The aftershock of her mother’s death in October 2011 left Fran Rice feeling exhausted, achy and suffering from chronic back pain. In addition, her blood sugar was rising. For more than four years, Fran had devoted her life to her mother’s care. “After a full day of work and then coming home to care for my mother, there was little time to think about me,” admits Fran.

“Then when she passed, I realized it was just me! The sadness was overwhelming.” Fortunately, Fran’s sister-in-law, Margaret Scott, recognized Fran’s grief and urged her to join her at one of the fitness classes, offered free of charge, at the Avondale Recreation Center. Margaret, a two year veteran of the program, knew it would benefit Fran, both physically and emotionally.

Made possible through a grant from Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) Mission and Ministry funds, the program began more than seven years ago as part of a grass roots effort to address the growing health issues of the surrounding community. “The impact this program is having is immeasurable,” says Liz Walden, grant manager for the East
Chattanooga Health & Wellness Program.

“By focusing on diabetes, hypertension and obesity, we are working on changing the course of these debilitating diseases.” Fran Rice couldn’t agree more. “I’ve been an active member of the fitness program for more than a year now and I’ve dropped a few pounds and improved my blood sugar levels,” she shares. “But, really I think the most significant improvement has been in my outlook on life.”

Fran says the program at the Avondale Recreation Center is more than just a place to get in shape. She feels her fitness class has become like extended family. Monica Burke, program manager or the project says the program may be free to its participants, but it is priceless in terms of the many benefits it provides. “I see so many friendships formed through this program,” she adds. “It reaches beyond the walls of the centers in amazing ways.”

Through the program, Monica feels the participants have created a network of support for their common goal of good health and for their social health as well. “Through sickness, surgery, or family loss, the group supports one another.” Group prayer before each class sets the stage for an atmosphere of caring.

In addition to fitness classes taught by trained and certified instructors, the grant monies also provide health education programs and regular weigh-ins and blood pressure checks for the participants. Participants with diabetes are encouraged to track their improvement by reporting their blood sugar readings. “By tapping into their network within the healthcare community, Memorial is able to provide more than just funding to the program,” says Mrs. Walden.

“We have strengthened the program by partnering with the City of Chattanooga Parks and Recreation, Chattanooga/ Hamilton County Health Department, pharmaceutical companies, the local Cancer Society and Heart Association, and other hospitals to bring resources to this program.”

The formula must be working. With more than 120 participants, the program boasts an average of 80 class sessions each month. “What a blessing! I’ve seen this program change lives,” says Monica happily. “Pounds have been dropped, blood pressures lowered, and blood sugars controlled because of the program.” Twice annually, Memorial Hospital hosts a dinner where the participants share their challenges and their successes.

These personal testimonies, from both novice and veteran participants, inspire members of the group to stick with it. “Our slogan is we are winning at losing,— says Monica, “but regardless of pounds lost, all members of the group feel like winners.” With a renewed zest for life, Fran Rice, like her sister-in-law once was, is an active recruiter for the program. “No one is safe -friends, family, co-workers! I want everyone to get involved in this life- changing program.”