Real Stories From Real Patients

 Tom A

To the staff of MNP,
There are a few things I would like to thank you for, they are in no particular order:
1. I can put my pants, socks and shoes on without sitting down. Thank You.
2. I can ride roller coasters. Thank You.
3. I can sit in the back seat of any vehicle comfortably. Thank You.
4. I fit in any theater or airline seat as well. Thank You.
5. I can wear boxers now. Thank You.
6. I take the stairs, no matter how many floors, and I don’t break a sweat. Thank You.
7. Parking anywhere within a mile of my destination is within walking distance. I look for shade and free. Thank You.
8. I no longer take any medications, not even aspirin. Thank You.
9. I can climb a ladder. Thank You.
10. My pants do not wear out between my thighs. Thank You.
11. I don’t need to change into workout clothes to go for a walk or exercise. Thank You.
12. I can sleep lying down, flat on my back, on my front or my side. Any position is comfortable. Thank You.
13. I can sit in any chair and not fear it will break. Thank You.
14. I can run if I want to. Thank You.
15. I can scratch anywhere on my back, I can reach between my shoulder blades with    both hands at the same time. Thank You.
16. I receive complements on my appearance from those I know and people I have just met. Someone even said I look fit. Thank You.
17. My comfort zone has expanded greatly. I am comfortable at 60° or 90° heat. Thank You.

There are many, many more. Any one of these things may seem small and insignificant. Each one means the world to me and when you add them up they equal a changed life. Thank you so very very much. Each of you have made significant and important contributions to my success. Maggie with her sticky notes of encouragement and support on my blood-work and receipts (I have kept every single one). Mel’s consistent and unwavering non-judgmental weigh-ins and blood pressure checks (Pretty sure she has never missed a day that I’ve been here). MNP’s phlebotomist, I’ve had more good arm-sticks than bad. Dena and now Kimberly, helping me to understand the struggle, how to receive support and create my own. Pat for teaching me how to create and maintain a healthy diet and exercise lifestyle. And last but certainly not least, Dr Isaacson for the gentle encouragement, sincere sympathy and attention to my overall health and well being.

Thank you all from the furthest reaches of my heart.

August, 2019

Marc B

As I recall, Vanessa came home with a pamphlet  from her primary care physician’s office.  She asked if I would support her in this losing weight.  Of course YES is my usual answer and I even boldly suggested I do it along with her. She said great but never figured I would follow through.

I travel for work on an expense account, so it was easy for me to “Cheat” on my wife…that is, I ate things I shouldn’t and didn’t tell her.

I admittedly was a very miserable person the first week, ok a good three weeks.  Food, I wanted Food!  Such a whiner… But I soldiered and the scale started showing me lower numbers, daily and noticeably and as the weight dropped, I got stronger.

OH, there are steps…10,000 of them daily.  These got easier and easier.  I walk everywhere. Need food? I go shopping without the car.  One meal, maybe two at a time for each shopping trip.  Sometimes I hit 14 to 18K daily steps walking airport terminals on layovers and it feels like nothing now.

I set a suitcase on the scale at SFO and it said 42 Lbs.  I lost that much weight?  How could I possibly have had that much excess baggage?

I made my goal @ 8 Wks!  Guys, (is anyone looking?) it is like cheating, so not fair for the ladies, but we lose the weight fairly easily with good effort. I am at my high school weight and am dropping my cholesterol and diabetic medicine, which was “My Main Reason” for losing weight.

Yes, there is a “Side Effect” to losing weight…for me it was a tremendous burst of a new life with an abundance of energy.

Now as I can again eat, there is support and re-training on how to go about the food selection and size portion training.  At my goal weight I entered the Maintenance program, less expensive and not requiring seeing the doctor every week… they did not want to take my funds because I met my goal. This I liked.

If I slip up, I can always return for more treatment. I have my personal goal, which is 10 pounds less than my original goal.

I cannot wait to go skiing this year, popping right off those moguls like a flea.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Bob M

A picture is worth a thousand words…

Bob P

I am a seventy-two year old man. I have been active all of my life. I had a very physical job until I retired. I could eat anything while working, but after retiring it was difficult not to gain weight.

I have bad knees and back and I got to the point I could not do much for a long period of time. I would do a little and, sit down in my chair, watch television, eat and then sleep. All the time, I was putting on more weight.

