THE PROMISE OF TOMORROW

As I begin to write this month’s Publisher’s Letter, I do so with a heavy heart.

Jeff Romnes, who has written several articles and exercise demos for Healthy Living magazine, passed away Saturday, January 19th. Jeff served as fitness director for Gold’s Gym and was highly respected by his peers. He was far too young to leave this Earth.

The terrible news concerning Jeff’s untimely passing prompted me to begin thinking about life. We never know what tomorrow may bring, and therefore, we should fully enjoy each glorious day God has given us on this beautiful planet. Take time to embrace those who bring joy to your everyday life such as family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. And finally, appreciate all you have when you have it because we are never guaranteed another day.

My heart truly goes out to Jeff’s family and friends. Please accept our sincere condolences.

In this month’s feature story, we take a look into the world of adoption and the available options for those desiring to make a difference in the life of a child seeking a loving forever home. You will also read about the lengthy and difficult process my friend and former Healthy Living executive editor, Sabrina Ciceri, went through to adopt a beautiful girl from China. However, it was well worth it. Her little girl, Mia, who today is 8 years old, has blessed the Ciceri household with an endless amount of love, joy, and happiness.

On the other side of the coin, you may be a young woman facing an unplanned pregnancy and feel you cannot provide your future child with the life he or she deserves. Remember, there are many couples out there looking to adopt. Choose life. There are loving families who want nothing more than to provide that child with unconditional love and a happy home.

I speak from experience. I became pregnant at a young age and strongly considered aborting my child. But after much consideration, I ultimately decided to give birth to my son, Michael. I raised him to the best of my ability, and today he proudly serves our country as a member of the U.S. Navy.

I chose life. Today, I can honestly say it was the best decision I have ever made.

KENDRA AKERS publisher kendra@akersmediagroup.com

DOUG AKERS vice president doug@akersmediagroup.com

JAMIE EZRA MARK chief creative officer jamie@akersmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL // DESIGN

JIM GIBSON executive editor jim@akersmediagroup.com

TIFFANY ROACH managing editor tiffany@akersmediagroup.com

JAMES COMBS staff writer james@akersmediagroup.com

SHEMIR WILES copy editor/writer shemir@akersmediagroup.com contributing writers

STEVEN J. CODRARO associate creative director steve@akersmediagroup.com

CIERRA CHAPPELL production manager cierra@akersmediagroup.com

JOSH CLARK senior designer/advertising josh@akersmediagroup.com

ANTHONY CASTO senior designer/editorial anthony@akersmediagroup.com

TINA MORRISON production director tina@akersmediagroup.com

TABATHA ARCARO-ORTIZ

RICK BOSSHARDT

RICHARD BURGUET

RUTH ANN BYRD

TRACY DRAPER

MARY EDWARDS

ADRIAN FINOL

VICKI GRAY

PHILIP HALL

FRED HILTON

SUZANNE HOWARD

WENDY LYN PHILLIPS

CHRISANN REID

JAMES ROACH

LOWELL WARD

ELLEN B WILCOX

HEATHER TOOTLE office manager heather@akersmediagroup.com

CALEB WAYNE JENSEN graphic designer caleb@akersmediagroup.com

FRED LOPEZ chief photographer fred@akersmediagroup.com contributing photographer STARK BRUMLEY-MARTIN

SALES // MARKETING

TIM MCRAE vice president of sales and marketing tim@akersmediagroup.com

MIKE STEGALL senior marketing representative mike@akersmediagroup.com

HEIDI RESSLER marketing representative heidi@akersmediagroup.com

DISTRIBUTION

SCOTT HEGG distribution manager scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com

Kendra Akers publisher

kendra@akersmediagroup.com.

Vitreoretinal surgery can help patients who suffer from retinal eye diseases—such as macular disease, retinal detachment, and diabetic retinopathy—regain lost sight. Now, an exciting advancement in vitreoretinal surgery—a new retinal surgery system—has made retinal surgery more effective than ever before.

Mid Florida Eye Center’s Surgery Center of The Villages is the only outpatient surgery center in Lake and Sumter Counties offering this advanced retinal surgery system on-site.

PATIENTS ALSO BENEFIT FROM:

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