When I first started my cycling journey, I weighed 210 pounds. I’m 5’6", so that’s pretty big for a guy my height. Today, I weigh around 138.
But that’s just the start of the story I wanted to share, because what the bicycle and TrainerRoad have done for me is irreplaceable.
In December of 2014, my youngest son—then almost three years old—was diagnosed with end stage renal disease. His kidneys completely stopped working before his third birthday and he had to go on dialysis.
He would need a new kidney as soon as he was big enough, which took a lot of time. While we worked on helping him grow (kidneys control more than you realize—“kidney kids” have a very difficult time growing), I focused on getting in better shape.
By the end of 2016, we knew he would be big enough for transplant at some point in 2017. I weighed in around 165 or so on December 31, 2016 but wanted to be in the best shape of my life to be a potential donor.
So starting on January 1st, 2017, I really focused on my fitness. Eating better, cutting out bad foods, and pushing myself on the bike with TrainerRoad. During that time, I also went through all the required donor compatibility testing, and was approved for donation in September of 2017. I was a perfect match for him.
I walked into the hospital on October 9th, 2017 at 136 pounds and in the best shape of my life to give my then-five year old son a kidney. Attached below is a picture of the two of us the day after transplant. We’re almost a year post-transplant now and he’s doing great!
I owe a huge part of this to TrainerRoad, because there’s no way I would’ve been in the shape I was without it. So thanks to the TR crew. Thanks for helping me become my best self, thanks for helping me shed the weight. Thanks for pushing me and inspiring me.
Thanks for helping me help my son.