One day at an appointment with the knee doctor, Gary the physician assistant suggested that I contact Doctor Isaacson about losing some weight. So after some convincing from my family I said I would try it.

This journey has been God sent for me and my wife, as I could not have done it otherwise.

I have lost a total of 115 pounds in 6 months! I stayed on the diet religiously and my weight came off.

I continue to participate in the weight maintenance program which will help me keep it off.

I walk a lot, exercise a lot and stay out of my chair… my life has changed for the better, no question about it!

Dr. I and Maggie and their entire staff have been wonderful and supportive along the way.

I would recommend this program to anyone.

Allyn B

MY MEDICAL NUTRITION PROGRAM EXPERIENCE
I recently lost 75 pounds, going from 207 pounds to 132 pounds (I’m a 5’6”, 65 year old woman);  in eight months, using the MNP weight loss program headed by Dr. Joseph Isaacson and his staff.  My current weight and health has me feeling light and energetic, and able to physically and emotionally do many of the things I used to enjoy, plus a few new ones!  My blood pressure has come down to normal, my knees and feet don’t ache, etc.  It’s a blessing now to be in the body I’m in.

The whole experience was a relatively easy and positive one.  The meal replacement supplements, after a short period of adjustment, are filling and satisfying and can be made using a variety of  recipes to suit individual tastes.  Hunger, appetite and cravings tend to disappear on this program, especially when you stick to it and don’t deviate.  Some people lose faster than I did (men especially), and some a little slower; but my loss was great for me.

Besides the meal replacement supplements, there are weekly weigh-ins and blood pressure taken, blood work done every other week, and weekly meetings with the doctor to discuss progress and questions.  There is also the weekly therapy group session, an hour long meeting headed by a licensed (and very good) psychotherapist where individual issues, questions, and challenges are welcome, as well as discussions about research and insights into weight management.  This weekly meeting is one of the best parts of the program, and one that many clients really look forward to.

After goal weight is met, one is transitioned into maintenance, which continues to be a weekly session involving weigh-ins, nutritional and exercise counseling, and general good times.  We meet together with the folks who have opted for the “Better Weighs” program, which is for people with somewhat less weight to lose, or people who wish to combine food with supplements to lose their weight a little more slowly.   We all get the same excellent information and counseling.  If in maintenance there is some backsliding, the option is there to return to the supplements to re-lose any weight.

All in all, it’s the easiest, safest, and most effective weight loss program I know of, run by knowledgeable and caring people who have helped lots of folks with their weight management goals.  Getting weight down to normal levels, and learning how to control it with proper well-balanced nutrition and adequate exercise, is one of the best things you can do for your physical, mental, emotional, and psychological health- not easy, but with the help of excellent programs like this, truly achievable.

Chris P

Dear Maggie and Dr. I,
Just a note of thanks and update.
Well we definitely know the program worked for me and I continue to successfully manage my weight at 197 pounds, which is 5 pounds less than when I left the program several months ago.
What I need to tell you is thank you for the great support I received and I truly enjoyed both of you and our interactions.
An update on my health: After I had lost 60 pounds, Dr.Parrish, my cardiologist, was very pleased with the burden off my heart and it looked like aorta valve replacement surgery would be able to be pushed out to a later time. Well after I had lost 80 pounds, the new echocardiograms had much clearer images and showed a valve that was much worse than expected and a hole between heart chambers. So tests and surgery immediately got fast tracked and I had a successful valve replacement and heart repair by Dr. Morales, Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Good Sam the day before Thanksgiving. I am doing great and breathing better than I have in years. My weight loss has positively affected everything about the surgery and recovery.
What I need you to know and hear is you change lives…hell you even save lives…very likely saved mine. That’s some pretty cool stuff!
Thank you both from the bottom of my now healthy heart. I feel blessed that Medical Nutrition Program and you guys came into my life at the perfect time.
Your Friend, Chris

Cathy E

Hi Dr I, Maggie and team,

I’ve been thinking about you all lately and wanted to check in. I have been doing pretty well at maintaining my weight for the past almost two years.  I got to my lowest weight of 129 last summer, but as a result of a lot of business travel, I gained 6 pounds over the past year.  I am determined to lose it slowly with daily calorie tracking and exercise.  Even so, I am still wearing a size zero GAP jeans–who would ever have believed that was possible when we first met!

