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I have been a member of The Roanoke Athletic Club (Carilion Wellness) for more than 25 years, and I have always used exercise as my medicine. Over the years I've seen a lot of the same faces and have also seen many new one's come and go, but about 3 years ago I noticed a particular guy who was starting to come consistently and was walking the indoor track with a purpose. He was an overweight individual who wore oversized clothing and a baseball hat on backwards and a big scruffy beard. He would walk for about 30 minutes and at the end of his walk his big shirt would be drenched with perspiration.
As the months went by I began to see some major changes in this guys weight and was so impressed I approached him with with some complimentary encouragement. Our encounter was brief, but he was gracious and I could tell he was excited and thankful about his accomplishments.
As the 2017 year was coming to a close he had really stepped up his game. Now he was at the gym daily doing cardio and using the machines as well as free weights. He had completely transformed his body from flab to fab and now was wearing sleeveless shirts and was clean cut. Over my 2 decades at the gym I have never seen someone change their self like this, and I was so impressed that I decided I definitely wanted to share his story and find out more about his drive. I again approached him, but this time I introduced myself by name and told him about my passion for writing and my involvement with Star City Whitetails. I asked him if he would allow me to do a story on him and his journey and share it with others. He graciously agreed and over the past few months I have gathered information from him and here is his "life-altering story"!
His name is Rhett Funderburke and he is a 40 year old Star City native who now lives a much different life than he used to. See Rhett didn't think he would even see his 40th birthday. As he reached his mid 20's he had allowed his life to spiral out of control and was depressed. His favorite coping method was to come home after work each day and escape into an indulgence of booze and drugs as well as being a heavy cigarette and marijuana smoker. These destructive habits continued for the next 12 years and his weight had increased dramatically as well. There was no end in sight and Rhett was completely lost and addicted to this destructive freight train going no where good.
The blessing in disguise came on the afternoon of August 31, 2014 when he was out partying with friends at 419 restaurant in Roanoke. Captain party was full of booze and pills and everything else that suited his taste when he excused himself to go to the restroom. His last memory inside the restroom was his legs giving out and him slumping to the floor. A short time later his friends realized he hadn't returned so they went to check on him and found him sprawled out unable to get to his feet. Fortunately Rhett was responsive and they quickly escorted him out of the restaurant.
Rhett told me "I now knew the cat was out of the bag and I could no longer hide my addictions", and although he was only 36 years old his body was failing him.
His family was now aware of the event that took place and they along with a few close friends sat down with him the next day and encouraged him to at least go to the hospital to be checked out. Rhett had consciously avoided the doctor over the past decade because he didn't want to hear anything negative and be advised to derail the addiction train, but he reluctantly agreed to check in to the hospital because he could see the pain that others were feeling for him.
On September 2, 2014 he went to Lewis Gale Hospital in Salem Virginia and checked in. When he met with the doctors he explained his decade of destruction and the event that took place days earlier. The doctors began a barrage of tests on Rhett. As the results began to come in they moved him immediately into the ICU. He was diagnosed with Rhabdomyolysis, which is a condition where your skeletal muscles break down rapidly often due to extended drug abuse. His liver was enlarged and his enzyme count was off the charts. Fortunately his kidneys were still functioning and his heart was in decent shape.
Once his levels improved he was moved to another room in order to detox. These next 8 days of Rhett's life would prove to be the toughest. The DTs (delirium tremens) symptoms from not having alcohol in his system were almost unbearable he said. After all, this was the first time in 12 years he had been longer than 48 hours without being drunk.
All along the way the support from family and friends and the good man above helped him continue to pull through it. During these 8 days Rhett also had a much clearer mind and was able to reflect on his troubles and addictions and was grateful for another the opportunity to change his life. He also knew he was going to need additional help once he was released from the hospital.
Within one hour of being released from Lewis Gale hospital his father drove him to Charlotte North Carolina and they both flew to a rehabilitation facility in Florida known as TTC (The treatment center). He chose to leave Roanoke and go elsewhere because most facilities locally are voluntary and he did not want to have the option to leave and go back home.
Rhett says this decision changed his life!
This facility provided the exact medical and mental support he needed, and he was able to be around a number of other people with similar and even worse situations. This intense but caring treatment went on for 5 straight weeks and now Rhett felt completely ready to deal with his problems in healthy ways.
He returned to Roanoke on October 14th, 2014 and began attending AA meetings the very next day(which he continues to present). Rhett has continued to stay sober since that August afternoon in 2014 when he hit rock bottom. He has completely changed his physical and mental outlook on life and he told me the only thing he takes now is an occasional Alleve to help with soreness from gym workouts.
Rhett was a sloppy 360lbs in August of 2014 and is now a solid 200lbs. This of course is in big part to his change in lifestyle and exercise, but also a common sense diet and help from some of the trainers at the gym.
