State Farm provided “The 50 Million Pound Challenge” kit that has kept me going on the road to a better me. On August 6, 2007, I joined the Challenge (praisehim3571914) at 285lbs and I started visiting the internet site 3-4 times a week to update my progress, get tips and check out the success stories.
I have been and continue to be encouraged by you, State Farm and “The 50 Million Pound Challenge” to make wise decisions and apply the lessons learned going forward to maintain my transformation. I hope someone can find inspiration from my story and pictures to” Turn Around” and move their life into a healthy direction.
Michael as a friend and State Farm agent you are awesome, thank you for making the difference in the lives of so many people.
Sincerely,
Craig Nash
Comments (29)
Hey Craig !!!!!! Man, you look grrrreat!!!!!!!!! I stumbled upn this site and I almost didn't recognize you. I just wanted to send you this comment so you can get in touch with me. I want to talk to you. Oh yea, in case you didn't know this is Charlena Lockridge, one of the dreamers. I would love to hear from you, it's been a long time. Be blessed and you look good!!!!
Posted by Charlena Rogers | November 17, 2008 5:36 PM
Posted on November 17, 2008 17:36
Bro. Craig,
I am very proud of you. You have done what others only dream of. Keep up the good work.
Blessings,
Posted by Elder M. W. Beckham | November 7, 2008 3:52 PM
Posted on November 7, 2008 15:52
Hey, Mr. Nash
My mouth is still open from amazement!!! I am an alumni from Manley c/o 2002 and I am so proud of you. I decided to change my life on sept 8,2008 (I've lost 8lbs) and its been okay so far but I needed more encourgement so I decided to look into the 50 million pound chanllenge website and read some success stories. While reading your blog the entire time I was thinking, this guy looks like Mr. Nash (in the red shirt) and to my surprise it was you. Your story has given me enough motivation for a lifetime. Thanks for everything then (in high school) and now!
Posted by Shavonne | October 2, 2008 4:37 AM
Posted on October 2, 2008 04:37
Hello Craig. My name is Sharon and I read your comment, I rejoice in you acheivement. I just want to know if you can be a mentor or a coach for me. I am struggling to keep the weight off. My goal is to loose 50 to 75lbs, I lost 29 and gain 13 of those back. I am becoming depressed and feel defeated.
Posted by Sharon Woods | September 6, 2008 11:15 AM
Posted on September 6, 2008 11:15
Man this right here what u did for your self and all of us that are trying to do this is amazing man. I have a lovely wife to be and she is ok with me being a big guy but I have all ways wanted to be smaller for me and her, and I was really going to just say it does not matter to be big but after seeing what you did,this just makes me want to do more for my self and her even though she loves me like this. I really thank you for sharing this because you just help me all the way here in houston,tx even though you u do not know me thanks. This is for the world to see, many moore need inspiration like this.
Posted by clarence | September 4, 2008 1:35 PM
Posted on September 4, 2008 13:35
To everyone that has checked out this blog, posted comments, sent emails or made phone calls - THANK YOU!
Your words of encouragement have been and continue to motivate me to be an example of what is possible if you believe, find support & resources and work by moving something!
I also want to THANK Dr. Ian and State Farm for The 50 Million Pound Challenge, it is an awesome life saving resource that has change my life and the lives of Millions.
I would like to invite anyone interested to join my new Challenge Team, The Power of Friendship - Craig's Friends. Our team will be made up of groups of 3 or more friends that will encourage and hold one another accountable as we all strive to live healthy lifestyles.
Friends and loved ones have been a Blessing as I changed my way of thinking, eating & working out for the better and that is why I believing in "THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP". Our goal is to meet as Team once a month for WORKOUT PARTIES with games and prizes!
Check out TPF (The Power of Friendship - Craig's Friends) for more info.
Peace & May GOD Bless You!
Craig Nash
Posted by Craig Nash | August 29, 2008 6:55 AM
Posted on August 29, 2008 06:55
hello Craig
i am so happy for you, you did a great job. i have just started and i hope i can do just as good as you have done, all i think i need is support and drive.
Posted by m.smith | August 23, 2008 2:14 AM
Posted on August 23, 2008 02:14
Craig,
You are my HERO!
I am crying as I write this because I am proud of you and happy for you!
