Hey I’m Coach Em! My journey has been so unique, so full of ups and downs, and I never thought this life would be possible for me. But I am right in the middle of everything I ever hoped and dreamt for.
In October 2012, I became severely sick. I was transported to the critical care unit by ambulance and diagnosed with severe pneumonia. I was intubated right away and stayed in hospital for 3 weeks. I was diagnosed with an auto immune disease called vasculitis, causing severe bleeding in my kidneys and lungs. I was put on heavy medications and chemotherapy. In 3 years, I had gained 150 pounds, lost a lot of my hair, and was in and out of the hospital.
I lived like this for 8 years. I tried to lose weight off and on but I could never stick to anything. A life sentence that seemed inescapable, leaving me feeling like a mere shell of existence, watching my life and dreams fade away.
September 2020, at 330lbs I broke my foot and found myself going around a grocery store in an electric scooter. I was too heavy to hold myself up on crutches. That’s when I finally decided enough was enough. I started doing small workouts in my basement and started eating better. I showed up everyday, proving myself wrong and everyone else who doubted me.
August of 2021, I went to my doctor for the first time since losing weight, I had lost 120 pounds in 11 months. She told me that my disease was in full remission, I was in perfect health, and was told I could come off ALL of my medications. January 2022, I had lost 150 pounds. I unveiled my fighter’s heart, so I decided I wanted to become a boxer and in July 2022, I had my first boxing tournament and took home gold in my weight category.
When asked what my dream life would be 3 years ago, I would’ve said material things. Ask me today? This is my dream life. I am living out every adventure that I couldn’t do when I was 330 pounds. I’m doing this for old Emma, who never thought there would be a way out. I am savouring the freedom denied to me when I was at my heaviest.
I am sharing my story with hundreds of thousands of people and now get to work alongside those who want to start and continue on their own journeys. It’s about reaching that one person, showing them that it’s possible. Reminding them that it is never too late and you are never too far gone. Your dreams are possible. You are so strong and I’m here to show you just how capable you are!