What an interesting day :)
Firstly, let me say hi to all the MX, news.com.au and Herald sun readers who have found themselves here tonight.
I am quite happy with the story that MX have published. The article on the front page (for Melbourne readers) was written by a Journalist from MX. The ‘for what it’s worth’ that was published on page 4 was written by me and between the 2, I hope that people got the message that I am trying to send.
I’ve had a few interesting comments left on my blog tonight. I have been called a fatty bum! Well, I’d have to agree 100%! I also got called a ‘beached whale’ at Southern Cross Station tonight but, I am here to focus on the positives. I have had several messages from people who are fed up too. I’ve had messages of support, encouragement and many ‘thank yous’ and I appreciate every single one of them. Thank you so much xo
I’ve had some wonderful donations for my stair climb that’s on the 22nd of this month (2 weeks tomorrow, to be exact!). I am climbing up 46 flights of stairs to raise money for ‘The Cancer Council’. When I left home this afternoon, the tally was $640. Since the article has been ran, we are now up to $1050. Here is the link to sponsor the climb – your support is appreciated.
I met with Lynda from Today Tonight this evening and they are running a story on discrimination, fatism, my weight loss journey and my stair climb. I asked Today Tonight if they'd sponsor my stair climb in exchange for the story and they have agreed to do so. I feel like a bit of a Superstar as I am not allowed to speak to any Media until after the story has is aired which will be on Monday night. So, if you’re from the Media and are sending me Emails (yes, this is happening!), I am happy to speak to you after this story has ran however, an offer to donate to my stair climb fund raising efforts is appreciated :) my Email address is movingforwardlookingforward@gmail.com
So, here’s some links to today’s articles…
If you have a read through my blog, you’ll see the journey I have been on hasn’t been an easy one. It’s been full of ups and downs and has been an amazing ride and it’s only getting started. And you can do anything if you put your mind to it. I don’t blame anyone else for my weight (like one person has indicated) – I do accept responsibility and that’s why I am doing something about it. I also want to point out that I don’t take up 2 seats (like the same person suggested) however, out of interest, I will measure how big my butt (or anyone elses for that matter) would have to be to consume the 2 seats tomorrow!
I’ll continue to rally for people who are being discriminated against no matter what size I am.
Once again, I appreciate your support more than you know :)
Steph xo
We've been friends through fat, can't wait till we get the skinny on it!! But always friends. Am always here for you. Can't tell you how proud I am of those shiny new balls of yours.
ReplyDeleteLove, your agent - Mwah ha ha ;)
Thank you, darling agent.
ReplyDeleteLots of love from your fatty bum xo
Thank you for speaking out, you are an inspiration. It's amazing how many otherwise rational people think it is okay to discriminate and harass big people. I have been through many years of the same thing on Sydney trains. These days I drive to work (at 4 times the cost), and on the rare occasion that I have to catch the train, I find it very upsetting. Wishing you all the best on your stair challenge and your continuing success in your weight loss. Looking forward to following your blog too :-)
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say best of luck on your journey and I applaud you for being so brave!
ReplyDeleteHello Stephanie, I just read your story on News.com.au. Congratulation on how much weight you have lost so far! I bet that you already feel a lot better. I am down about 40kgs since I had my band and have noticed a big difference. I still have a long way to go, but I have confidence that I can get there now.
ReplyDeleteKeep at it, and never let anyone make you feel like less of a human being based on weight. For a long time I did that myself, but I've learned over the last year or so that life is too short to allow myself to be made to feel inferior to others. Keep at it, i am sure that you will reach your goals!
Regards,
Adrian.
I think you're pretty hot.
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing. So proud to call you my friend :)
ReplyDeleteWell dome steph!
ReplyDeleteYou should be so proud if yourself for not only today but everything you've done. It really AMAZES me on how IMMATURE some people can be (aka "yuk" from the last comment ) but it just goes to show how when people arnt happy with there lives they tend to take it out on everyone else.... Except you. I hope everyone is as proud as I am of you and I'm so glade to call you my cousin xxx
Well done again superstar
Kie
Your raw honesty and willingness to share your journey no matter what shows a strength that is truly incredible Steph. You are amazing. I'm so glad that people are starting to pick up this blog so that you can inspire so many others in the same way you have all of us.
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanine,
ReplyDeleteI too used to be scared about taking a seat on the train because of my "fat ass" I used to be a size 28 and now I'm down to a 16, still got a way to go but getting there nonetheless. Reading your article brought back a lot of raw emotions from people who think it is okay to say rude comments to strangers they don't even know. You are beautiful and congratulations to losing 40kgs! That is incredible. I'll be keeping this blog in my favorites to check up on your journey :)
I think what you have done is fantastic and I am really proud of you for standing up for yourself. I am in awe of how hard you have worked to lose so much weight and I look forward to following you while you get to your goal.
ReplyDeleteI hope you don't mind, but I wrote about you on my blog too.
Good luck with the stair climb!
Don't dare listen to all the rubbish self consumed people are saying. If they for one day spent one day in your shoes, they might then realise how hard this was for you to become public about this issue. All the awful comments on a daily basis... how your confidence levels would have spiraled in a steady though downward angle.
ReplyDeleteMy mothers always said to me that beauty was always ever skin deep... And trust me, it is very true. You will have both a personality and a body to die for once you reach your target... which I am more than confident you will.
You have an amazing personality. You loving, respectful, and also very giving. (Thanks again for your donation to my diabetes fundraising).
I am proud to say I am TEAM STEPH. Keep up your good work.
x
more power to you.. good luck on your quest to lose weight, and to make a difference in this world... you have my support 100% more ppl with ur strength and courage are needed these days...
ReplyDeleteI'd happily share a seat with you on any train, anytime. Thank you so much for having the courage to speak out, and what courage it has taken. Your achievements so far are wonderful, and your determination to reach your goals is an inspiration to me. Your fundraising along the way is so generous and kind. Reading your article in Mx gave me such a lift.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm on the cuddly side too, and know just what it is to be bullied, and I'm working towards getting healthier and that means becoming less cuddly. I'm hanging out for payday next week, and plan to make a donation to your cause then.
I also hope that you can get Mx or Today Tonight to come and visit you again when you reach your goals to show to the rest of us it can be done.
Congratulations!!
Hi Stephanie, Im the academic that was featured on the telly with you last night. Just wanted to say thanks for speaking out!! Also know that there is a terrific supportive community of people who are taking action to try and stop this type of treatment. If you are interested, Elizabeth at the blog Spilt Milk, Marianne Kirby at The Rotund, and Kath Read at Fatheffalump are doing awesome things in this space. You can visit my blog at www.drsamanthathomas.com where there are a number of posts on fat stigma and discrimination.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course we are all on Twitter too!
Thanks again for speaking out!
Samantha
Hi Stephanie
ReplyDeleteI am another Fat Acceptance blogger. My blog is at www.fatlotofgood.org.au although I havent written anything for a while due to life getting in the way. I am so sorry you have had to go through the discrimination you have.
Bri