Folks this story is a great one and there might be others out there that could take the same path, but have failed to do so for one reason or another. Rhett encourages anyone seeking/needing help to reach out, even if it is just to a friend or family initially. Its important to talk to someone about your problems and go from there. Rhett is even available to talk and discuss his journey with others and can be reached through facebook or I can put you in touch with him if you reach out to me. Rhett had lots of support and help along the way, but his true dedication and life change comes from his tremendous desire to stay the course!
Rhett told me he still thinks about his old ways and how easy it would be to slip into destruction, but his will always wins out and the thoughts of how miserable he truly was several years back always drive him to continue to move forward.
I hope that this story finds someone that needs help and will encourage them to take advantage of the resources available, and most of all you really have the power to completely change your situation just like Rhett did. It wont be easy, but the payoff is priceless just ask Rhett!!!
Jeff Phillips 3/4/18
I have been a member of The Roanoke Athletic Club (Carilion Wellness) for more than 25 years, and I have always used exercise as my medicine. Over the years I've seen a lot of the same faces and have also seen many new one's come and go, but about 3 years ago I noticed a particular guy who was starting to come consistently and was walking the indoor track with a purpose. He was an overweight individual who wore oversized clothing and a baseball hat on backwards and a big scruffy beard. He would walk for about 30 minutes and at the end of his walk his big shirt would be drenched with perspiration.
As the months went by I began to see some major changes in this guys weight and was so impressed I approached him with with some complimentary encouragement. Our encounter was brief, but he was gracious and I could tell he was excited and thankful about his accomplishments.
As the 2017 year was coming to a close he had really stepped up his game. Now he was at the gym daily doing cardio and using the machines as well as free weights. He had completely transformed his body from flab to fab and now was wearing sleeveless shirts and was clean cut. Over my 2 decades at the gym I have never seen someone change their self like this, and I was so impressed that I decided I definitely wanted to share his story and find out more about his drive. I again approached him, but this time I introduced myself by name and told him about my passion for writing and my involvement with Star City Whitetails. I asked him if he would allow me to do a story on him and his journey and share it with others. He graciously agreed and over the past few months I have gathered information from him and here is his "life-altering story"!
His name is Rhett Funderburke and he is a 40 year old Star City native who now lives a much different life than he used to. See Rhett didn't think he would even see his 40th birthday. As he reached his mid 20's he had allowed his life to spiral out of control and was depressed. His favorite coping method was to come home after work each day and escape into an indulgence of booze and drugs as well as being a heavy cigarette and marijuana smoker. These destructive habits continued for the next 12 years and his weight had increased dramatically as well. There was no end in sight and Rhett was completely lost and addicted to this destructive freight train going no where good.
The blessing in disguise came on the afternoon of August 31, 2014 when he was out partying with friends at 419 restaurant in Roanoke. Captain party was full of booze and pills and everything else that suited his taste when he excused himself to go to the restroom. His last memory inside the restroom was his legs giving out and him slumping to the floor. A short time later his friends realized he hadn't returned so they went to check on him and found him sprawled out unable to get to his feet. Fortunately Rhett was responsive and they quickly escorted him out of the restaurant.
Rhett told me "I now knew the cat was out of the bag and I could no longer hide my addictions", and although he was only 36 years old his body was failing him.
His family was now aware of the event that took place and they along with a few close friends sat down with him the next day and encouraged him to at least go to the hospital to be checked out. Rhett had consciously avoided the doctor over the past decade because he didn't want to hear anything negative and be advised to derail the addiction train, but he reluctantly agreed to check in to the hospital because he could see the pain that others were feeling for him.
On September 2, 2014 he went to Lewis Gale Hospital in Salem Virginia and checked in. When he met with the doctors he explained his decade of destruction and the event that took place days earlier. The doctors began a barrage of tests on Rhett. As the results began to come in they moved him immediately into the ICU. He was diagnosed with Rhabdomyolysis, which is a condition where your skeletal muscles break down rapidly often due to extended drug abuse. His liver was enlarged and his enzyme count was off the charts. Fortunately his kidneys were still functioning and his heart was in decent shape.
Once his levels improved he was moved to another room in order to detox. These next 8 days of Rhett's life would prove to be the toughest. The DTs (delirium tremens) symptoms from not having alcohol in his system were almost unbearable he said. After all, this was the first time in 12 years he had been longer than 48 hours without being drunk.
All along the way the support from family and friends and the good man above helped him continue to pull through it. During these 8 days Rhett also had a much clearer mind and was able to reflect on his troubles and addictions and was grateful for another the opportunity to change his life. He also knew he was going to need additional help once he was released from the hospital.
Within one hour of being released from Lewis Gale hospital his father drove him to Charlotte North Carolina and they both flew to a rehabilitation facility in Florida known as TTC (The treatment center). He chose to leave Roanoke and go elsewhere because most facilities locally are voluntary and he did not want to have the option to leave and go back home.
Rhett says this decision changed his life!
This facility provided the exact medical and mental support he needed, and he was able to be around a number of other people with similar and even worse situations. This intense but caring treatment went on for 5 straight weeks and now Rhett felt completely ready to deal with his problems in healthy ways.
