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Meet the 2017 Shape-Up Challenge contestants

By Olivia Goudy ogoudy@heraldstandard.Com 3 min read
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John F. Brothers | Herald-Standard

Jane Lindsey

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John F. Brothers | Herald-Standard

Janis McGee

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John F. Brothers | Herald-Standard

Jenn Breakiron

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John F. Brothers | Herald-Standard

Jeff Nicholson

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John F. Brothers | Herald-Standard

Krystal Bowlen Krystal Bowlen

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John F. Brothers | Herald-Standard

Debbie Whelan

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John F. Brothers | Herald-Standard

Tara Azzardi Tara Azzardi

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John F. Brothers | Herald-Standard

Jennifer Fleszar

This year, eight Fayette County residents have been chosen to take part in the fifth Shape-Up Challenge, an exclusive cohort competition coordinated by the Uniontown YMCA and the Herald-Standard.

Whether it’s to lose weight, become healthier or change their lives, each contestant comes to the competition with a personal goal.

Uniontown YMCA Wellness Director Pam George said she’s excited about this year’s group and their willingness to change.

“It’s going to be a great edition, and I know this group can do it,” George said.

The contestants are Krystal Bowlen, Jane Lindsey, Debbie Whelan, Jennifer Fleszar, Tara Azzardi, Janis McGee, Jenn Breakiron and Jeff Nicholson.

Krystal Bowlen

Age: 29

Beginning weight: 253

Hometown: Point Marion

Family: Married to husband with two children.

Occupation: Substitute teacher

“My goal is to get back in shape and be healthy again.”

Jane Lindsey

Age: 50

Beginning weight: 219.5

Hometown: Footedale

Family: Engaged with a son and grandson.

Occupation: Receptionist

“I’m here to lose weight and get back in shape.”

Debbie Whelan

Age: 48

Beginning weight: 263.5

Hometown: Smithfield

Family: Married to her husband with two sons.

Occupation: Hairdresser

“My goal is learn how to eat right and keep the weight off.”

Jennifer Fleszar

Age: 38

Beginning weight: 258

Hometown: Uniontown

Family: Married to her husband with two sons.

Occupation: Compliance officer at a credit union

“My goal is to lose weight, and then stay active enough to keep it off.”

Tara Azzardi

Age: 37

Beginning weight: 266

Hometown: Uniontown

Family: Married to her husband with one son.

Occupation: Stay-at-home mom

“My goal is to lose the weight. I’ve lost control of myself and have put everyone else first. Now it’s time to focus on me.”

Janis McGee

Age: 44

Beginning weight: 191.75

Hometown: Uniontown

Family: Married to her husband with three children.

Occupation: RN

“My goal is to lose 60 pounds. My family has a history of short life expectancy, and I’d like to change that.”

Jenn Breakiron

Age: 36

Beginning weight: 268.25

Hometown: Smithfield

Family: Single

Occupation: Quality assurance official

“I’m here to get healthy and look good for my trip to Cancun later this year.”

Jeff Nicholson

Age: 59

Beginning weight: 242.5

Hometown: Dunbar

Family: Married to his wife with two children and five grandchildren.

Occupation: Retired Columbia Gas worker, now self-employed

“I would like to get back in shape and start feeling good again.”

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