A Brush With Death

                (HAND CLAP) “Let’s go!”  “You got it!”  “Nice!”  (HAND CLAP) (SMILE) (FIST PUMP)

                You’ve just read the words, and if you're a member of Summer's Fitness 24/7, I’m sure you can picture it:  SF 24/7 trainer Nathan Burke (or Nate, as he’s known to friends and family), clapping his hands together and speaking those encouraging words during a training session or boot camp.  Nate radiates positivity, and it is this admirable quality, along with a strong faith, that has carried him through two years that included a serious health crisis, and the loss of his father and grandparents.  Nate has a newfound respect for living, and a passion to share his message of hope and inspiration with others.  His story is worth reading, and worth repeating.

                Nate, a Manchester H.S. grad, was an active athlete while in high school, playing both football and baseball.  But you know those little dance moves Nate sometimes breaks out while he’s at the gym?  Or the crazy costumes during Halloween or Christmas?  Those aren’t just by chance!   Nate was often seen on stage in plays and musicals at both Manchester and the Weathervane Playhouse.  Yes, this guy can sing and dance, and believe it or not, he even chose to not play football his junior year so he could take a lead role in the school play.  He was also in the show choir as a senior, and still has aspirations to perform in community theatre, once he has the time and opportunity.  Nate moved on from Manchester to Akron U., where he earned his degree in Exercise Science, with a concentration in Strength and Conditioning.  (Nate said there was no singing or dancing in college, at least not on the stage.  He chose to focus solely on his studies!)

                It’s no surprise that Nate’s interest in fitness and bodybuilding started well before college.  His dad and uncle were avid bodybuilders in the 70’s, so Nate grew up around weightlifting and competition.  Fitness was a family affair, and Nate’s older brother and sister got involved in bodybuilding and figure competition, respectively.  When his brother encouraged him to compete (6 weeks before a show!) in 2005, he took on the challenge, and was, as he says, “Hooked!”  Between the years of 2005-2011, Nate placed in the top 5 in the middleweight or light heavyweight division at every competition he entered. 

                Nate was prepping for a show in late 2011 when he began to feel, in his words, “just not right.”  “I was feeling fatigued and nauseous, and because I’d been diagnosed with mild colitis (inflammation of the colon) in 2008, I was familiar with the symptoms.  At that time, I was able to control the disease with medication, but this time, meds were not working.”  As the symptoms became more severe, Nate ended up in the ER at Barberton Hospital, and after a couple weeks of unsuccessful treatment, he was transferred to Akron City Hospital, where his condition literally became life and death.  “I was unable to eat and barely able to walk.  Within 1 ½ months, I went from a healthy 210 lbs. to 150 lbs.   I was also battling a bacterial infection in my colon, and was put in isolation, while being fed with an IV.”  As Nate’s condition continued to decline, the decision was made to remove his diseased colon.  When asked if this was a difficult decision to make at his young age, Nate responded without hesitation.  “I wasn’t going to get better.  Having my colon removed is what cured me.  I got my body back.” (Nate shared an interesting fact about colitis:  the highest incidence of this disease is in people ages 15-30, with no one known cause, although there can be a genetic predisposition.  Nate lost his dad to colon cancer in August 2011.)

 Nate had the four hour surgery on April 3, and came home two weeks later to heal.  He was on a liquid diet, and was so weak that he required assistance with all of his basic needs.  His mom and siblings, and many other family members and friends, were instrumental in his recovery, as was Nate’s strong faith.  “I’m lucky to have the support of my family and so many great friends.  But most important is my strong faith in God.  When things were at their worst, I would just keep reminding myself that ‘God is in control.  I’m going to get better.’”  It was this same faith that had gotten Nate through the loss of both his father and grandfather, and he drew on that strength as he focused on getting healthy.

Nate’s gym family at Summer’s Fitness 24/7 did their part to support him through his long road to recovery.  Many donated to the “Team Up For Cancer” fundraiser held at the end of April, which raised money for a variety of worthwhile causes, including the many expenses related to Nate’s surgery. In addition, countless SF 24/7 friends called or visited, sent cards and meals, and offered prayers and words of encouragement.   This outpouring of love and support did not go unnoticed.  Says Nate, “The fundraising event was amazing. When I first heard this was taking place, I was in the hospital, and I just remember getting teary eyed and overwhelmed with emotion. It truly made me realize that Summer’s Fitness is comprised of an incredible group of people who are caring and compassionate. I feel truly blessed; it’s like my second family.  I've met the greatest people there, and I will never forget what they have done for me.”

To see Nate now, you’d never know that he had such a close brush with death.  He’s taking classes this fall at Stark State to become a licensed Physical Therapy Assistant.  He’s enjoying sports and landscaping, hobbies he’s always had a passion for.   He’s back to work at Summer’s Fitness 24/7, and he’s lifting and regaining muscle mass and strength.  His diet is mostly unrestricted, and he’s confident that he’ll face two future surgeries with the same positive attitude that has brought him to where he is today. But you can’t go through such a tumultuous experience and come out the same person.  Nate’s outlook on life has dramatically changed.  “I think about what we take for granted…taking a drink of water, walking outside, seeing the sun…and I have a greater appreciation for all of those little things.  I’ve always respected life, but I have more compassion; more empathy for people struggling with health issues.  At age 29, I know what it’s like to be frail and helpless.  My mission is to stay strong, positive, and rely on my faith in God to get me through each day.”

(HAND CLAP)  (SMILE) (FIST PUMP)  This time, Nate, the claps, smiles, and fist pumps are all for you.  We’re so glad to have you back at Summer’s Fitness 24/7, where you serve as an inspiration to all who know you!