Growing up, I was a water baby. We lived near a lake, had a pool in our backyard, and as soon as I was old enough, I joined a swim team. By 10, I was winning local events.

I thought my sports career was over once I got into a wheelchair. That was the hardest reality I had to face.

I made it to the top five on 'Dancing with the Stars.' To me, that was just a tremendous accomplishment.

We all have challenges. We have to face them, embrace them, defy them, and conquer them.

I'm not in the best shape, but I want to prove to myself I can do something that seems insurmountable and inspire others by showing them no matter where they are in their fitness goals, they can do it, too.

Beating cancer is personal battle. It was one of the toughest opponents I have faced so far, and I think I did reasonably well. Touch wood.

It's important to do what's right for you. Some people who have a healthy diet and exercise regularly will always be a size 14 because that is right for them. It's about being fit and healthy rather than being a perfect 10.

Health is the most important thing you have on this planet if you're gonna have a successful life.