You should be happy to know that you inspired me to crave daily exercise. What I have been doing is tracking my daily calories (limit to 1500) and keeping an exercise log.  I work out 3 times a week at my local gym and the other days of the week I take a one hour advanced Pilates class which builds muscle and lean body mass. On “off days” I do Pilates at home and work out on my elliptical. I had never exercised before, so working out every day and actually “liking it” is amazing.  It would never have happened without you all, thank you!!!

Well, just wanted to connect with you all to let you know that you have had a lasting and life-long impact on my well being and to say thank you for all that you did to help me and all that you have done and continue to do to help others that need help.

You are beautiful and loving and beyond words regarding what you do and have done to help so many heal.  I love you so much!

Sirisha A

Maggie and Dr I,

It’s the thoughtfulness of people like you that makes the world so bright. Thanks for making my little corner of the world a happier place to be. I was going through hell before coming to Medical Nutrition Program. Today I am confidant to continue my journey towards a healthier me.

Thank you for all the motivation, support and love you have shown me and thank you for showing me a path and brightening my world.

Eleanor A

My entire life I have been over weight.   I have tried all the major diet plans.  I had lost all hope of ever being a normal weight.  I was wearing a size 24.   Going to the movies, sporting events, amusement parks, sitting at a booth in a restaurant, or flying on an airplane were all things I dreaded.  They were all reminders of how large I was and how I invaded other peoples space.    In April 2014 my primary care physician asked me how my weight loss was going.   I replied, “It’s not.   I need help!”  That is when she handed me a flier for the Medical Nutrition Program.  She asked me if I would be willing to try it.  I said, “At this point I am willing to try anything especially if it didn’t involve surgery.”   The next day I called and spoke with Maggie.  Maggie explained the program in such an encouraging, clear and caring way.  My first thoughts were there is no way can I only eat shakes and soups and not be hungry!   But it is the truth!

I started the program on May 12, 2014 and by January 12, 2015, I had lost 140 pounds.  During these 8 months I only ate the shakes and soups.  And I honestly was NOT hungry.   I slowly began walking.  I remember one of the first times I went walking, my 2 boxers had to literally pull me and all I could do was once around the block.   Slowly I have added more and more steps.  Currently my goal is to walk 20,000 steps a day (10 miles).  I know that sounds like insanity but it just means going for a walk a couple of times a day, parking far away in the parking lot and taking the stairs.

On January 21, 2015, I ate my first meal in 8 months.   One of the first things I had was a mushroom.  I couldn’t believe how great it tasted!   Rediscovering food has really been fun.  My tastes changed and now I found that I liked a lot of things I never liked before (e.g. mushrooms, celery, Brussels sprouts, and cottage cheese).   For the last three months I have been able to maintain my 140 pound weight loss.  I track everything I eat and drink.

I now wear a size 8.  I have no problems going to the movies, sporting events, amusement park rides, sitting at a booth in a restaurant, or flying on an airplane.   I have so much more energy and I feel younger and healthier.   I am no longer on medicine for high blood pressure or high cholesterol.    Not to mention I no longer have sleep apnea!   I believe losing the weight has actually made me younger.

If you want to lose weight I encourage you to give MNP a try, and I hope that you will be as successful as I have been.    I want to thank Dr. I, Maggie, Pat, Dena and the entire staff at MNP for all their support.  I continue to go every Tuesday evening where I stay accountable and get the pleasure of learning about nutrition and how to eat healthy.  I hope to see you there!

Nancy L

I started the program in January of 2014. I was tired of being on numerous different medications related to obesity, and frankly of being fat. My Dr recommended Medical  Nutrition and Dr Isaacson.

I was serious about losing weight and feeling better. My mind was made up that I was going to improve the quality of my life. I met with Maggie and Dr I then started the program. I was very surprised that I was not hungry and was able to stick with the program. With the help of the entire staff I lost 82 pounds in less than a year and have never felt better in my adult life.

I am off all medications. I am religious about tracking what I eat and drink, which is now a part of this new way of life. Knowing what I’m eating and being realistic with my diet.

It has been a life changing experience for me, I believe you must be committed to the program for it to work, and there are no short cuts. I have more energy and for once in a long time I actually enjoy going out. I’m not embarrassed about how I look anymore, that is a great feeling.

