CNN Heroes
Local health, fitness enthusiast up for CNN Heroes award
by Manivanh Chanprasith
A gym owner’s crusade against obesity has earned her a nomination as a national hero.
Linda Fondren, owner of Shape Up Sisters, is a candidate for CNN Heroes, a televised tribute by news network CNN to honor those who improve their communities.
Fondren’s nomination was for her launch last fall of Shape Up Vicksburg, a citywide, 17-week weight-loss challenge that has evolved into a walking club.
“I know that what Linda is doing is nothing short of saying ‘enough is enough,’” said Bruce Bobbins, Fondren’s friend and New York City-based publicist for the campaign, who nominated her. “We have to end this epidemic of obesity — and not only say it, but do what she’s doing.”
If you go
Shape Up Vicksburg’s monthly walk will be at 8 a.m. Saturday at River Region Medical Center on U.S. 61 North.
As part of the nomination process, Fondren’s efforts, which include a weight-loss challenge, coordinating citywide walks around area businesses and working with local restaurants to offer healthier menus, will be profiled by the network.
“For the sixth year in a row, Mississippi has gotten an F for fat,” Fondren said.
The Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation published a report June 29 declaring Mississippi the fattest state in the country with a 33.8 percent adult obesity rate.
Fondren’s walking club, in its sixth month, has 325 members. Participants meet once a month at different locations to walk up to three miles.
“We want to make walking fun,” she said. “Exercise has become a bad word. The walk is to get people out together.”
CNN is accepting nominations through Aug. 1 for its Heroes program, which has six categories. The top 10 will be chosen by viewer votes. Fondren was nominated for the community crusader category, which honors individuals who creat e solutions to local problems or social issues.
Once the selection and voting process is complete, a televised show featuring the top nominees and their profiles will be broadcast on CNN. The top 10 nominees and the winner will each receive a cash prize to support their work.
Fondren’s walking club will meet at 8 a.m. Saturday at River Region Medical Center. The walk is free, and free blood pressure checks will be available through River Region.