He returned to Roanoke on October 14th, 2014 and began attending AA meetings the very next day(which he continues to present). Rhett has continued to stay sober since that August afternoon in 2014 when he hit rock bottom. He has completely changed his physical and mental outlook on life and he told me the only thing he takes now is an occasional Alleve to help with soreness from gym workouts.
Rhett was a sloppy 360lbs in August of 2014 and is now a solid 200lbs. This of course is in big part to his change in lifestyle and exercise, but also a common sense diet and help from some of the trainers at the gym.
Folks this story is a great one and there might be others out there that could take the same path, but have failed to do so for one reason or another. Rhett encourages anyone seeking/needing help to reach out, even if it is just to a friend or family initially. Its important to talk to someone about your problems and go from there. Rhett is even available to talk and discuss his journey with others and can be reached through facebook or I can put you in touch with him if you reach out to me. Rhett had lots of support and help along the way, but his true dedication and life change comes from his tremendous desire to stay the course!
Rhett told me he still thinks about his old ways and how easy it would be to slip into destruction, but his will always wins out and the thoughts of how miserable he truly was several years back always drive him to continue to move forward.
I hope that this story finds someone that needs help and will encourage them to take advantage of the resources available, and most of all you really have the power to completely change your situation just like Rhett did. It wont be easy, but the payoff is priceless just ask Rhett!!!
Jeff Phillips 3/4/18
I have been a member of The Roanoke Athletic Club (Carilion Wellness) for more than 25 years, and I have always used exercise as my medicine. Over the years I've seen a lot of the same faces and have also seen many new one's come and go, but about 3 years ago I noticed a particular guy who was starting to come consistently and was walking the indoor track with a purpose. He was an overweight individual who wore oversized clothing and a baseball hat on backwards and a big scruffy beard. He would walk for about 30 minutes and at the end of his walk his big shirt would be drenched with perspiration.
As the months went by I began to see some major changes in this guys weight and was so impressed I approached him with with some complimentary encouragement. Our encounter was brief, but he was gracious and I could tell he was excited and thankful about his accomplishments.
As the 2017 year was coming to a close he had really stepped up his game. Now he was at the gym daily doing cardio and using the machines as well as free weights. He had completely transformed his body from flab to fab and now was wearing sleeveless shirts and was clean cut. Over my 2 decades at the gym I have never seen someone change their self like this, and I was so impressed that I decided I definitely wanted to share his story and find out more about his drive. I again approached him, but this time I introduced myself by name and told him about my passion for writing and my involvement with Star City Whitetails. I asked him if he would allow me to do a story on him and his journey and share it with others. He graciously agreed and over the past few months I have gathered information from him and here is his "life-altering story"!
His name is Rhett Funderburke and he is a 40 year old Star City native who now lives a much different life than he used to. See Rhett didn't think he would even see his 40th birthday. As he reached his mid 20's he had allowed his life to spiral out of control and was depressed. His favorite coping method was to come home after work each day and escape into an indulgence of booze and drugs as well as being a heavy cigarette and marijuana smoker. These destructive habits continued for the next 12 years and his weight had increased dramatically as well. There was no end in sight and Rhett was completely lost and addicted to this destructive freight train going no where good.
The blessing in disguise came on the afternoon of August 31, 2014 when he was out partying with friends at 419 restaurant in Roanoke. Captain party was full of booze and pills and everything else that suited his taste when he excused himself to go to the restroom. His last memory inside the restroom was his legs giving out and him slumping to the floor. A short time later his friends realized he hadn't returned so they went to check on him and found him sprawled out unable to get to his feet. Fortunately Rhett was responsive and they quickly escorted him out of the restaurant.
Rhett told me "I now knew the cat was out of the bag and I could no longer hide my addictions", and although he was only 36 years old his body was failing him.
His family was now aware of the event that took place and they along with a few close friends sat down with him the next day and encouraged him to at least go to the hospital to be checked out. Rhett had consciously avoided the doctor over the past decade because he didn't want to hear anything negative and be advised to derail the addiction train, but he reluctantly agreed to check in to the hospital because he could see the pain that others were feeling for him.
On September 2, 2014 he went to Lewis Gale Hospital in Salem Virginia and checked in. When he met with the doctors he explained his decade of destruction and the event that took place days earlier. The doctors began a barrage of tests on Rhett. As the results began to come in they moved him immediately into the ICU. He was diagnosed with Rhabdomyolysis, which is a condition where your skeletal muscles break down rapidly often due to extended drug abuse. His liver was enlarged and his enzyme count was off the charts. Fortunately his kidneys were still functioning and his heart was in decent shape.
Once his levels improved he was moved to another room in order to detox. These next 8 days of Rhett's life would prove to be the toughest. The DTs (delirium tremens) symptoms from not having alcohol in his system were almost unbearable he said. After all, this was the first time in 12 years he had been longer than 48 hours without being drunk.
