NORFOLK, Va. – Tasha Turnbull saved her own life years ago when she lost more than 100 pounds.
She told me, “I know how challenging it can be to start [and] feel worthy. Growing up, I was overweight [and] considered obese. I had borderline hypertension. I was not feeling like my best self, and I didn’t know where to go.”
Turnbull’s weight loss journey would lead her to a career as an acclaimed personal trainer in Hampton Roads, but she didn’t stop there. Turnbull created the T2 Fresh Start Initiative. It’s a grant-funded wellness program aimed at reducing rates of diabetes and hypertension in under-resourced communities. Turnbull’s foundation has hosted these programs in six cities across Hampton Roads so far. It is free to participants.
“I’ve learned that losing weight starts in the mind,” said participant Brenda Walker in a promotional video for the initiative.
Anne Teshara, another participant featured in the promotional video, said, “It's comprehensive. It includes a psychological piece. [The program] includes exercise [and] accountability.”
“I want to help cities. I want to help states,” Turnbull said during our conversation.
She continued, “People have said [the program] is life-changing, and we are so grateful to make this happen in Hampton Roads and the Western Tidewater area.”
When I finally surprised Turnbull with the News 3 Everyday Hero award and a $300 gift card from our community partner Southern Bank, she shouted with joy and celebrated with lunges and kicks.
She shouted, “Oh my God!”
She continued, “We can use [the $300] for the dumbbells for our next [T2 Fresh Start Initiative] cohort!”
You can learn more about Turnbull’s initiativehere.
If you know someone else doing the right thing when no one is looking, let us know! Nominate them for an Everyday Hero Award by emailing us or filling out a form here.