You have inspired me in many ways as you encourage me to stay away from, “The Dark Side!” You have counseled and encouraged me to be a better fiancé’, daughter, sister, aunt, friend and teacher. I don’t know if you know how much your words, strength and personal steadfast belief in GOD and his power have meant to me over the years.
Since I have known you, you have been through so much, but you always remaine a true and good friend to anyone who needed you. I witnessed your struggle with the weight as we would both try to encourage each other to, “Just do it!”
Well, you did and you look FANTABOULOUS!
I hope that everyone who reads about you can get a true sense of the dynamic, positive, helpful and happy person you were before you lost weight.
The weight loss has simply magnified your positive spirit and kind loving soul to the magnitude of an almost blinding level, and now everyone who looks at you can see what a great person you are.
I also know that anyone who looks at you can see that GOD is working with you, and that you are going to do GREAT things in his name!
As I read some of the other stories and comments from people I became invigorated and my spirit was ignited once again to continue my personal challenge.
Although, I have loss over 120 lbs in the past 2 years I still want to lose another 130 to 140 pounds.
As I watched you take off on your bike for a 20+ mile ride home, after work, I told myself, “This time next year, I am going to be doing that!”
Pray for me as I take the “Challenge” with every intention of coming out a winner!
Thank you!
Lolita
Posted by Lolita G. Hardiman | July 30, 2008 3:13 PM
Posted on July 30, 2008 15:13
Hello Craig,
I read your story & I am truly inspired to lose this weight I want to lose a total of about 60 pds & I know that it's going to take time but after reading your story I am inspired. May God continue to bless you & give you strength to keep it off. I think that you were the one & correct me if I'm wrong that was on the stage this year with Dr.Ian at the Gospel Fest that was held here in Chicago.
Posted by Michelle | July 19, 2008 7:57 PM
Posted on July 19, 2008 19:57
craig -
thank you for sharing your story -- i am inspired- job well done -
peace
angela
Posted by angela | July 10, 2008 2:00 PM
Posted on July 10, 2008 14:00
Craig,
I read your story after getting off the scale and gaining weight. I really was just going to give up. You see, losing weight has been such a struggle for me for years. I'LL lose the weight then gain it back all the time and gain more. I never can find a buddy system for encouragement, so everytime I'm just on my own. I'm going to keep this testimony close, because I know that I will never get to really talk to you. I very proud of you. With God first losing 60 pounds my not be too hard.
Cassie
Posted by Cassie | July 1, 2008 10:15 AM
Posted on July 1, 2008 10:15
,
Craig,
Congrats my guy, you look great and I know you feel even greater. All praises do and I'm praying for the same strength with my challenge
GOMAB
PDub
Posted by PDub | June 24, 2008 9:34 PM
Posted on June 24, 2008 21:34
hi craig, I,m from trinidad in the carribbean, the land of steelpan and calypso. After seeing the ad about Dr Ian, i decided to go online to see what it is about. I must tell you, your story is a true inspiration to me that extreme weith loss is possible. Right now I am at the local library sending this message. Thumbs up to you, and may God continue to motivate and strengthen you in your future goals.
Posted by susan | June 20, 2008 8:45 AM
Posted on June 20, 2008 08:45
Craig
I always knew you were an amazing young man. Now you have proven it again. I am so very proud of you. You are a new person, a new man and another inspiration, yet again. God Bless you and your family. Your buddy
Mark Bazzanella
Posted by Mark Bazzanella | June 19, 2008 10:25 AM
Posted on June 19, 2008 10:25
Craig,
How awesome!!! Your story was very inspirational. I'm shamed to say I've been trying to keep off the 30 lbs gained after Lil Omar for 2 1/2 yrs. For you to loose 198 lbs in a year is fantastic! May God continue to bless you.
La Donna
Posted by La Donna Elane | June 17, 2008 9:13 PM
Posted on June 17, 2008 21:13
Hey Craig,
I just wanted to drop you a line and tell you that "GOD IS GOOD ALL OF THE TIME" and "ALL OF THE TIME GOD IS GOOD". These photos are amazing. Your weightloss has been a remarkable experience and I am truly inspired. Keep on moving forward stay encouraged and remain diligent in all things.