All along the way the support from family and friends and the good man above helped him continue to pull through it. During these 8 days Rhett also had a much clearer mind and was able to reflect on his troubles and addictions and was grateful for another the opportunity to change his life. He also knew he was going to need additional help once he was released from the hospital.
Within one hour of being released from Lewis Gale hospital his father drove him to Charlotte North Carolina and they both flew to a rehabilitation facility in Florida known as TTC (The treatment center). He chose to leave Roanoke and go elsewhere because most facilities locally are voluntary and he did not want to have the option to leave and go back home.
Rhett says this decision changed his life!
This facility provided the exact medical and mental support he needed, and he was able to be around a number of other people with similar and even worse situations. This intense but caring treatment went on for 5 straight weeks and now Rhett felt completely ready to deal with his problems in healthy ways.
He returned to Roanoke on October 14th, 2014 and began attending AA meetings the very next day(which he continues to present). Rhett has continued to stay sober since that August afternoon in 2014 when he hit rock bottom. He has completely changed his physical and mental outlook on life and he told me the only thing he takes now is an occasional Alleve to help with soreness from gym workouts.
Rhett was a sloppy 360lbs in August of 2014 and is now a solid 200lbs. This of course is in big part to his change in lifestyle and exercise, but also a common sense diet and help from some of the trainers at the gym.
Folks this story is a great one and there might be others out there that could take the same path, but have failed to do so for one reason or another. Rhett encourages anyone seeking/needing help to reach out, even if it is just to a friend or family initially. Its important to talk to someone about your problems and go from there. Rhett is even available to talk and discuss his journey with others and can be reached through facebook or I can put you in touch with him if you reach out to me. Rhett had lots of support and help along the way, but his true dedication and life change comes from his tremendous desire to stay the course!
Rhett told me he still thinks about his old ways and how easy it would be to slip into destruction, but his will always wins out and the thoughts of how miserable he truly was several years back always drive him to continue to move forward.
I hope that this story finds someone that needs help and will encourage them to take advantage of the resources available, and most of all you really have the power to completely change your situation just like Rhett did. It wont be easy, but the payoff is priceless just ask Rhett!!!
Jeff Phillips 3/4/18
I have been a member of The Roanoke Athletic Club (Carilion Wellness) for more than 25 years, and I have always used exercise as my medicine. Over the years I've seen a lot of the same faces and have also seen many new one's come and go, but about 3 years ago I noticed a particular guy who was starting to come consistently and was walking the indoor track with a purpose. He was an overweight individual who wore oversized clothing and a baseball hat on backwards and a big scruffy beard. He would walk for about 30 minutes and at the end of his walk his big shirt would be drenched with perspiration.
As the months went by I began to see some major changes in this guys weight and was so impressed I approached him with with some complimentary encouragement. Our encounter was brief, but he was gracious and I could tell he was excited and thankful about his accomplishments.
As the 2017 year was coming to a close he had really stepped up his game. Now he was at the gym daily doing cardio and using the machines as well as free weights. He had completely transformed his body from flab to fab and now was wearing sleeveless shirts and was clean cut. Over my 2 decades at the gym I have never seen someone change their self like this, and I was so impressed that I decided I definitely wanted to share his story and find out more about his drive. I again approached him, but this time I introduced myself by name and told him about my passion for writing and my involvement with Star City Whitetails. I asked him if he would allow me to do a story on him and his journey and share it with others. He graciously agreed and over the past few months I have gathered information from him and here is his "life-altering story"!
His name is Rhett Funderburke and he is a 40 year old Star City native who now lives a much different life than he used to. See Rhett didn't think he would even see his 40th birthday. As he reached his mid 20's he had allowed his life to spiral out of control and was depressed. His favorite coping method was to come home after work each day and escape into an indulgence of booze and drugs as well as being a heavy cigarette and marijuana smoker. These destructive habits continued for the next 12 years and his weight had increased dramatically as well. There was no end in sight and Rhett was completely lost and addicted to this destructive freight train going no where good.
The blessing in disguise came on the afternoon of August 31, 2014 when he was out partying with friends at 419 restaurant in Roanoke. Captain party was full of booze and pills and everything else that suited his taste when he excused himself to go to the restroom. His last memory inside the restroom was his legs giving out and him slumping to the floor. A short time later his friends realized he hadn't returned so they went to check on him and found him sprawled out unable to get to his feet. Fortunately Rhett was responsive and they quickly escorted him out of the restaurant.
Rhett told me "I now knew the cat was out of the bag and I could no longer hide my addictions", and although he was only 36 years old his body was failing him.
His family was now aware of the event that took place and they along with a few close friends sat down with him the next day and encouraged him to at least go to the hospital to be checked out. Rhett had consciously avoided the doctor over the past decade because he didn't want to hear anything negative and be advised to derail the addiction train, but he reluctantly agreed to check in to the hospital because he could see the pain that others were feeling for him.
