Best of 2018 - Part 2: Most Inspiring Stories

After being diagnosed with diabetes, former star football player Marc Ramirez refused to accept the same fate that claimed the lives of two family members and crippled the bodies of others. He is proof that genetics are not destiny.  

Josh LaJaunie was more than 200 pounds overweight and felt trapped inside of a body that seemed destined for an early grave. But he was able to break free of his unhealthy prison and transform himself into an elite runner who now is inspiring thousands to lead healthier lives. 

The ageless mother-daughter duo of Tracye and Mary McQuirter are turning back the hands of time. Both are turning heads and freely boasting about their age. And you would, too, if you looked and felt 20 years younger than you actually are!  

After experiencing extreme pain in her breast, doctors discovered a lump in Lee Crosby’s breast. Barely 30 years old, she was terrified of becoming a statistic. But she beat back that fear and used her experience to create a bright future for herself as a highly sought-after registered dietitian. 

Evan Bass struggled mightily with his weight. His short stature and large frame made him an easy target for bullies. He was frequently on the receiving end of cruel comments and cold stares while battling a severe food addiction. But what nobody knew, not even Evan, was that lying dormant inside of him was unparalleled willpower to turn his life around. He’s now a modern-day Rocky with a refuse-to-lose attitude. 

All of them have one thing in common: They adopted a plant-based diet.