Kriste Lewis is evidence that you're never too old to follow your dreams. The 40-year-old mom of two boys recently landed a gig that will forever change her life. The long-time dance instructor and fitness trainer decided to go after her life-long dream of cheerleading for the NFL New Orleans Saints Squad and guess what? She got in!
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"For me, trying out for the Saintsations was something I always wanted to do," she told ABC News. "It was on my bucket list. I grew up on the coast and was a Saints fan all my life … I went into (the tryout) with the idea that the audition would be a celebration." But little did she know that her training and her optimistic attitude would actually land her a spot in the team.
'When she needed to blend with others, she did, and when she needed to stand out, she did," Saintsations Director Lesslee Fitzmorris said. "For example, the first audition was a dance audition. None of the judges knew her age and judged her strictly on her presentation and dance ability. The second phase of the audition process was the professional interview. It was during this phase that Kriste stood out. In the final selection process, it was a unanimous decision to put her on the team."
What's even more impressive than the fact that Lewis is a fit, energetic mom of two is that she was diagnosed with kidney disease 14 years ago and hasn't let it get in the way of her dreams. Kidney disease runs in her family so she knew it was time to make some healthy lifestyle changes. She's also made a conscious decision to live her life to the fullest.
"Today is the day, not tomorrow … I know there is no cure for (my kidney disease) and I know that I will be on dialysis and in need of a transplant, but I could be killed in a car wreck tomorrow," she said … I think too many times we wait too late to start on our bucket lists. Start it while you feel good and can enjoy it."
I can't get over how amazing this woman is! She looks great and even with this disease she's managed to keep herself healthy, in shape and incredibly positive. If there's one thing I learned from her it's that you should NEVER give up on your dreams!
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Image via ABC News