On September 2, 2014 he went to Lewis Gale Hospital in Salem Virginia and checked in. When he met with the doctors he explained his decade of destruction and the event that took place days earlier. The doctors began a barrage of tests on Rhett. As the results began to come in they moved him immediately into the ICU. He was diagnosed with Rhabdomyolysis, which is a condition where your skeletal muscles break down rapidly often due to extended drug abuse. His liver was enlarged and his enzyme count was off the charts. Fortunately his kidneys were still functioning and his heart was in decent shape.
Once his levels improved he was moved to another room in order to detox. These next 8 days of Rhett's life would prove to be the toughest. The DTs (delirium tremens) symptoms from not having alcohol in his system were almost unbearable he said. After all, this was the first time in 12 years he had been longer than 48 hours without being drunk.
All along the way the support from family and friends and the good man above helped him continue to pull through it. During these 8 days Rhett also had a much clearer mind and was able to reflect on his troubles and addictions and was grateful for another the opportunity to change his life. He also knew he was going to need additional help once he was released from the hospital.
Within one hour of being released from Lewis Gale hospital his father drove him to Charlotte North Carolina and they both flew to a rehabilitation facility in Florida known as TTC (The treatment center). He chose to leave Roanoke and go elsewhere because most facilities locally are voluntary and he did not want to have the option to leave and go back home.
Rhett says this decision changed his life!
This facility provided the exact medical and mental support he needed, and he was able to be around a number of other people with similar and even worse situations. This intense but caring treatment went on for 5 straight weeks and now Rhett felt completely ready to deal with his problems in healthy ways.
He returned to Roanoke on October 14th, 2014 and began attending AA meetings the very next day(which he continues to present). Rhett has continued to stay sober since that August afternoon in 2014 when he hit rock bottom. He has completely changed his physical and mental outlook on life and he told me the only thing he takes now is an occasional Alleve to help with soreness from gym workouts.
Rhett was a sloppy 360lbs in August of 2014 and is now a solid 200lbs. This of course is in big part to his change in lifestyle and exercise, but also a common sense diet and help from some of the trainers at the gym.
Folks this story is a great one and there might be others out there that could take the same path, but have failed to do so for one reason or another. Rhett encourages anyone seeking/needing help to reach out, even if it is just to a friend or family initially. Its important to talk to someone about your problems and go from there. Rhett is even available to talk and discuss his journey with others and can be reached through facebook or I can put you in touch with him if you reach out to me. Rhett had lots of support and help along the way, but his true dedication and life change comes from his tremendous desire to stay the course!
Rhett told me he still thinks about his old ways and how easy it would be to slip into destruction, but his will always wins out and the thoughts of how miserable he truly was several years back always drive him to continue to move forward.
I hope that this story finds someone that needs help and will encourage them to take advantage of the resources available, and most of all you really have the power to completely change your situation just like Rhett did. It wont be easy, but the payoff is priceless just ask Rhett!!!
Jeff Phillips 3/4/18
I have been a member of The Roanoke Athletic Club (Carilion Wellness) for more than 25 years, and I have always used exercise as my medicine. Over the years I've seen a lot of the same faces and have also seen many new one's come and go, but about 3 years ago I noticed a particular guy who was starting to come consistently and was walking the indoor track with a purpose. He was an overweight individual who wore oversized clothing and a baseball hat on backwards and a big scruffy beard. He would walk for about 30 minutes and at the end of his walk his big shirt would be drenched with perspiration.
As the months went by I began to see some major changes in this guys weight and was so impressed I approached him with with some complimentary encouragement. Our encounter was brief, but he was gracious and I could tell he was excited and thankful about his accomplishments.
As the 2017 year was coming to a close he had really stepped up his game. Now he was at the gym daily doing cardio and using the machines as well as free weights. He had completely transformed his body from flab to fab and now was wearing sleeveless shirts and was clean cut. Over my 2 decades at the gym I have never seen someone change their self like this, and I was so impressed that I decided I definitely wanted to share his story and find out more about his drive. I again approached him, but this time I introduced myself by name and told him about my passion for writing and my involvement with Star City Whitetails. I asked him if he would allow me to do a story on him and his journey and share it with others. He graciously agreed and over the past few months I have gathered information from him and here is his "life-altering story"!
His name is Rhett Funderburke and he is a 40 year old Star City native who now lives a much different life than he used to. See Rhett didn't think he would even see his 40th birthday. As he reached his mid 20's he had allowed his life to spiral out of control and was depressed. His favorite coping method was to come home after work each day and escape into an indulgence of booze and drugs as well as being a heavy cigarette and marijuana smoker. These destructive habits continued for the next 12 years and his weight had increased dramatically as well. There was no end in sight and Rhett was completely lost and addicted to this destructive freight train going no where good.
The blessing in disguise came on the afternoon of August 31, 2014 when he was out partying with friends at 419 restaurant in Roanoke. Captain party was full of booze and pills and everything else that suited his taste when he excused himself to go to the restroom. His last memory inside the restroom was his legs giving out and him slumping to the floor. A short time later his friends realized he hadn't returned so they went to check on him and found him sprawled out unable to get to his feet. Fortunately Rhett was responsive and they quickly escorted him out of the restaurant.