So I would like to thank Dr Isaacson, Maggie and all the other dedicated staff members for helping me reach my goal and get my life back.

Chris C

My doctor recommended the  Program because I was taking 3 medications for type 2 diabetes and my glucose levels were still not properly controlled.  In addition, I had high cholesterol, high blood pressure and I was under a lot of stress.  I had considered gastric bypass surgery, but I didn’t want to go that route.

When Dr. Isaacson said I would not be hungry on the shake diet, I didn’t believe him at first, but he was right!  Every time I got hungry, I would observe it had been three hours and it was time for another shake.  One item of advice is that I would reinforce the doctor’s counsel to floss and brush regularly while you are on the protein shakes as it is critical to maintain teeth and gum health.

In under a year, I lost 80 pounds and feel great! I am off all my medications!  I still monitor sugars and blood pressure closely and attend weekly meetings and track my diet. The Staff is very supportive, positive and friendly.  The small group format, together with personalized health monitoring proved to be very successful for me.   The nutrition and exercise support and counseling is very consistent and motivational.

There is nothing really magic about this program, but persistence pays off well.  I can’t tell you how many folks come up to me and tell me I look fantastic, which is very gratifying.

Elizabeth S

I originally went on the  diet in 2010 and lost over 50 lbs. Most importantly, I kept it off. It was life changing for me. I’m happier, more confident and more active than I was in my 20’s. And it doesn’t hurt that my husband is always talking about how “hot” I am!
Now I’m back on the diet after having a baby and have already lost almost all the extra baby weight I was carrying.
This diet is not for everyone. You need to be ready to examine what behaviors led up to your weight gain and make real changes or else you’ll probably put the weight back on – just like any diet.
The liquid diet lets you take the weight off fast but then you have to be ready to change how to you approach food once you lose the weight. Consuming only shakes and soups is temporary and it’s not that bad at all. I bring a shake when I go out to lunch with friends so I can still socialize like normal. I’ve had to slightly adjust my lifestyle while on the diet. Even then, it’s only temporary so it’s completely worth it.
The MNP staff are all amazingly kind and supportive. If you’re serious about losing the weight for good, this is the program for you.
As far as the cost: $650 / month includes all the food. I figured out that I was spending almost $450 / month on food while not on the diet, so the real cost is more like $200 / month. This is one of the best investments I’ve ever made in myself.

A recent update to Elizabeth’s story:

Every time I drop by the clinic to see you and the team, I am reminded that even though it has been 6 years since I lost 50 lbs, MNP is still there for me; encouraging, kind and supportive. Losing the weight and keeping it off has made my life so much better in so many ways. Thank you!

Mazen L

It took me a while to work up the confidence to start another diet. Having failed at many of these in the past I felt as if I could not succeed at anything that would improve my health. I may have waited too long and left trying to lose weight until I had passed 300lbs, as well as the fact that I developed numerous medical issues related to obesity, it was no longer an issue of trying another diet, I had to do something, now!

I heard about Medical Nutrition Program through a friend who had gone through the program prior to me starting and had lost 30lbs in about 3 months. When I started, Maggie, and Dr. I were very welcoming and matter-of-fact as to what the program entails and that it was not for everyone, but if you will see results if you simply follow the rules of the program. I started out of the gates with a blast and lost nearly 17 lbs in 10 days. Granted this may have been a lot of water weight, but that initial weight loss got me hooked to lose more.

I am now approximately 95lbs down from my initial starting weight and only 5lbs from my goal. I would never have thought of myself to be the type to frequent the gym, but lately I have a lot of extra energy and am at the gym 3-4 days a week. I’m back to eating a partial diet with normal foods and shakes and have not gained any of the lost 95lbs back. I feel as if I can finally take control of my eating habits and slowly build the routine to sustaining my current weight, maybe even lose more while technically not being on a diet.

I owe so much to everyone at Metabolic Nutrition Program, Dr. Isaacson, Maggie, Dena, and Pat. I have raved about this program to many people and have gotten many of my family members to start. I wish everyone the best on their journey to a healthy lifestyle at a manageable weight. You just need to believe that this program can help you and you will reap the results.

