How did she become so caring? Shannon has achieved a truly remarkable level of wellness, fitness and health. When she weighed in at the doctor’s office 15 years ago and the scale read 356 lbs., she learned that she had lupus and her kidneys were functioning at only 30% of capacity. Her doctor put her on a steroid-laden medication that caused a 15- lb. additional weight gain – which didn’t help matters. Incredibly, Shannon made multiple lifestyle changes that have altered the trajectory of her health – and probably saved her life. She said no to Twinkies, hot dogs and bread, and flushed her medications down the toilet. She gave up her sedentary existence and began working out. She started walking, running and kickboxing, hired a personal trainer and endured multiple diet regimens. Transformation After losing more than 175 lbs. – and keeping the weight off for over a decade – Shannon knows what it takes to work hard and discipline oneself to make a change and stick with it. She has shown incredible courage and determination. Her weight loss journey and personal transformation are so dramatic that her body, mind and spirit are now in peak condition. Her energy has returned. She’s a new person with a bright and positive outlook that others notice and want to emulate.