Family has always been important to me. Being a single mom, I didn’t want my kids to lose anything. To make sure they have everything they need, I work two jobs, normally seven days per week. Between work and getting my daughters to their sports, I started to feel unhealthy. It sneaks up on you. The Thrive Challenge entry book really caught my eye with real people just like me on the cover. Now, I’m exercising anywhere between one and four times a day— I get up at 4:30 in the morning to jog five miles with my neighbors. I also started doing hot yoga. This is all before I take my daughter to school. By 10 at night, I’m pretty beat. But you get addicted to it, and I honestly have never been so happy in all my life. 

Before the Thrive Challenge, I pretty much ate whatever. I would run through and get fast food. I’ve completely changed my eating. Now I’m planning my meals. I’m saving at least $10 a day by not eating fast food. I appreciate the Thrive app for changing the way I live my life. I’m even putting money into an emergency fund with direct deposit. Since you don’t really see it, you don’t really miss it. But for an emergency, it’s there. The best part of the Thrive Challenge has been taking the time out to spend with family. My daughter and I now have a “date day” every week. Thrive has totally changed my life and people around me have noticed. I have been told how much better I look — that I glow. I’m telling friends and associates how great it is to have a better lifestyle and to be achieving your goals. I am finally happy with who I am.

— Patty Kennedy, Sam’s Club #6572; Knoxville, TN; $5K Winner