Rhett told me "I now knew the cat was out of the bag and I could no longer hide my addictions", and although he was only 36 years old his body was failing him.
His family was now aware of the event that took place and they along with a few close friends sat down with him the next day and encouraged him to at least go to the hospital to be checked out. Rhett had consciously avoided the doctor over the past decade because he didn't want to hear anything negative and be advised to derail the addiction train, but he reluctantly agreed to check in to the hospital because he could see the pain that others were feeling for him.
On September 2, 2014 he went to Lewis Gale Hospital in Salem Virginia and checked in. When he met with the doctors he explained his decade of destruction and the event that took place days earlier. The doctors began a barrage of tests on Rhett. As the results began to come in they moved him immediately into the ICU. He was diagnosed with Rhabdomyolysis, which is a condition where your skeletal muscles break down rapidly often due to extended drug abuse. His liver was enlarged and his enzyme count was off the charts. Fortunately his kidneys were still functioning and his heart was in decent shape.
Once his levels improved he was moved to another room in order to detox. These next 8 days of Rhett's life would prove to be the toughest. The DTs (delirium tremens) symptoms from not having alcohol in his system were almost unbearable he said. After all, this was the first time in 12 years he had been longer than 48 hours without being drunk.
All along the way the support from family and friends and the good man above helped him continue to pull through it. During these 8 days Rhett also had a much clearer mind and was able to reflect on his troubles and addictions and was grateful for another the opportunity to change his life. He also knew he was going to need additional help once he was released from the hospital.
Within one hour of being released from Lewis Gale hospital his father drove him to Charlotte North Carolina and they both flew to a rehabilitation facility in Florida known as TTC (The treatment center). He chose to leave Roanoke and go elsewhere because most facilities locally are voluntary and he did not want to have the option to leave and go back home.
Rhett says this decision changed his life!
This facility provided the exact medical and mental support he needed, and he was able to be around a number of other people with similar and even worse situations. This intense but caring treatment went on for 5 straight weeks and now Rhett felt completely ready to deal with his problems in healthy ways.
He returned to Roanoke on October 14th, 2014 and began attending AA meetings the very next day(which he continues to present). Rhett has continued to stay sober since that August afternoon in 2014 when he hit rock bottom. He has completely changed his physical and mental outlook on life and he told me the only thing he takes now is an occasional Alleve to help with soreness from gym workouts.
Rhett was a sloppy 360lbs in August of 2014 and is now a solid 200lbs. This of course is in big part to his change in lifestyle and exercise, but also a common sense diet and help from some of the trainers at the gym.
Folks this story is a great one and there might be others out there that could take the same path, but have failed to do so for one reason or another. Rhett encourages anyone seeking/needing help to reach out, even if it is just to a friend or family initially. Its important to talk to someone about your problems and go from there. Rhett is even available to talk and discuss his journey with others and can be reached through facebook or I can put you in touch with him if you reach out to me. Rhett had lots of support and help along the way, but his true dedication and life change comes from his tremendous desire to stay the course!
Rhett told me he still thinks about his old ways and how easy it would be to slip into destruction, but his will always wins out and the thoughts of how miserable he truly was several years back always drive him to continue to move forward.
I hope that this story finds someone that needs help and will encourage them to take advantage of the resources available, and most of all you really have the power to completely change your situation just like Rhett did. It wont be easy, but the payoff is priceless just ask Rhett!!!
Jeff Phillips 3/4/18
I have been a member of The Roanoke Athletic Club (Carilion Wellness) for more than 25 years, and I have always used exercise as my medicine. Over the years I've seen a lot of the same faces and have also seen many new one's come and go, but about 3 years ago I noticed a particular guy who was starting to come consistently and was walking the indoor track with a purpose. He was an overweight individual who wore oversized clothing and a baseball hat on backwards and a big scruffy beard. He would walk for about 30 minutes and at the end of his walk his big shirt would be drenched with perspiration.
As the months went by I began to see some major changes in this guys weight and was so impressed I approached him with with some complimentary encouragement. Our encounter was brief, but he was gracious and I could tell he was excited and thankful about his accomplishments.
As the 2017 year was coming to a close he had really stepped up his game. Now he was at the gym daily doing cardio and using the machines as well as free weights. He had completely transformed his body from flab to fab and now was wearing sleeveless shirts and was clean cut. Over my 2 decades at the gym I have never seen someone change their self like this, and I was so impressed that I decided I definitely wanted to share his story and find out more about his drive. I again approached him, but this time I introduced myself by name and told him about my passion for writing and my involvement with Star City Whitetails. I asked him if he would allow me to do a story on him and his journey and share it with others. He graciously agreed and over the past few months I have gathered information from him and here is his "life-altering story"!