Kevin B – San Jose, CA

I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, kidney issues and diabetes.
I was looking at 386lbs of gained weight due to stress and work demands.
My cardiologist referred me to the Metabolic Nutrition Program for weight loss.
Since being on the program for 8 months, I have lost a total of 149 lbs and I am no longer requiring prescriptions for high blood, diabetes, and kidney problems.  I am still taking medication for my heart, but I am hoping I will be able to stop them next visit since I am no longer in atrial fibrillation.
I am currently 17 lbs away from my goal and feeling so much better.  I have become more physically active and have increased my work outs.
I am a firm believer in the program and I faithfully stick to the shakes, water intake, and exercise. MNP has helped me to reach my goals in the shortest amount of time and get my life back.
Dr. Joseph Isaacson and the entire MNP staff are very supportive. The weekly group meetings have been very helpful.
I highly recommend MNP for an effective weight loss program.

Barry H – San Jose

At age 18, I was 220 lbs and 6’4″.  After college I was 270 lbs.  Ten years later at 370 lbs, I was unable to climb a flight of stairs without resting midway.  With the MNP program I lost 150 lbs in 8 months.  It has been 10 years since I lost the weight and I still weigh less than when I graduated from college.  MNP has taught me nutrition, given me insight into breaking behavioral patterns, and most importantly given me back my life.

Jim S – San Jose, CA

My wife and I have been very satisfied patients of Dr Isaacson and Medical Nutrition Program for several years.
Dr I and his staff are friendly, supportive and knowledgeable.
They will work with you to achieve the success you desire.

Carol S – San Jose, CA

I am 74 years old and  I have diabetes and a heart valve problem. I need to lose 100 pounds so I can have a heart valve replacement.
My cardiologist referred me to Dr. Isaacson and Medical Nutrition Program. So far I have lost 75 pounds and no longer take any diabetes medication.
My cardiologist says my heart is better, although I will still need surgery. The staff keeps a very close tab on me.
I weigh in, see the doctor and attend a meeting with a licensed counselor every week. I have blood tests every other week.
I strongly recommend the program to anyone who has to lose weight. They have a great and supportive staff.

Karen D – San Jose, CA

At age 71, I have tried many types of diets to lose weight over the years. I found Medical Nutrition Program to be the easiest.
They are very interested in making sure her that I stay healthy during this process. Every week I weigh in, see the doctor and attend
a group meeting with a licensed counselor to help me stay on track.
I have lost the weight and I am now in the maintenance program. I no longer see the doctor or have blood tests, but I weigh in and
attend a group meeting with a registered dietitian who helps me make wise food choices and encourages me to keep the weight off and
stay healthy. Everyone there is very supportive. I am very pleased with the program.

Debbie F – San Jose, CA

At 52 I was tired of being fat and trying thousands of different diets all my life.  I had 7 grandchildren and knew I would never be able to enjoy them the size I was.  I was ready for gastric bypass surgery.  I went to my private physician.  After he discouraged me from having the surgery, he recommended Metabolic Nutrition Program.

There are times in my life when I know God is watching over me!  From the counselors, the dietitians, the assistants, and Dr. Isaacson, MNP had one of the most intelligent and supportive staffs I’ve ever encountered.  They have made the journey of losing 100 lbs. a journey I have not been on alone!

The maintenance program is one I will go to for the rest of my life, if they let me!  I feel as though I am part of a loving, supportive family.  There are so many different food programs they have to offer.  The support groups have made me realize that I am not alone.  No need to feel like a failure.  No need to hate myself.  No need to be ashamed.  There is a place, Medical Nutrition Program, where fat people can get the help, guidance, the medical care and the psychological care they need to be successful.

I play and run with my grandchildren now!  I will forever be indebted to the people at Medical Nutrition and the friends I have met there along my journey.  I was blessed to find Medical Nutrition Program and I will be forever grateful!!

Come and check it out!!!

Bill T. – Gilroy, CA

How did I get to be 90 pounds overweight?  It was pretty easy. I didn’t really have to work at it. I knew I ate too much of the wrong things and I needed to get more exercise.

But then my diabetes was out of control and my blood pressure was high, even with medications.  I needed knee replacements but the surgeon told me I had to lose weight before he would do it.  He recommended gastric bypass surgery. It seemed like a major step and I wasn’t ready to commit the rest of my life to that kind of permanent alteration to my body.

