Bill has lived in a host home with Sandy Allen since 2007, and has had quite a transformation since his move into that home. When Bill moved into the home, he was on oxygen, he was overweight and diabetic, and was on a long list of medications. In the past four years he has lost 181 pounds, and only takes a multivitamin, aspirin, and an eye drop as part of his medication regimen. His blood sugars have stabilized within normal limits for more than two years and he has not shown any signs of any diabetic symptoms.

Exercising and eating well-balanced, healthy meals are an important part of life for Bill and his housemates. Bill is proud of his weight loss and consistently chooses healthy meals and/or snacks over the junk food he so often used to pick. He leads a very active and social lifestyle. Bill participates in volleyball, bike rides, spinning class, dance class, bowling, and weight lifting. He walks at least 2.5 miles daily, including walking to the bus stop to get to work four days a week. For 16 years Bill has worked for Boulder Beer and he is well liked by his coworkers. Bill also completed his third Boulder Bolder in a row last year.

Last summer, the Boulder Daily Camera wrote an article about Boulder being the fittest city in the country. Bill and his two housemates were featured in the article displaying how persons with special needs are truly part of our healthy community, and how the local hiking trails and community activities offered here in Boulder County really do benefit everyone who chooses to use them. Bill is a great advocate and positive role model for educating our community on how persons with special needs should be valued as part of our greater health-conscious community.

Over the past year, Bill has started owning responsibility for his health and seems to have an empowered attitude toward his accomplishments. He is independently researching the local athletic center to see what classes they offer. His attitude and overall mood have improved greatly. He loves helping with yard work and enjoys keeping active at work, at home, and in the community. Bill’s dramatic shift in lifestyle choices has improved his overall health, and through his hard work, commitment, and a supportive home environment, this remarkable man has made himself into a great role model.

When asked if he had any comments to share about his success, Bill concisely said, “I like it here,” referring to his host home.