His name is Rhett Funderburke and he is a 40 year old Star City native who now lives a much different life than he used to. See Rhett didn't think he would even see his 40th birthday. As he reached his mid 20's he had allowed his life to spiral out of control and was depressed. His favorite coping method was to come home after work each day and escape into an indulgence of booze and drugs as well as being a heavy cigarette and marijuana smoker. These destructive habits continued for the next 12 years and his weight had increased dramatically as well. There was no end in sight and Rhett was completely lost and addicted to this destructive freight train going no where good.
The blessing in disguise came on the afternoon of August 31, 2014 when he was out partying with friends at 419 restaurant in Roanoke. Captain party was full of booze and pills and everything else that suited his taste when he excused himself to go to the restroom. His last memory inside the restroom was his legs giving out and him slumping to the floor. A short time later his friends realized he hadn't returned so they went to check on him and found him sprawled out unable to get to his feet. Fortunately Rhett was responsive and they quickly escorted him out of the restaurant.
Rhett told me "I now knew the cat was out of the bag and I could no longer hide my addictions", and although he was only 36 years old his body was failing him.
His family was now aware of the event that took place and they along with a few close friends sat down with him the next day and encouraged him to at least go to the hospital to be checked out. Rhett had consciously avoided the doctor over the past decade because he didn't want to hear anything negative and be advised to derail the addiction train, but he reluctantly agreed to check in to the hospital because he could see the pain that others were feeling for him.
On September 2, 2014 he went to Lewis Gale Hospital in Salem Virginia and checked in. When he met with the doctors he explained his decade of destruction and the event that took place days earlier. The doctors began a barrage of tests on Rhett. As the results began to come in they moved him immediately into the ICU. He was diagnosed with Rhabdomyolysis, which is a condition where your skeletal muscles break down rapidly often due to extended drug abuse. His liver was enlarged and his enzyme count was off the charts. Fortunately his kidneys were still functioning and his heart was in decent shape.
Once his levels improved he was moved to another room in order to detox. These next 8 days of Rhett's life would prove to be the toughest. The DTs (delirium tremens) symptoms from not having alcohol in his system were almost unbearable he said. After all, this was the first time in 12 years he had been longer than 48 hours without being drunk.
All along the way the support from family and friends and the good man above helped him continue to pull through it. During these 8 days Rhett also had a much clearer mind and was able to reflect on his troubles and addictions and was grateful for another the opportunity to change his life. He also knew he was going to need additional help once he was released from the hospital.
Within one hour of being released from Lewis Gale hospital his father drove him to Charlotte North Carolina and they both flew to a rehabilitation facility in Florida known as TTC (The treatment center). He chose to leave Roanoke and go elsewhere because most facilities locally are voluntary and he did not want to have the option to leave and go back home.
Rhett says this decision changed his life!
This facility provided the exact medical and mental support he needed, and he was able to be around a number of other people with similar and even worse situations. This intense but caring treatment went on for 5 straight weeks and now Rhett felt completely ready to deal with his problems in healthy ways.
He returned to Roanoke on October 14th, 2014 and began attending AA meetings the very next day(which he continues to present). Rhett has continued to stay sober since that August afternoon in 2014 when he hit rock bottom. He has completely changed his physical and mental outlook on life and he told me the only thing he takes now is an occasional Alleve to help with soreness from gym workouts.
Rhett was a sloppy 360lbs in August of 2014 and is now a solid 200lbs. This of course is in big part to his change in lifestyle and exercise, but also a common sense diet and help from some of the trainers at the gym.
Folks this story is a great one and there might be others out there that could take the same path, but have failed to do so for one reason or another. Rhett encourages anyone seeking/needing help to reach out, even if it is just to a friend or family initially. Its important to talk to someone about your problems and go from there. Rhett is even available to talk and discuss his journey with others and can be reached through facebook or I can put you in touch with him if you reach out to me. Rhett had lots of support and help along the way, but his true dedication and life change comes from his tremendous desire to stay the course!
Rhett told me he still thinks about his old ways and how easy it would be to slip into destruction, but his will always wins out and the thoughts of how miserable he truly was several years back always drive him to continue to move forward.
I hope that this story finds someone that needs help and will encourage them to take advantage of the resources available, and most of all you really have the power to completely change your situation just like Rhett did. It wont be easy, but the payoff is priceless just ask Rhett!!!
Jeff Phillips 3/4/18
I have been a member of The Roanoke Athletic Club (Carilion Wellness) for more than 25 years, and I have always used exercise as my medicine. Over the years I've seen a lot of the same faces and have also seen many new one's come and go, but about 3 years ago I noticed a particular guy who was starting to come consistently and was walking the indoor track with a purpose. He was an overweight individual who wore oversized clothing and a baseball hat on backwards and a big scruffy beard. He would walk for about 30 minutes and at the end of his walk his big shirt would be drenched with perspiration.
As the months went by I began to see some major changes in this guys weight and was so impressed I approached him with with some complimentary encouragement. Our encounter was brief, but he was gracious and I could tell he was excited and thankful about his accomplishments.
