My name is Poppy Niosi and I am running a marathon on October 5th to raise money for mirrors where my health journey began, so that others can see their transformation as well.

In January 2013 I was terribly obese and it was taking a toll on my health. I was pre-diabetic teetering on the edge of Type 2 Diabetes. I developed silent reflux due to the extra weight pushing on my digestive system, which gave me a chronic cough, leading to debilitating sleep deprivation. Hating my body, I couldn’t bear to look in the mirror. I knew I needed to make serious changes not only to improve my health, but my self-image, my energy level and the example I wanted to set for my children.

A dear friend challenged me to join Weight Watchers and get active, promising to join me two weekends a month at my non-profit health club for a Bodypump class (she drove 1.5 hours at the crack of dawn to help get me on track) in addition to whatever physical activity I started doing on my own. My journey began with becoming a regular at the health club and journaling my food intake. The first week I lost 8lbs! It was the validation I needed to keep going. Each week I became more determined, more dedicated, and it showed with each weigh-in. I soon was on a first-name basis with the staff, and their support and encouragement bolstered my confidence to new heights. I reached my weight-loss goal of 77 pounds in September of 2013, and shortly after became a certified Bodypump instructor. Now I am not afraid to look in the mirror.

Fast-forward a year later, and I have maintained my weight-loss, built my strength, endurance and flexibility to heights I never thougth possible for myself. I have joined the family of staff and thank God for it every day. I would not be who I am today without the support I felt (and continue to feel) at this amazing non-profit health club. Now I want to give back.

The room that I teach in does not have mirrors. When going through a journey to healthy living, I now know a mirror can be one of the most motivational tools out there - seeing the change happen, watching the transformation boosts the confidence and performance levels through the roof. I want the people in my classes (and all the classes that take place in that room) to have that available to them. I want it to be their springboard to change!

Being a non-profit organization, the health club relies on donations to support itself and the community it serves. So, October 5th I will run my first ever full marathon (something I NEVER thought possible for myself) to raise money for the purchase an installation of  mirrors in this community powered health club, and I am asking for your support. Please pledge any amount and know that your contribution will help people see their lives changing for the better!