A;t fl-Wii 7i£v-g (}4<v... Dawn Ciccone, 57,of Highlands, isa competitive athlete and nutritional health coach. But six years ago she was hi~~) an SUV,and after, she needed to use a wheelchair. Facedwith years of surger! and rehabilitation, doctors told Dawn she would never run again.Find out how she beat the odds. ...~ ?dty- gi¥g. I smoked two packs of cigarettes a day until age 27. I finallyquit and decided to get active. I started by running and walking one block until I was able to go farther. This year I ran my 17th marathon in Costa Rica and won my division. Everyone starts somewhere. ... ~~g~. When things are difficult, it's natural to lookback to the ways things were, but the only way to move forward is to accept where you are. I overcame my injury when I accepted that I am not and never will be the same, but that is a good thing. It gave me the opportunity to become stronger and better balanced. Like climbing a mountain, it's important to keep your eye on the peak Before you know it, you are halfway to the top. ...~ fo~ r=« So often people spend more time caring for their cars or homes than themselves. Be kind to yourself. In addition to exercise and eating healthy, I take time to do things I love - like singing and writing I published a book that came out of my healing journey Self-care is vital, Ifyou don't take care ofyourself, you aren't fullyable to care forothers . V) ~ o I- U o o , o o 00 , Share Your Story! -=-- Doyou have a fitness story that willinspire ~ others to get healthy? Share it with us! E-mail yourstoryto [email protected] or post it at www.facebook.com/MeridianHealthNJ. Everyonewho submits a story willreceive a FREE cookbookfullofhealthy recipes! Dawn Ciccone is an active runner who enjoys writing, singing, motivational coaching, and community service.