As the 2017 year was coming to a close he had really stepped up his game. Now he was at the gym daily doing cardio and using the machines as well as free weights. He had completely transformed his body from flab to fab and now was wearing sleeveless shirts and was clean cut. Over my 2 decades at the gym I have never seen someone change their self like this, and I was so impressed that I decided I definitely wanted to share his story and find out more about his drive. I again approached him, but this time I introduced myself by name and told him about my passion for writing and my involvement with Star City Whitetails. I asked him if he would allow me to do a story on him and his journey and share it with others. He graciously agreed and over the past few months I have gathered information from him and here is his "life-altering story"!
His name is Rhett Funderburke and he is a 40 year old Star City native who now lives a much different life than he used to. See Rhett didn't think he would even see his 40th birthday. As he reached his mid 20's he had allowed his life to spiral out of control and was depressed. His favorite coping method was to come home after work each day and escape into an indulgence of booze and drugs as well as being a heavy cigarette and marijuana smoker. These destructive habits continued for the next 12 years and his weight had increased dramatically as well. There was no end in sight and Rhett was completely lost and addicted to this destructive freight train going no where good.
The blessing in disguise came on the afternoon of August 31, 2014 when he was out partying with friends at 419 restaurant in Roanoke. Captain party was full of booze and pills and everything else that suited his taste when he excused himself to go to the restroom. His last memory inside the restroom was his legs giving out and him slumping to the floor. A short time later his friends realized he hadn't returned so they went to check on him and found him sprawled out unable to get to his feet. Fortunately Rhett was responsive and they quickly escorted him out of the restaurant.
Rhett told me "I now knew the cat was out of the bag and I could no longer hide my addictions", and although he was only 36 years old his body was failing him.
His family was now aware of the event that took place and they along with a few close friends sat down with him the next day and encouraged him to at least go to the hospital to be checked out. Rhett had consciously avoided the doctor over the past decade because he didn't want to hear anything negative and be advised to derail the addiction train, but he reluctantly agreed to check in to the hospital because he could see the pain that others were feeling for him.
On September 2, 2014 he went to Lewis Gale Hospital in Salem Virginia and checked in. When he met with the doctors he explained his decade of destruction and the event that took place days earlier. The doctors began a barrage of tests on Rhett. As the results began to come in they moved him immediately into the ICU. He was diagnosed with Rhabdomyolysis, which is a condition where your skeletal muscles break down rapidly often due to extended drug abuse. His liver was enlarged and his enzyme count was off the charts. Fortunately his kidneys were still functioning and his heart was in decent shape.
Once his levels improved he was moved to another room in order to detox. These next 8 days of Rhett's life would prove to be the toughest. The DTs (delirium tremens) symptoms from not having alcohol in his system were almost unbearable he said. After all, this was the first time in 12 years he had been longer than 48 hours without being drunk.
All along the way the support from family and friends and the good man above helped him continue to pull through it. During these 8 days Rhett also had a much clearer mind and was able to reflect on his troubles and addictions and was grateful for another the opportunity to change his life. He also knew he was going to need additional help once he was released from the hospital.
Within one hour of being released from Lewis Gale hospital his father drove him to Charlotte North Carolina and they both flew to a rehabilitation facility in Florida known as TTC (The treatment center). He chose to leave Roanoke and go elsewhere because most facilities locally are voluntary and he did not want to have the option to leave and go back home.
Rhett says this decision changed his life!
This facility provided the exact medical and mental support he needed, and he was able to be around a number of other people with similar and even worse situations. This intense but caring treatment went on for 5 straight weeks and now Rhett felt completely ready to deal with his problems in healthy ways.
He returned to Roanoke on October 14th, 2014 and began attending AA meetings the very next day(which he continues to present). Rhett has continued to stay sober since that August afternoon in 2014 when he hit rock bottom. He has completely changed his physical and mental outlook on life and he told me the only thing he takes now is an occasional Alleve to help with soreness from gym workouts.
Rhett was a sloppy 360lbs in August of 2014 and is now a solid 200lbs. This of course is in big part to his change in lifestyle and exercise, but also a common sense diet and help from some of the trainers at the gym.
Folks this story is a great one and there might be others out there that could take the same path, but have failed to do so for one reason or another. Rhett encourages anyone seeking/needing help to reach out, even if it is just to a friend or family initially. Its important to talk to someone about your problems and go from there. Rhett is even available to talk and discuss his journey with others and can be reached through facebook or I can put you in touch with him if you reach out to me. Rhett had lots of support and help along the way, but his true dedication and life change comes from his tremendous desire to stay the course!
Rhett told me he still thinks about his old ways and how easy it would be to slip into destruction, but his will always wins out and the thoughts of how miserable he truly was several years back always drive him to continue to move forward.
I hope that this story finds someone that needs help and will encourage them to take advantage of the resources available, and most of all you really have the power to completely change your situation just like Rhett did. It wont be easy, but the payoff is priceless just ask Rhett!!!
Jeff Phillips 3/4/18
