Today marks the first anniversary of my quadruple bypass surgery, and I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the profound impact you have had on my life.

Seven months ago, I had the pleasure of discovering your book, "Open Heart," which I must say, has truly been a beacon of light in my recovery process. The wisdom and insights it contains have lifted my horizons and instilled in me a renewed sense of hope and determination.

Your story resonated with me on a deeply personal level, particularly because I underwent the surgery at the age of 61, just like yourself. The playful humility with which you shared your own journey touched my soul, creating an immediate connection between us. It was an extraordinary coincidence that further reinforced my belief in the power of resilience and the potential for positive change.

Inspired by your words and the courage you displayed; I made the decision to adopt a whole food plant based (WFPB) lifestyle almost immediately. Since then, I have experienced remarkable progress. I have shed 25 kilograms, and more importantly, I have discovered a profound sense of well-being that I had never before thought possible.

I still have another 10 kilograms to lose, so I have chosen to forgo the marathon challenge and instead focused on my love for walking. Every week, I embark on 15–20-kilometer walks through the beautiful Australian Bush, finding solace and strength in the tranquil embrace of nature. To complement this passion, I have also fully embraced Nordic Walking, becoming a qualified instructor myself. My aspiration is to utilize this newfound skill to assist individuals in rehabilitation and foster a fitness community specifically tailored for older individuals.

Your work has undeniably changed countless lives for the better, and I humbly acknowledge that mine is one of them. The impact you have had on my physical and mental well-being is immeasurable, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Your dedication and commitment to improving the lives of others are truly inspiring, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with your remarkable story.

I sincerely wish you good health, happiness, and continued success in all your endeavors. May you continue to touch lives and make a profound difference in the world.

With heartfelt gratitude and warmest regards,

Tony Earls