ABC News Now / Prevention Magazine

What an incredible lady !!!! Not only does she epitomize the true meaning of health… she also exemplifies the true meaning of educator. She is such an outstanding teacher to many young people in Southern Oregon. The lives she touches goes on and on.....

BJ is my mother-in-law, I'm proud to say. Years ago she had to fight for survival after being bed-ridden for a long time following a car crash that also took her infant son. Despite this darkness - she is light. She is the most positive, smiling, smart and fun person you'd hope to meet. She doesn't press about health, but inspires. No wonder her son has the gumption to get up at 6 every morning to run!

It is very fitting I am writing these comments so close to Mother's Day. My mom has constantly reminded us of the importance of fitness in our lives by showing the dedication it takes to maintain lifelong fitness and encouraging us through her kind words and actions.

She has inspired us!I know she is extremely proud all of her children have run a marathon. One of the greatest gifts you can give your children is to teach them how to take care of their mental, physical, and emotional health. My mom has given me this gift, and for that, I say she is a Picture of Health in my book.

What an inspiration this woman has been
to many! It's truly amazing what we can
overcome if we think about how wonderful
life can be and what we can do for others.

BJ was our son's sophomore English teacher. The students said she made the subject fun. The class loved her so much that when they were graduating seniors they invited her back to Gold Beach to be their commencement speaker. Cathy Kelly, Gold Beach, Oregonl

Mrs. Reed was my junior year Soc. Studies teacher in high school. That was about 14 years ago. She was amazing then and it looks like nothing has changed! If there was one word to describe her, it would be firecracker! Of all my teachers, she had by far the most energy and enthusiasm thus being one of the more memorable. She is a woman of small stature but a powerfully positive presence. I don't think I've seen her since high school and that is the impression she has left on me all these years.

BJ was my English teacher my junior year in high school. I was a transfer student and she was the highlight of my time at South Medford High School. She gave all of her students inspiration and was always there to find out how your day was. What a wonderful woman and amazing teacher!! Years later when I would run into her around town, she still remembered who I was and asked how I was doing. She is an inspiration to all of us!!
Janine Hollingsworth (Sargent), Medford, Oregon

I had just moved to the area and she definitely made everything better. She was the highlight of my junior year and encouraged me to push myself. She inspired everyone she came in contact with. She made you feel good about yourself and made you believe in yourself. I always remember her great smile and positive attitude. Years later, I ran into her and she still remembered me and asked how I was doing. She is a wonderful woman and AMAZING teacher! Thank you Mrs. Reed!!

I have known BJ for over 40 years--since we began teaching in a junior high school in the late 1960s. I saw her change from the young woman crushed physically and emotionally by the accident that took her son into the amazing woman she is today. BJ overcame her difficulties by sheer will power and an undaunted focus on the positives in her life. Over the years, she has been an inspiring role model to her students and acquaintances. Today she is fit, happy, disciplined and devoted to her family---the perfect example of a woman who has dedicated herself to good health and inspired others as well.

Sometimes we don't realize how short life can be until we have a personal crisis. That's when we realize that what we do, or don't do, has a HUGE impact on our health. BJ is such an inspiration to those of us who think we can't change our lives or our health because of age or other physical limitations. She makes us realize that the only limitations we have are in our heads! She has more impact than she will ever know...thank you BJ.

What an inspiration it is just to read BJ's story and the comments that others have posted. I'm grateful just to know that such a person exists, and that her example to others continues to improve the lives of so many people! I sure wish I could vote for her, but the links are broken - HELP

Go BJ!

Wow! I am so excited other people are finding out just how inspiring BJ Reed is!
She was my English teacher my senior year in high school and really allowed the opportunity to open up and explore an assignment - whether it was to write a song or poem about a book we read or pursue something for our senior project that we have always wanted to try - for me, it was rock climbing.
I remember listening to her stories about skydiving back in the day when you had to pack your own army parachute, or when she decided that she was going to take some time for herself after we graduated and train to ride in a physically demanding bicycle race with her daughter to raise awareness about cancer.
She cared about her students and the way she took care of herself helped us to know that she meant it.

Amazing is the word that comes to mind when I read BJ Reed's story! The most unfair thing in life (especially for a mother) is to lose a child, and it would take an extremely strong, brave woman not only to survive this accident, but also to overcome the death of her small son. Most of us could not do this, but BJ did just that and continued to be an excellent mother not only to her daughter, but to go on to have two more sons (even though she was told she would not be able to have more children). As well, she continued on as a very inspirational educator to many young people while leading a very healthy lifestyle, which she passed on to her children. She is truly an inspiration not only to all women but to everyone! Way to go BJ!

I was so excited and not in the least bit surprised to see BJ in the top 5 for this award!! She was my Junior year English teacher and has always stood out as one of my favorite and most inspiring teachers. She never gives up on her students and you could always tell she genuinely cared about everyone. I'm so glad she is getting recognition for being the wonderful woman that she is!

I am 45 and BJ epitomizes EXACTLY how I want to live my life when I'm her age. What a wonderful example of how we can embrace the positive, focus on good, and relish our lives. I wish she lived in Missoula, MT so we could bike/hike/swim/jog together!

BJ truly deserves recognition as the Picture of Health, or more appropriately a monument and commemorative coin! It is a true rarity in this world to meet someone who literally leaves a trail of inspiration in their wake.

BJ you are an inspiration to all!

Life is hard. Hang in there, if you're struggling. Ask the Lord for help. Have faith, because if He is willing to bless me, I'm sure that He is willing to bless you too.

Gary Hyink

What an amazing adventure and honor to be in this contest! I so appreciate all the comments AND the people who wrote them! It is so rewarding to know that as a teacher, friend, acquaintance you have made a difference for someone. We don't often have an opportunity to learn that- especially 15 or 20 years later. Wow! Thank you!!! Here's to good health and whatever works for each of us to get there.

My very best to all of you!
BJ

BJ is the picture of health as well as the picture of inspiration! When I read her story in Prevention magazine I was touched by not only her fitness and health dedication but her positive attitude.
Her health and wellbeing are what I strive to be not only when I am 66 but now at the age of 28.

Go BJ!!