"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way". Psalm 37:23
Posted by Omar Elane | June 17, 2008 3:10 PM
Posted on June 17, 2008 15:10
Mr. Nash, I had the pleasure of seeing you and that great friend that you referred to State Farm Agent, Michael Pattrick at the Chicago Gospel Fest. I must say that God is Good. He works in his own time and he places people in our lives to help us get to the next place he wants us to be. I know that he is working through you. Get ready, because you are a true blessing and he's going to use you and your story to help a many of people. And regarding Michael Pattrick I've known him for approx. 17yrs and yes He is a God sent!!!! May God continue to Bless and Keep You!!!
Posted by Toni A. Thomas | June 12, 2008 12:46 PM
Posted on June 12, 2008 12:46
Hi Brother, Tiger said Peace
Posted by Susan | June 12, 2008 11:58 AM
Posted on June 12, 2008 11:58
GOMAB ! FRAT CONTINUE TO KEEP IT GOING YOU ARE STILL THE ROCK ! GOD BLESS THE CAPT
Posted by LLOYD | June 11, 2008 11:33 AM
Posted on June 11, 2008 11:33
Craig,
I am inspired by your story. I have only lost 10lbs so far but I am incouraged to keep going. The one thing that I fear is how will I look 80lbs lighter.
Monique
Posted by Monique | June 10, 2008 2:52 PM
Posted on June 10, 2008 14:52
Daddy,
It's been surreal watching you change your lifestyle and habits to transform into this healthy and fit little person (I feel taller now, for some reason...lol). I am very proud of the BIG commitment you made to lose the weight on your own; Who needs cameras watching?! Congrats and thanks for being an inspiration and bold statement of the amazing things God can do! I have always been proud of you, I just have a lot more to say about you now:-)
Love you!
Posted by Jessica Shante | June 10, 2008 2:38 PM
Posted on June 10, 2008 14:38
Craig:
Not sure if you remember me, Anita's friend from the TJMS Cruise. I just wanted to tell you that you look fantastic! But more importantly, I am certain that you feel fantastic!!!! I am so proud of you and happy for you. You have inspired me more than you know.
Sharon
Posted by Sharon Prayor | June 10, 2008 1:03 PM
Posted on June 10, 2008 13:03
Uncle I'm so VERY VERY proud of you! You have been an inspiration to me, my friends, co workers and several of my bootcamp members. Keep up the great work!
P.S. Stop buying outfits! :-)
Love, Danielle
Posted by Latisha Bell | June 10, 2008 7:38 AM
Posted on June 10, 2008 07:38
Craig, you look great and I am proud of you. You story is very motivating. God bless.
Michelle
Posted by Michelle | June 8, 2008 10:27 PM
Posted on June 8, 2008 22:27
Craig I am encouraged by your story. I have taken on a dream job; but the stress has been more then I can bear. I have gained 30 pounds and STOPPED completely in my working out routine. I read your story and Michael is a good friend of mine so YOU have re-encouraged me to work out, eat healthy and rid my body of the 30 new pounds.Thank you for your story and I pray for the same success!!!!!!
Posted by Evonda | June 6, 2008 8:16 PM
Posted on June 6, 2008 20:16
You go Little Craig
Posted by Susan | June 6, 2008 2:46 PM
Posted on June 6, 2008 14:46
i was very inspired by your story. i am a 45 year old mother of 3 and i weigh 345lbs. i continue to strive but i am getting frustrated. my highest weight was 398. that was a year ago and i have been stuck every since. your story has re-motivated me to not give up but to go for the gusto! thanks.
truly inspired
Posted by joyce988 | June 6, 2008 12:02 PM
Posted on June 6, 2008 12:02
Hey Craig,
I'm Susan's co-worker and friend. I met you at Sue's birthday party (back in the day @ Strickly Business). I have a Few questions please. How did you kill the need to eat and how do you control to over eat.
Posted by Cheryl Ford | June 6, 2008 10:44 AM
Posted on June 6, 2008 10:44
Truly incredible! I was a featured challenger in April and I can totally relate to what you wrote (especially the A,B,C options). I wanted so badly to be a contestant on the biggest loser however God had other plans for me. He placed a great friend in my life to help give me the boost that I needed. I started at 429lb and know that I will see the day I'm at my goal. With the help of God and my friend, I have shed 107lbs in 9months. Option C was definitely for me! Continue to live your healthy life and be encouraged because I'm encouraged by you! God Bless!
Posted by Charmen Daley | June 5, 2008 6:39 PM
Posted on June 5, 2008 18:39