Farmington Area Women Celebrate Success at Weight Watchers Event

Three Farmington area women were among more than 130 Weight Watchers members celebrating transformational weight loss success stories during an event held Monday at Farmington Hills Manor. 

Carolyn Bright and Kathy Reno of Farmington Hills and Farmington resident Karen Vandeveer all came to the Farmington Hills-based organization for different reasons. For Bright, it was an insurance requirement; Reno and Vandeveer were encouraged by others to join. 

But all three have lost more than 50 pounds since joining last year.

"When they published the eight-week (weight loss) challenge before Thanksgiving, I had an epiphany," Bright said, explaining that she learned to set short-term goals. She blew her challenge goal of 5 pounds out of the water, and hasn't looked back.

Reno's husband encouraged her to join, but she has a strong motivation toward success because of a health condition, Lynch Syndrome, which leads to an 80 percent greater chance of contracting colon, stomach or pancreatic cancer. Her doctor told her that by eating right, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising, she could reduce her risk to that of someone without the condition. 

On March 3, Reno completed the Fight for Air Climb, conquering 70 floors at the Renaissance Center in Detroit and raising $561 for the American Lung Association. She also plans to run the Cipriano Classic 5K fundraiser in June, a benefit the family of slain Farmington Hills father Robert Cipriano. 

Vandeveer joined Weight Watchers with a girlfriend. She said when she wrote down her list of goals for the program, a specific number wasn't on it.

"Nowhere did I say I wanted to lose 52 pounds," she said. "I wanted to be a good role model for my son and my grandchildren, I wanted to be able to wrap a towel around me, I wanted to be fit into an airplane seat. I just decided I was going to follow the program and not worry about the scale." 

Leaders foster family atmosphere

All three women say they've created bonds with other members at Weight Watchers meetings. Florine Mark, who is President and CEO of The WW Group, Inc., the largest Weight Watchers franchise in the country, said the organization's family-like atmosphere is directly related to the men and women who lead local groups in 14 states and three countries. 

"Every person that works for me has had a weight problem," said Mark, who also gained and lost the same 50 pounds and overdosed on diet pills before finding Weight Watchers in New York 40 years ago. "Every person has been there. They know how you feel, and they really believe in the program." 

Mark said she still has her struggles; she recently lost her husband, Bill, to Lou Gehrig's disease. In the months she spent caring for him, she said, it was difficult to not turn to food for comfort.

"If it wasn't for Weight Watchers, I'm sure I'd have gained back those 50 pounds," she said. "I'd leave the house once a week and go to a meeting. I found strength there."

In addition to honoring weight loss successes, the approximately 700 attendees – group leaders, members and their guests – brought 1700 pounds of food that was donated to Gleaners Community Food Bank. 

Reno has created a website that includes information on Lynch Syndrome, livinglifewithlynch.com. And to learn more about Weight Watchers, visit 888-3-florine.com