Thomas Carlisle learned about different types of cancer in a small library at the Lemmon-Holton Cancer Pavilion in Grand Rapids.
After he was diagnosed with leukemia in 2010, the Sparta native adopted healthy habits — including exercise, yoga and paying attention to nutrition labels — in hopes of keeping his cancer under control. After losing more than 170 pounds and participating in Special Olympics Michigan, Carlisle was named SpartanNash's Healthy Athlete of the Year.
Every year, he looks forward to reciting the Special Olympics athlete watch, which is "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.