Good Humanity Sunday 3/16/08

This week's Proof of Good Humanity comes from MSNBC Health. The Janssens were fat - dangerously so. The old "finish your plate" command was killing off this family.

Nine years ago, eldest sibling Claudia Meyer ... had a stroke, and doctors said she'd never walk again. In 2003, youngest brother Bruce passed away at age 47 from a blood clot, and a little over 2 years later sister Valerie, 57, died suddenly from a heart attack.

Instead of letting unhealthy habits continue to pick off the remaining Janssens, they decided to do something about it: go for a walk. Yep, that's it. No crazy exercise regimen or raw food diets; they're just taking walks together. A group of 21 family members even walked a half-marathon together.

Over the miles, family members walked in small groups, catching up on news in their lives, sharing emotions, telling stories, and encouraging each other. "When my blisters started acting up at mile 6, Heidi distracted me with a game of 'let's see who we can catch ahead of us,'" says Lois. Even Claudia, back on her feet despite doctors' bleak prognosis 9 years ago, took part in the walk — 65 pounds lighter and feeling "twice as good as ever." For Nita, crossing the finish line with her sister-in-law Stephanie, who had been married to her brother Bruce, is a memory she will never forget. Heart disease may have claimed Bruce's life, but the Janssen family is walking toward a promising new future.

How great is that? Not only are they getting healthier, but they're doing it together. And they collectively lost almost 200lbs. Woah.

Bonus Sunday Proof: Less than 2 weeks after I got that freelancing job, I finally found the full-time position I was hoping for. Consider the job search tag officially closed!

Send me your proofs of good humanity! If you've found some on the interwebs, or would like me to post your good humanity story (maybe like my Subway Hero!) drop me an email at beagoodhuman11 at gmail dot com. I love to read them!