A Healthy New Chapter for Rodrigo

Sometimes it takes a single moment to change the course of your life.

For Rodrigo, that moment came the day he stepped on a nail at work. The wound became infected, leading to the amputation of two toes. He was only 51. He had been living with uncontrolled diabetes for too long. He knew something had to change.
For years, his wife had worried. Their conversations had often turned into arguments about his eating habits and lack of motivation to control his disease. But now, Rodrigo was ready to listen. Together, he and his wife enrolled in Advance Community’s Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP), determined to take control of their health.

At the start of the program, Rodrigo’s A1C was dangerously high at 12%. His body was struggling. Through DEEP he began to understand more about diabetes and how he could control it. He began to see how small changes like measuring portions, making healthier food choices, and moving everyday, could make a big difference in his long-term health. Then he began applying those changes at home.

Within three months, his A1C had dropped to 8.4%. But the transformation went deeper than the numbers.
“You can only change what you’re aware of,” his educator reminded the group, “and you can’t change what you don’t know.” That message stayed with him.

Learning what was happening inside his body gave Rodrigo the knowledge and the confidence to act. And the changes he made began improving more than his health. It healed the tension at home and strengthened his bond with his wife.
Rodrigo says he feels like a different person now. He has more energy, is more focused, and feels optimistic about the future. He and his wife enjoy cooking balanced meals and staying active together every day. And Rodrigo proudly shares his story to help others in his community.

Rodrigo’s life shines a light on the lifesaving power of knowledge and support. For others whose health hangs in the balance, your gift can help them take the first step toward healing and hope.