By Dani M. Stone
Cassandra Sturos, 25, wants to “take New York City by storm.” She recently received her bachelor’s degree in English/writing from Northern Michigan University. She wants to be a writer, maybe a columnist, and she knows New York City is the place to pursue her dreams, but at 239 pounds she lacks the confidence to make her big move. When Cassandra tried out for the Biggest Loser competition she invited her grandmother, Nancy Rajala, to join her. This year they make up the orange team, the only grandparent/grandchild team on Biggest Loser 13.
Cassandra is no stranger to excess weight and the teasing that often comes with it. As the oldest of 10 children growing up in Fowlerville, Michigan, Cassandra remembers someone taunting her about her weight in the second grade. It immediately and forever-after affected her self-esteem. As many people do, she sought comfort in food and continued to gain weight. (more…)
