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2009 Spry Inspiration Awards: Meet Our Nominees!

Here are some of the women and men nominated for the 2009 Spry Inspiration Awards, presented by Campbells Healthy Request. Three winners will be treated to an weekend of healthy cooking classes, yoga, and all-around blissful inspiration at Studio B on the beautiful beaches of the Florida Panhandle. Plus, we'll feature the winners' stories in the December 2009 issue of Spry magazine. Stay tuned!

Lu Jeffrey
Mobile, AL
Lu Jeffrey's positive attitude and amazing commitment to fitness have inspired many others to live healthier every day. Her father's diagnosis of Type II diabetes led her to educate herself about diabetes and obtain a degree in physical education, and then to become a registered nurse. At age 57, Lu is an avid runner and promotes running for children by implementing a Kid's Run in all the local races and directing the School Program for the Azalea Trail Run.

Trish McConaughy
Portland, OR
Trish has completed triathlons, half marathons, endurance bike rides, hikes...you name it and she does it. Instead of focusing on weight loss, she focuses on challenging herself and completing various events. She's the type of person who inspires everyone else to get involved and participate. She's fun, passionate, a hard-worker and a beautiful woman on the inside and out.

Marge McCauley
Oxford, MS
Marge, 67, found out one year ago during her annual physical that her blood sugar and cholesterol were elevated and that she should live healthier to prevent future complications. In a heroic effort of inspiring discipline, she has lowered all these levels and has lost 25 pounds. Marge walks three miles almost every day. Because of her, husband Jim has now lost several pounds and his blood sugar and cholesterol have also improved.

Robyn Benincasa
San Diego, CA
Robyn Benincasa overcame debilitating osteoarthritis to become an adventure racer and firefighter. Her healthy lifestyle lets her help other women who have had medical setbacks live an adventure they've always dreamed about.

Melinda Douthitt
Longmont, CO
Melinda is a firm believer in exercising regularly in order to prevent and even cure a wide spectrum of illnesses. Her typical weekly exercise schedule includes teaching 3 times an aerobics class at the local YMCA, teaching a personal training class every other week and running, hiking or biking daily during her lunch hour. Every year she plants a pesticide-free vegetable garden so her family can benefit from organic produce.

Skip Welch
Mansfield, TX
Skip, a police officer at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center lost more than 200 pounds and 38" inches through bariatric surgery, as well as by changing his diet, exercising and making lifestyle changes. He has a personal commitment to health and exercises everyday to improve his physical endurance and regularly shares his story with others.

Mary Kay Cooper
San Antonio, TX
Although she has never been overweight, Mary decided a few years ago to really concentrate on being healthier. As she learned to eat better and exercise properly, she used her health expertise to encourage and support others, many total strangers. In addition to being a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, she is involved with the Leukemia Association through their "Team-in-Training" Program. Through this group, she has competed in two 100-mile bike rides and recently, an Olympic-length triathlon (swimming, biking and running). In the course of these events, she has raised many thousands of dollars to help those with life-threatening blood cancer.

Mary Kay Valenti
Elgin, IL
Mary Kay Valenti inspires everyone she comes in contact with. This young mom lost 100 pounds over 17 month's time out of sheer determination. She now encourages everyone she meets with her upbeat attitude and "can do" approach. She lives her life to encourage others.

Marjory McFarland Fish
New York, NY
Marjory turned 80 this year and celebrated by running, as she has for the past 40 or so years, the Boston Marathon. Over the past few years, she's traveled the world with friends she's had since kindergarten, had her art shown in galleries in Scotland, and participated in countless political forums and interfaith dialogues. She went back to school after the age of 70 to complete her degree; her dissertation in being turned into a book. She volunteers regularly (in so many venues!), runs every day, practices ballet, and inspires young womnn, to honor and care for their health—physically, psychologically and spiritually.

first appeared: 9/1/2009