Our MAN v FAT community, both in the UK and the US, have achieved amazing things in supporting their local communities and giving back to their home towns or cities.
The MAN v FAT Soccer league in Tampa Bay has been at the forefront of that, having recently completed a Clothing Drive to benefit two important charities.
That clothes collection was the latest in their charitable efforts – and they’re about to do it again, very soon!
The guys in MAN v FAT Tampa Bay will be supporting Jeanine Reid, the wife of MAN v FAT member Shannon, as part of this year’s ‘Making Strids Against Breast Cancer’ event.
Jeanine has been chosen as an Ambassador at this year’s walk, so we caught up with her to find out more.
Tell us more about how you were chosen to be an Ambassador for this year’s event and what it means to you to have been chosen?
Being chosen as an Ambassador for this year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign is incredibly meaningful to me because this cause is so personal.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 36 years old, when my children were still very young. I went through chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy, reconstruction and multiple surgeries, and now, more than 10 years later, I have the opportunity to use that experience to help others.
When I was asked to be an Ambassador by the Tampa Chapter of the American Cancer Society, I felt incredibly honored. To me, it’s about so much more than representing an event.
It gives me the opportunity to turn one of the hardest chapters of my life into something positive. I get to share my story, raise awareness and help raise money for the research and treatments that give women like me the chance to become survivors.
I often say, “My story isn’t over; it’s now my mission.” Being an Ambassador really feels like an extension of that mission.
How has your health been this year and how important has the support of your family been in that?
Overall, I’m incredibly grateful for where I am today. Being more than 10 years out from my diagnosis gives me a perspective on my health that I don’t think I had before cancer.
You never completely forget what you’ve been through, and there are still health challenges and reminders along the way, but I also recognize how fortunate I am to be here and able to live my life, watch my children grow and advocate for other people facing breast cancer.
My family has been such an important part of that. Cancer doesn’t just affect the person who receives the diagnosis—it affects the entire family. Their love and support have carried me through some of the hardest moments, and having them beside me now, as I take something that was once so frightening and turn it into advocacy, makes this experience even more meaningful.
How pleased have you been with the support of Shannon’s MAN v FAT community?
I have been absolutely blown away by the support from Shannon’s MAN v FAT community. What started as something that was important to Shannon has become a community that has shown up for something that is incredibly important to me as well.
Seeing everyone rally around the Making Strides cause, support our fundraising efforts and genuinely care about what we’re trying to accomplish has meant more to me than I can really put into words.
There is something very special about seeing a group of people come together not because they have to, but because they want to support one another and the people who are important to them.
As a breast cancer survivor, knowing that this community is willing to stand behind me and help us raise money so that more women have the opportunity to become survivors is incredibly touching. I’m very grateful for every person who has supported us.
How important has MAN v FAT been in helping Shannon with his health and what differences have you seen during his time on the program?
MAN v FAT has been such a positive influence on Shannon, and the biggest thing I’ve noticed is that it isn’t simply about losing weight. It’s given him a way to focus on his health while doing something he genuinely enjoys and being surrounded by other men working toward similar goals.
I’ve seen changes in him physically, but I’ve also seen changes in his motivation and the way he approaches his health. Having the accountability of the program combined with the camaraderie and soccer has given him something that feels sustainable rather than just another diet or short-term weight-loss attempt.
As his wife, seeing him invest in his health is incredibly important to me. After everything our family has experienced with my own health, I don’t take good health or having more years together for granted. I want us both to be around for a very long time, and I’m incredibly proud of the commitment he’s made to himself.
The program is something he looks forward to every single week and it’s been a definite game changer for his health and fitness goals.
We’re both incredibly grateful for the program and its continued impact in our lives.
Want to donate to Jeanine’s fundraising?
If you’d like to support Jeanine and the rest of the MAN v FAT Tampa Bay guys getting involved in the walk, you can make a donation here. Good luck everybody!
