WORKING OUT—Lane Hubbard, Wanda Hamm and Shannon Lawrence, all had different reasons for taking part in the programs at the Alleghany Wellness Center. All three have been successful in reaching their goals.

Wellness Center touts trio of area success stories

When Alleghany Wellness Center opened its doors to the public four and a half years ago, supporters of the facility merely wanted a site for the people of Alleghany and the surrounding area to gather to improve their quality of life, said AWCI Program Director Linda Kabat.

Three individuals, who are deemed "success stories" by Wellness employees, recently shared their story and how the facility helped them turn their lives around, making them feel better about themselves, evading diabetes and helping with arthritis issues.

Shannon Lawrence

Shannon Lawrence initially came to Alleghany Wellness, with an individual membership for a short time before opting to stop coming.

However, that changed in January when his employer, NAPCO, began a "Biggest Loser" competition among about a dozen participating employees.

With a smile, Lawrence stated, "I got back into the Wellness Center at that point, trying to increase the weight loss by incorporating exercise. I decided to do a family membership; got my wife and kids involved with coming to the Wellness Center, that's what got me back." Sporting a 40-pound weight loss, he pointed out, "I participated in that (competition) and I ended up winning when it was all said and done."

Although NAPCO's weight loss competition ended toward the end of March, Grayson County, Va. resident Lawrence and his family (wife Tonya, and children Hayley and Will) continue to frequent the facility.

He commented, "I like the people. The people out front are always friendly, they tell you, ‘Have a nice day.' I think the friendliness of the people that you come in contact with that work here really make it a pleasant environment. It gives you a boost to start.

 

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