BRYAN COUNTY, OK--The reality TV series Biggest Loser is only days away from its finale. One Texoma man on his own weight loss journey will be in the audience cheering the contestants on in Los Angeles. Once 913 pounds, he is now nearly half that size. Now, he'll see those who have gone through the same struggle in person.
For years, Early Kennedy says he's dropped the ball. Now he's picking it back up, determined to get in shape.
"When I was 913 pounds, I dreamed with my eyes closed when I slept," Earl Kennedy said. "Being in my 400s now, I dream wide awake."
Kennedy of Mead, Oklahoma has been fighting for a slimmer self. He's been invited to see the live finale of season 12's Biggest Loser Tuesday in Los Angeles.
"I'm going to be in the audience," Kennedy said. "I don't know what I'll be wearing yet. Worse then a female I guess when it comes to that."
Picking out an outfit isn't the only thing that makes Kennedy nervous. He's never traveled on a plane.
"I've never been off of the ground. Gravity kind of gives me a problem anyway," Kennedy said.
Kennedy now tips the scale somewhere in the 400s--a big change from his old wardrobe. He's tried out to be on the Biggest Loser before, but has had some health problems.
"Age is just a number, whether you're a 120 or whether you're 20," Kennedy said.
It hasn't stopped him from pumping iron.
"I'm kind of prisoner of my own body and that's what it is," Kennedy said. "From being 913 pounds, I broke through a lot of walls."
More than two years ago, Kennedy lost his daughter McKenzie to heart complications. Now when he hits the gym, he wears a black t-shirt with McKenzie's name on it. He wants to get thin for her.
"I've never gotten that chance to do the fatherly thing that a dad should've been able to do, like go outside and play and play ball and play tag. It was McKenzie's favorite game--tag," Kennedy said.
Kennedy will soon see people who have struggled with their weight just like he has.
"Raymond. He has lost about 40 pounds of hair. When he got his hair cut, there went at least 20 or 30 and that's a lot of hair," Kennedy said.
To Kennedy, it's not just about the spotlight. He has his own story to share.
"If I can help one person, then all of the humiliation will be worth it. As long as I can help somebody save their life," Kennedy said.
He's saving himself, one workout at a time.
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You can watch for Earl Kennedy in the audience of NBC's Biggest Loser on KEN Tuesday night 8:00 central time. That night, they'll announce the grand prize winner.
Texoma's Biggest Loser challenge between Lisanne Anderson and Kris Hair is still going on for couple more weeks. Tune in to KTEN Tuesday night for their week 9 weigh in.
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