Margreet Adriani

Auburn, California

51 years old

Lifestyle coach, nutrition specialist, Chapa-De Indian Health

It’s December 12, 2018. at the clinic where I work, Chapa-De Indian Health. We had Aftercore, a monthly meeting with American Indians and their support people. It was a different gathering, one during which we would pay special attention to some of our community members. Each of them had spent a week in San Francisco, California with Dr. Nancy Iverson and her team. The energy in that room, the hope, the laughs, the strength, the emotions, I am so thankful to have been part of that night. We discussed KC’s, Michelle’s, Tahvooche’s, Carol’s, Sylvia’s, Donna’s, and Val’s participation with PATHSTAR. I had written letters of recommendation for several of the participants, and Chapa-De Indian Health had received a glass blown sea star earlier. That night it was ending, it seemed. But nothing is farther from the truth. It was just starting. The 2018 participants are working on their health, exercising regularly, losing weight, eating better, changing their future for themselves and the people around them, including my own. 

Two years into my job at Chapa-De I was introduced to PATHSTAR. Kristen was going to participate with two of her patients. She didn’t know how to swim and had avoided swimming her whole life. Over the next 2 years other participants followed and the PATHSTAR team asked if any of the lifestyle coaches were interested.  2018 came around and I had followed KC’s and Tahvooche’s journey from up close. It brought them excitement, motivation, strength, but also nervousness about challenges that would come along. And I decided to take the dive after that December Aftercore session during which they shared their stories. 

If I am accepted to be part of PATHSTAR 2019, I hope to learn from other team members and participants who are willing to share their stories. I like to be able to share with my friends, family and the Chapa-De community the power of a team and being able to accept help, the power of building people up, and the power of physical activity both mentally and physically. 

My current health goals are eating adequate protein each day, exercising for at least 30 minutes 5 days a week and planning meals and snacks one week ahead, each week. I would like to share activities and/or healthy eating practices several times a week with my buddy if at all possible. 

Thank you for creating this amazing opportunity for all who have come before me and for those applying in the future.