We continue with our topic on 'change' .
Riebeek hero of November is Willie Gaggiano, a local busniness man and single parent. I call him Willie Rooibakkie, since his rubbish disposal business is mainly operated by him driving around our village in his red pick-up truck!!
Two years back Willie was diagnosed with cancer. He had surgery done to remove the cells. Unfortunately he could not get the full propper treatment, because the hospital staff could not manipulate him due to his 215kg body weight!! He was also warned, that if he was not going to be proactive about shedding pounds, he might not be around much longer to delight in his daughter..
Big 'why's' for a big man.....
During my short interview with Willie, I ask him about the reasons for his made-up-mind to pursue change, about the difficulty in remaining focussed and about his motivational goals for 2019.
Here is the free transcriped of his aswers to me:
Q: Willie, why did you had to change?
W: I was diagnosed with cancer under my tounge. After the surgery my doctor could not give me radiation, because I was too heavy for the radiation bed. I was promised to receive treatment, if I trimmed down to 150kg. I started walking. I also started with the banting diet. Within 10 months, I reached my target weight. It was hard, but I am still here today!!!
Q: Was there an emotional part to your 'why'?
W: The doctor explained to me that my heart will not be able to sustain the impact of my weight for much longer, and if I'd like to see my daughter growing up, I'll need to make a serious change in lifestyle.
Q: What was your greatest challenge? You set some goals for yourself. Was it easy??
W: No, it was not easy!! But as I started to exersise, I could not believe the rate at which the kilo's were melting away. People told me that once you are hooked, you will enjoy it..and that is exactly what happened to me.
Q: Why are you happy today that you've persevered?
W: I am feeling so much better in my body. I do not have to carry the big load around with me anymore. I also used to take daily medication, high blood pressure and high colesterol. I do not take one single tablet anymore!! The best actually was that I grew closer to God through the whole process. It was not easy to do, but I prayed constantly for God to help me, for perseverance to be able to make this lifestyle change. I am thanking Him every day for this. God has been my biggest anchor. I would not have been able to accomplished loosing all this weight on my own. It has been so hard at times, since I was never a big fan of walking....and now I AM ADDICTED to it!!!
Q: What is your aim. What would you like to achieve?
W: I would like to weigh 100kg...actually if I can weigh less than 100kg, I will be even more chuffed!!! I've also entered the 1000km challenge. You need to log 1000km, taking part in officialy timed races between the two Comrades Marathons (South African's biggest yearly ultra-race of 96km). The challenge started after the Comrades in June. I have logged so far, 750km in 5 months!! I am so proud of myself!! I am actually going to try to achieve a silver medal. To reach this goal, I'll need to log 1600km between the two Comrades Marathons. So each race that I am doing, even the little 5km park run, counts towards my distance.
Q:The hardest part is the first step out of the door..Isn't it?
W: Yes!! At first I was tired after just 100m. The next night I did 200m..and so I gained confidence and went on from there. Now I can boast with my longest race so far of 30km!! I am stil a bit scared of the 42km races!!
Q: If you can leave one word of encouragement to the viewers, what will it be?
W: Well, to be determind to stay on track. I also have a serious piece of advice for all young school leavers : Avoid drinking and smoking. I can reccommend it. I've been through that all..if I could have done life over again, I would have started walk-running, like I am doing now, many years back. I am feeling so well, healthy and happy. It is just the best feeling ever.
A big shout out to our first local Hero!! I am feeling so honoured to know Willie. To have witnessed his bravery in staying on par with a exceptional goal he has set out to achieve. I will keep you all informed of his progress over the next 6 months in pursuing this dream to walk-run 1600km in one year.
In our final post of November, I will explore the topic of change a bit further.
I am looking forward to hear about your observations,insights and personal experiences along the lines of our topic. Drop me a comment or e-mail.
Let's work together in the WorkRoom!!!
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