Carol Shopteese

Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Kansas
Sacramento, California
56 years old
Social Worker, Bureau of Indian Affairs

I was introduced to the PATHSTAR program at a conference I attended prior to turning 50 years old. I remember being so excited about the program and telling my children, “I’m going to do that before I turn 50!” Well, I’ll be 57 years old in October and have a new opportunity to participate in PATHSTAR.

I’ve struggled with Food Addiction since I was 25 years old, and it has ruled my life to the point where I’m obese and back on diabetes and high blood pressure meds. I’m well-managed once again and ready to come off all medications (next check up!). I feel that if i participate in the PATHSTAR Alcatraz Swim Program, it would help me to overcome that Food Addiction. My thinking is that if I can swim 1 mile in cold waters, get past my fear of being bitten by a shark or a sea lion and pulled under by a giant squid/octopus, then I can overcome my addiction.

I’m very traditional and believe my grandmother’s Water Spirit will help my fears and will be with me on this journey.

I’d like to learn more about making healthy food fast great and learn to love a healthier lifestyle. I’d take this learning to my Family to help them see that one can eat healthy and love a healthy lifestyle. I’d share my experience with my Prairie Band of Potawatomi Community through pictures and an article in our tribal newspaper, which is seen by 3000+ adult tribal members. There aren’t any oceans in Kansas, but I think my participation would inspire our tribal members to take care of their health and that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. I’d also share my experience with the Wilton Rancheria as they have served as ‘my tribal community’ while I’ve lived here in California the past 2 years.

I will commit to these goals by participating in the PATHSTAR program: (1) To fund-raise the entire amount through donations of friends/Family (2) To be in the best shape possible prior to the swim (walking, weight workouts, swimming as much as I can) and (3) To get to ‘overweight’ (a loss of 7 lbs) or as close to ‘normal’ weight (a loss of 38 lbs) by October 2018 and (4) To be off all medications prior to the swim.