The Face of OH: Introducing Jackie Guerra
Whether
you know her as Jennifer Lopez's drum-playing sister in the movie, Selena,
or from her inspirational memoir, Under Construction: How I've Gained
and Lost Hundreds of Pounds and Millions of Dollars, on the radio as
the host of Workin It, as the gregarious host of the Style Network's
You're Invited or on the DIY Network's Jewelry Making, her tireless
social action, her stand-up comedy work, her speaking engagements, chances
are you know Jackie Guerra. Soon, you'll have the chance to know her
even better.
Jackie is on a mission—to help OH help you become all you can
be. It comes as no surprise that the woman who blends equal parts talent
and compassion to create her unique mix of celebrity would take her
own 170-pound weight loss and turn it into an opportunity to help others
suffering from obesity. After undergoing her weight-loss surgery in
2004, Jackie knew she had to get involved: "Obesity is a disease
from which too many Americans suffer. I want to be part of the cure
for those who are suffering, but also part of the cure for the cultural
ill of blame and shame."
That cure begins with ObesityHelp. Rallying the crowds at OH events
across the country, Jackie's message is simple: "Weight loss surgery
is a tool, unlike the way that the media often portrays it—as
if it were like a car wash: you go in at 300 pounds and magically come
out at 130 pounds. Nothing could be further from the truth. Weight loss
surgery is not the end of your journey, but rather the first step in
taking responsibility for the quality of your life."
Jackie understands
the work, courage and dedication required to transform a life, because
she's revolutionized her own. It is thrilling for her to see others
do the same: "Talk about being reborn! The folks that I am privileged
to meet at ObesityHelp’s events are celebrating and dancing and
exercising and getting jobs and learning and discovering and becoming
the people that they are capable of being without all of the excess
baggage—literally!"
Jackie is committed to OH's mission, and she brings to OH her passion,
experience and unique voice. According to her, ObesityHelp.com is the
much-needed "safe place" where people can come to be educated,
empowered and encouraged, and she’s proud to be a part: "I
am honored to serve as spokesperson for ObesityHelp." As someone
who is no stranger to breaking the silence when it comes to the people
she believes in, Jackie's voice and commitment, like her message, are
clear and unwavering. She is committed to this community—a community
that, like Jackie, "lives like they mean it."
Visit ObesityHelp.com