LEAN on Me

Phew!  The holidays are over!  Although he admits that the past month has been tough, Michael’s efforts have continued to pay off.  At his official weigh-in, the scale read 412 pounds!  

Besides losing weight, Michael has made GREAT strides in improving his strength and cardio training.  With a smile on his face, he’ll tell you, “I just feel better!”.

He’s “the incredible disappearing man,” states Sarah Celine Elliot of Sarah Celine Photography, who meets with Michael once a month to photograph his progress.  Note:  Michael’s January portrait will be posted later this month.  

Be sure to watch Michael’s fourth official weigh-in that aired on WFRV’s Sunday Morning News (01/10/10).  His progress is also being tracked monthly in Nature’s Pathways Magazine.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!  Luke’s Celebration of Support (aka “the big party”) will be held Saturday, April 17, 2010 from 4-11pm at Waverly Beach in Menasha, WI.  For more info, visit the “Benefit Info” page on this website.

Earlier this month, we received another GREAT report from Michael and his trainer, Isabelle (who is VERY PROUD of his hard work)!  Even with the Thanksgiving holiday, Michael lost another 6 POUNDS, reducing his weight to 420 pounds!  

Michael Bailey - December 2009; photo courtesy of Sarah Celine Photography.

Michael & Luke Peters - November 09; photo courtesy of Sarah Celine Photography.

Micheal’s measurements have changed dramatically from the onset of his weight loss campaign:   

Original
Neck – 20
Arm – 19.5
Chest – 64
Small Waist – 64.5
BB Waist – 71
Hip – 74
Thigh – 26.5
L Ankle – 14.5
R Ankle – 15.5

As of 12/15/09
Neck – 19
Arm – 17.5
Chest – 61.25
Small Waist – 61.25
BB Waist – 65
Hip – 65
Thigh – 24.5
L Ankle -  13.5
R Ankle – 13.75

Michael – KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!  YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO SO MANY PEOPLE!

And … SPECIAL THANKS to everyone who is supporting this “campaign” by making donations, purchasing t-shirts and wristbands … and PRAYER!  Luke’s condition remains “stable” (less than 25% change in appearance of the tumor area).  During the past month, he’s struggled with headaches and sinus infection, but his spirits are good.  For updates on Luke, please visit his CaringBridge site.

The Scale - 11/10/09

On November 10th, Michael “weighed in” and was excited to report that he lost 4 pounds last month!  He and his trainer are thrilled with his progress.  “I’d like to see Michael lose 100 pounds over the next year,” stated personal trainer, Isabelle Wells, ” … it’s best to lose 1 to 2 pounds per week.”

Since his quest for a healthier lifestyle began earlier this year, Michael has lost 63 pounds… 24 of which have been lost since the “LEAN on Me – Losin’ it for Luke” Campaign’s official kick-off on September 11th.

Michael Bailey (late) October '09; photo courtesy of Sarah Celine Photography.

THANK YOU to EVERYONE supporting this cause through prayer, words of encouragement and monetary donations!

Michael is greatly motivated by the overwhelming response to his weight loss campaign.  He loves receiving positive comments and emails from supporters - he gets excited about every new “pledge”!

And, the Luke Peters Family is SO VERY GRATEFUL for God’s abundant blessings, for Michael Bailey and for people like YOU. 

For information about Luke’s condition, see the “About Luke” page or visit his CaringBridge site (Luke loves it when people sign into his CaringBridge “guestbook.”)  His mother, Sue, updates the site regularly.  This fall, she closed a post with these words:  “With God, all things are possible! Be thankful for today, because you don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Live each day as if there is no tomorrow.”

T-Shirt (front)

T-Shirt (back)

… or wristbands (sizes Youth or Adult) to show your support!

Wristband

“Honor God, Love Family, Help Others” – a great philosophy on life.  Check out the most recent news articles written about Michael Bailey and the “Lean on Me – Losin’ it 4 Luke” campaign:

- The Compass (11/04/09) ”Catholic School Teacher uses Music to Help Others”

- Nature’s Pathways Magazine (Nov. 09) “Tipping the Scales of Compassion – Losin’ it for Luke”