The Conference that changed everything...

My name is Tamika, but for the next year I will be known as "Minimizing in Maryland". A year ago I was in Los Angeles attending the National Cervical Cancer Coalition's annual conference where I was speaking. While there I met many amazing women. But, there were two who would make a lasting impression - Cindy (“Shaping up in Sacramento") and Pam (“Slimmin' in Seattle”).

Cindy I noticed right way: She was a "thick" girl with fabulous style - especially her shoes (you will hear more about the shoes later). I noticed Pam instantly, too - just like Cindy, she was "thick" and had incredible style. The agenda for the conference was very involved. But me being the "chatty girl" that I am and loving to hear people's stories, I found plenty of time to get to know these amazing women better. By the end of the conference a friendship began to bud - though I didn't know to what extent.

I ended up hanging out with Pam after the last day of the conference and to this day I don't think either of us will ever forget that night! ;-) That's a story for another post...

Cindy, on the other hand, had to head back to Sacramento so I had to wait to really get to know her. Fast forward: We all went back to our homes and kept in touch.

Over the months we all stayed in touch here and there, and then I came up with an idea - one hell of an idea! Each of us had beaten cancer on various levels but we had never beaten the battle of the bulge. So, I asked Cindy and Pam to train with me for a year to complete a triathlon. I know – crazy, right? But, what better way to motivate each other and do something amazing together and lose weight? And, can you believe it - they actually said yes!

So, on September 19, 2009, at my non-profit Tamika & Friends, Inc., annual walk in New York, we announced our plans for a "Survivor Slimdown" – and the support from the crowd was tremendous. Today - exactly one year from race day - we are on this amazing life-changing journey together, and I hope you will come along for the ride and encourage us along the way. Hey, I’ve already convinced two women to join me – maybe you’ll join us on race day, too!


Cyber hugs,
Minimizing in Maryland