Tri-City Medical Center’s Carlsbad Marathon is January.19 and we have an amazing and inspirational story to tell about the Medical Center’s Lucky 13 Program. The Lucky 13 is a group of thirteen individuals from North County who have or are currently overcoming health challenges – such as cancer, eating disorders, depression, and neurological disorders – and were selected to work with fitness experts at the Tri-City Wellness Center in Carlsbad to find balance and take control of their lives. Sure, their goal is to run the 13.1-mile Carlsbad Half Marathon, but what they’re really chasing is their own identity and hope that they can overcome anything.
The program helps these residents, who have never trained for or completed a half marathon, overcome health challenges and get their lives back on track through comprehensive training and group support.
Here are few participants
Vicki Parker, 64, Oceanside
Vicki Parker has always enjoyed an active lifestyle and is fond of the outdoors. She loves helping children and taughtin the Vista Unified School District for 41 years. Starting in 2013, she experienced a series of injuries and challenging health diagnoses. The worst of these was a painful back injury that has taken years to heal.
Three years later, in 2016, Vicki was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, it was caught early and she recovered well. In addition to her own health challenges, Vicki had the emotionally difficult job of helping her beloved parents battling Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. The last several years depleted her sense of deep reserves and her “can do” attitude.
Upon hearing about the Lucky 13 program from her friend Cecilia, former Lucky 13 participant, Vicki regained hope that Lucky 13 may help her regain full health. Needless to say, Vicki was elated to be selected for the program. Every day she thinks about how appropriately named the Lucky 13 program is, as she feels so very fortunate to be a part of this experience.
Rachelle Nyenhuis, 50, Vista
At 15 years of age Rachelle experienced chest pains, collapsed at school. The next day Rachelle was in surgery having several large tumors removed. Doctors told her she could have healthchallenges & children would not likely be in her future. It was at this moment she decided she wanted to enjoy as much life that God would allow her, teach children and still have a family! Rachelle has been married to her husband Eric for 28 years, had children,graduated from CSUSM and teaches at The Coastal Academy in Oceanside.
Rachelle was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in her 40’s. She had several surgeries, radiation and treatments and is currently in an experimental cell repressive therapy. Rachelle findsevery day a gift! She enjoys reading mysteries, traveling, cooking, meeting new people, trying new food, gardening, going to church, board games, going to the beach and spending time with her bulldog & cat. Rachelle is thankful for her new Lucky 13 familyand their special bond as they encourage each other to reach physical and mental health goals that sometimes seem out of reach.
Giorgio Tegami, 61, Carlsbad
Giorgio was diagnosed with Hepatitis C over 30 years ago. In 2014, doctors informed him he could be facing liver complications and possibly a transplant within five years. Giorgio immediatelybegan the six month treatment and taking medications. Nine months from the start of treatment, he tested negative for Hepatitis C and is 100% cured.
More challenges came his way. Recently Giorgio faced a two year battle with anemia caused by internal bleeding. After intense research and many tests, he was diagnosed at Tri-City Medical Center with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). A complex surgery successfully removed the deformity from his abdomen.
Giorgio is now ready, determined and motivated to live a fit and healthy lifestyle. He wants to strive each day to keep his positive attitude and a genuine smile. Giorgio is very thankful for the opportunity to be part of the Lucky 13 team.
