Faces of Long Island celebrates the uniqueness of everyday Long Islanders. In their own words, they tell us about their life experiences, challenges and triumphs. Newsday launched this social media journey into the human experience to shine a light on the diverse people of this wonderful place we call home.

‘My biggest wake-up call was when my grandfather told me in the ICU to take better care of myself.’

West Islip

“In January last year, I was pushing 300 pounds. My 2022 New Year’s resolution was to lose weight. I weigh 208 pounds now. My biggest wake-up call was when my grandfather told me in the ICU to take better care of myself.

“He was suffering from congestive heart failure and wasn’t able to say much, so I had to listen closely. We lost him on Father’s Day. I went to the hospital to deliver a card for him. Unfortunately, they pronounced him deceased in front of my mother and me.

“I have always had an extreme personality. I needed something dramatic to wake me up and turn the lights on. I especially knew that about myself in 2018, when I caught the bug doing stand-up. It gave me lots of opportunities. I was the opening act for Robert Kelly and Rich Vos at NYCB Theatre at Westbury, with only six months in the game. But the lifestyle of comedy shows was a pretty unhealthy one. I cared more about being funny than I cared about my health.

I wasn’t just searching for weight loss, but also to find balance, set attainable goals, but to still dream big.

“My decision to lose weight started after I went to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with my family. I was looking at the pictures and wanted to delete every single one of them. With the power of carb-cutting, Peloton and the help of my friends, Brett and John, I was able to see fast results again. But this time, it was for my health.

“I made the decision to put performing stand-up in the rear-view mirror but still help promote shows virtually. I collaborated with Long Island Wise Guy on Instagram and made the connection to promote prominent shows at the Paramount in Huntington. I also co-produced the 2022 “Long Island Laugh Off” at Governor’s Comedy Club as a part of my show biz send-off.

“Ironically, I used to have a bit in my act that made fun of group [fitness] training, but little did I realize that group training would change my life forever.

“I look forward to my 4:45 a.m. routine at OG Training Academy in Lindenhurst, to hit the shower and head to my career working for my family’s business.

“My grandpa was the number one guy who pushed me and encouraged me, and he still is. I hear his motivating words when I train; I still feel a connection with him in that way. I wasn’t just searching for weight loss, but also to find balance, set attainable goals, but to still dream big.”

Interviewed by Rachel O’Brien – Morano

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