My primary doctor recommended Medical Nutrition Program.  She said I should try it first, and if they couldn’t help me, then we could reconsider surgery.  The program worked for me. I lost 107 pounds and it took me about 6 months to do it.  There were 2 people in my group who had the gastric surgery and had regained much of their weight and were losing weight at Medical Nutrition Program.

My blood pressure is normal and my diabetes is gone!  I had both knees replaced and my knee pain is gone. I have continued in the maintenance program for two years now and I am doing great.  At 57 years old, I feel like I have been given another chance at life.  Thank you MNP.

John D. – Morgan Hill, CA

I just want to say “Thank You” for your all of your support in my weight loss efforts. Medical Nutrition Program is the best thing that has happened to me for a long time. I was lost and feeling terrible about my weight until I found you on the internet. My doctor had patients who had been successful on your program and encouraged me to join.

The program helped me lose those 55 pounds I couldn’t get rid of on my own!

The good news is that I have kept my weight off for more than a year. Your maintenance program has given me the tools I need. I am so grateful for getting back to my ‘old me’, life is good!

Kathy L. – San Jose, CA

Dr. Isaacson, You are a very caring physician. What you are doing for me and my fellow patients’ lives is priceless. Thank you so much!!

Nancy K. – Milpitas, CA

Until I found Medical Nutrition Program, I was overweight and taking 3 medications for high blood pressure.  My blood sugar was borderline high and my doctor told me it was pre-diabetes. My cholesterol was normal, but I was taking a pill to do it. My dad died of a heart attack when he was 71.

I tried Weight Watchers but it just didn’t work for me, it took a long time to lose even 3 pounds.  Jenny Craig’s food wasn’t good. I tried walking more, but I couldn’t do it regularly. I was having trouble keeping up with my two young sons.

A fellow at work lost a lot of weight at Medical Nutrition Program.  I gave them a call and joined the program. I didn’t know if I could get by on a liquid diet, but it turns out I could. Amazingly I wasn’t hungry and I consistently lost 3-5 pounds per week.  The staff was very helpful, the doctors, counselors and dietitian were professional and listened to me. The group sessions made me look at why I want to eat when I am not hungry.

The good news is that I lost 45 pounds over 3 months. I feel great. My blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol are normal without pills. I try to walk 10,000 steps a day and I have been able to keep the weight off for the past year. It’s not easy and I still think about what I learned at the clinic every day.

Thank you Medical Nutrition Program, you have made a difference in my life.

Teresa G. – Los Gatos, CA

Dear Dr. Isaacson,

Thank you very much for the Medical Nutrition Program.  You are empowering people to improve their lives, health and families every day.

I heard about your program from a trusted business associate who had been successful on the program.  I checked it out on his recommendation.  I joined, and after 5 months, I reached my goal of losing 60 pounds and 6 sizes.  This program taught me what I am capable of and revealed my habits to me so I could change my behavior.

I experienced no medical complications while on the program.  In fact, my blood pressure and cholesterol levels became normal.  I transitioned on to real food and I have continued in the maintenance program.

I didn’t exercise regularly or even occasionally before Medical Nutrition Program.  Now it is part of my regular lifestyle and a great way to handle stress.  Last year I would never have thought I’d be training for a 60 mile walk from San Jose to San Francisco to benefit breast cancer, but I am doing just that.

I have had the honor of impacting the lives of two men who asked how I had lost so much weight.  They stepped up to the plate and joined the program too.  I am excited for them, and proud of them.

This program was a voluntary choice for me, and I would choose to do it over again.  It was a great contribution to the quality of my life.

Medical Nutrition Program is quality in a sea of mediocre weight loss options.  Drs. Isaacson, you are doing great work.

Richard S. – San Jose, CA

I have known, trusted and admired Dr. Joseph Isaacson for more than 20 years.  So, when I was finally ready to deal with issues about weight, food and self-image I turned to the Medical Nutrition Program.

In my considerable experience, the program is the fastest, safest way to take off weight – I lost 80 pounds plus. I feel better now (and better about myself) than I have in a very long time.  But losing weight is really the easy part – keeping the weight off permanently is the real challenge.

Dr. Isaacson and the Medical Nutrition Program staff genuinely care about me and provide the tools and encouragement I need for continued success.  I am truly grateful for the program – thank you.