NB3 Foundation

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BACK 9 with LPGA star Cristie Kerr

1.     Why did you decide to join Notah and be a part of the 2010 NB3 Foundation Challenge?

I met Notah in Arizona at Mirabel Club, where we are both members and got to play some golf together.  Notah made an impression on me right away because he was battling through an injury but was still working on his game.  He is always talking about his foundation work and his passion for it is inspiring.  All the girls know of his event, we are all glad that the decision was made to include us and I’m thrilled to participate.  I have a foundation for breast cancer and Notah’s event is the benchmark for our efforts.

 2.     What are you looking forward to most at the event?

I think, for me, it is the opportunity to help a friend’s foundation work.  I know how hard it is to make a difference, especially in today’s tough economic times.  I am also looking forward to playing with the PGA players, something we don’t get to do very often, and never on the same team!

3.     The Foundation’s focus is on leading the charge in the battle against obesity and diabetes amongst Native American youth. Both of those medical conditions have touched your life – let’s start with diabetes. Both of your parents suffer from the disease, what was it like growing up with diabetic parents?

It was difficult in a lot of ways. Watching people you love battle health conditions is stressful.  My best friend on tour, Kelli Kuehne, is an insulin-dependent diabetic and she has to constantly monitor herself.  I was overweight and suffered from poor eating habits and lack of exercise when I was younger because I didn’t really have access to information about how to eat right.  Work like Notah’s can help kids get that information.

4.     Do you have any advice for young Native Americans who are in the same situation, dealing with parents or family members who are diabetic?

Sometimes children have to educate their parents, and inspire them to make healthier choices and to get exercise.  My parents grew up in a time where we knew less about the benefits of diet and exercise.  Both my parents eat better and exercise regularly and they are in better health.  I would like to think that my success with turning my health around motivated them.  So kids out there can set good examples for their parents.

5.     Obesity is something that you recently took head on in your life and have lost a great amount of weight. Why was it important for you to take on that battle and win it?

For me, it was a health emergency. I had developed back pain from being overweight and I had to make changes.  Once I started, I realized that it really helped my confidence; my self esteem and those both helped my golf game.  Being overweight, for me, was depressing and limiting, and I will have to battle the rest of my life with keeping the weight off, but it is a fight I take pride in winning overall, even if it is a struggle at times.

6.     What has losing the weight and pushing yourself to a better, healthier life meant to you, both on and off the golf course?

As I said, I think for me it has to do with confidence, self esteem and removing limitations. 

7.     What types of things do you do to maintain your new level of health?

I watch my diet constantly, try to make good food choices and, most importantly, I surround myself with situations that help me make better choices. That means staying at hotels with gyms or going to better restaurants or not being in situations that can lead to bad choices.  I exercise 3-5 times a week and get regular health check-ups.

8.     Which of those are most important?

For me, exercise is most important because it requires the most work and sacrifice.  Sometimes I can’t fit everything into a busy day, and if my exercise suffers, everything else suffers, golf, my mood, etc.  So I think the physical activity drives everything else.

9.     What piece of advice would you have for an aspiring youth who is facing the same challenges you were in dealing with obesity?

Don’t give up, don’t let anyone ever tell you that you can’t be whatever you want to be or look however you want to look.  Most of all, you need to be patient and diligent and you will get wherever you want to go!