NAAFA  (National Association  To Advance Fat Acceptance), founded in 1969 is the "oldest organization dedicated to making the world more equitable for fat people through education, advocacy, and support." Tigress Osborn is the Fearless and Fabulous Fat Activist at the helm of NAAFA  and boy are we stoked to have her! 

 

Tigress lends us her time, talent, and expertise as she leads our Town Hall discussion, sponsored by Big Fig Mattress:” Finding the Right Fit- Round Bodies in a Square World”. If you don’t make it to any other discussion, you’ll want to make it to this one!

 

Gain profound insights from Tigress Osborne's expertise and engage in a meaningful dialogue on how we can work collectively to advance the movement towards a more inclusive and accepting society for us all. Saturday 2:00pm

Dr. Shelley DiCecco, PT, PhD, CLT-LANA, CI-CS, founded LymphEd in 2017 as part of Casley-Smith International Lymphoedema Instructors. She completed her Physical Therapy Degree in January of 2000. She became a Woman’s Health Specialist for Pelvic Floor Disorders in 2000 and a Certified Lymphedema Therapist in 2001. Dr. DiCecco received her PhD in the Philosophy of Physical Therapy from Texas Woman's University in 2012.

 

Dr. DiCecco is currently the Director of the lymphedema and pelvic floor service lines for the Sports Rehabilitation Center in Atlanta, Georgia. She specializes in treating patients with genital, pediatric, and complicated lymphedema. Dr. DiCecco is also a full-time faculty member and associate professor at the Georgia campus of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in the Physical Therapy Department.

 

Dr. DiCecco's research focus is on lymphatics and lymphedema. She joins us to share her extensive knowledge of Lymphedema and Lymphatic diseases with a special focus on how they affect Bariatric patients. Bring your questions and come prepared to listen and learn! It's the foundation you've been yearning for, and we're thrilled to present! 

Saturday and Sunday 10:30-12:30.

Living with Lymphedema and/or Lipedema is challenging, both physically and emotionally. In advanced stages it can be debilitating and depressing. Katrina Kashe Barnes, the inspiring founder of Lippy Warriors knows this all too well.

 

We are honored to welcome her in an intimate and supportive setting, for a closed-door discussion titled "Unwrapped”, where she will unravel her personal journey—sharing the emotions, pitfalls, and triumphs she's experienced while navigating life with both disorders, in a larger body.  Join us for “Unwrapped” Learn about the support systems and triumphs that have been instrumental in Katrina's journey and how they can be applied to your own experiences.

 

Share your experiences, thoughts and frustrations, and gain support from a community who understands, and cares, in a safe and supportive environment. Saturday 1:00 pm

Would you attend an expo for SuperSize women if PrettyFatGrlGang wasn’t there? We wouldn’t! And we won’t!

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Get ready for an unforgettable and candid experience as we welcome the sensational La Queshia Brown to our SuperSize Your Life Expo. La Queshia is a viral sensation on a mission to empower the plus-size community to live life with more self-love and fewer apologies. Renowned for her candid videos, she fearlessly tackles topics ranging from hygiene to accessibility and relationships, always delivering the truth with humor and relatability.

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 Join La Queshia as she co-hosts an intimate and open conversation about hygiene, a topic that often goes unaddressed but is crucial for self-care and confidence. *This is a closed-door discussion. No cameras or videos allowed. * Saturday and Sunday 11:00am

Full-Figured Fitness is real, and Diane Meritt is the REALIST!  In her SuperSized body she's a Superheroine of exercise that fits EVERY body. Whether standing, or sitting, on land or in water, Diane knows how to work our bodies so that our bodies work better for us. 

 

We’re thrilled to have Juicy Peaches’ very own Diane Merritt to kickstart our weekend of adventure off, on a refreshing note, with an exclusive sunrise aquacise session for all bodies, all mobilities.

 

Dive into the invigorating waters of our size-inclusive pool and embrace the comfort of our super-sized instructor who not only understands our bodies but knows how to make every movement a celebration.  Saturday 7:30am

We are pleased to welcome Licensed Insurance Agent Eddie Watson as a valued ally and presenter. Mr. Watson brings extensive experience as a multi-state licensed life insurance agent, serving various reputable companies.

 

Demonstrating a profound understanding of our community's concerns and needs, he has curated a range of insurance plans tailored to our audience and eliminating the need for physical examinations.

 

Mr. Watson will outline his comprehensive array of services at the start of each day, and afford personal consultation and support, throughout the day at his booth.  Saturday and Sunday at 10:30am.

We’re extremely proud to have Unique, founder of Juicy Peaches SSBBW Events & The SuperSize Your Life Expo, present "What Should I Tell My Children who are Fat" a workshop that every parent of plus-size child wants and needs.

 

As a dedicated child welfare advocate and seasoned mental health professional, Unique brings a wealth of experience to the table. Having navigated the challenges of growing up as the "fat kid" in a world that prioritizes thinness, Unique offers both personal insights and over 25 years of professional expertise in working with children and their mental health.

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In this workshop, Unique creates a nurturing environment for parents of plus-size children, providing a safe space to share, learn, and grow together. Our goal is simple: to equip parents with the support and resources they need to help their children flourish and develop a positive relationship with themselves. Sunday 12:30pm 

We’re overjoyed to welcome Sarah Bramblette, MSHL, to our facilitators team! Sarah is a patient living with lipedema, lymphedema, and obesity. She utilizes her decades of lived experience to spread awareness about her conditions while advocating for improved diagnosis, treatment, and insurance coverage. In addition to Sarah’s work with LAG, she recently became a Standardized Patient, with the hopes of helping future doctors develop their skills in treating patients of all sizes.

 

As Board Chair of the Lymphedema Advocacy Group (LAG) she played an instrumental role in the passage and implementation of the Lymphedema Treatment Act. She is currently advocating for the passage of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA). The combination of personal experience, education, and policy knowledge makes her an effective and powerful advocate whose work has already helped millions.

 

Sarah travels from her home state of Florida to share her knowledge and expertise with us in a workshop introducing and explaining the Lymphedema Treatment Act (LTA), how the law affects you, and how you can best advocate for services. If you, or someone you know, has Lymphedema this is vital information that at some point you will need. Please plan to be in attendance. Saturday 2:30pm. Sunday 1:00 pm.

We're honored to have the amazing Lynne Ashe's phenomenal energy and expertise amongst us! Lynne knew from early childhood that she was meant to be an actor. But at the onset of puberty when her body began changing its shape, it appeared her dreams would not be possible. Everyone she saw on screen was shaped differently, and in the 70s and 80s, fat shaming was considered normal and deserved. Instead of expressing her true self, she felt humiliation and shame and retreated into her shell. Lipedema doesn't only add a physical burden. It is a true challenge to overcome its emotional and mental trauma as well.

 

It wasn't until her late 40s that she learned of lipedema and that her shape was not the result of something she'd done wrong. She knew from that point that she should pursue her acting career - because this is how she was meant to look! -  and also become an advocate for lipedema and educating others, including doctors about the condition.

 

In the past 12 years, she has appeared in close to 40 films and television shows, including The Suicide Squad, Office Christmas Party, I Tonya, Stranger Things, Stargirl, Will Trent, Dopesick, and The Big Door Prize. She has roles in the upcoming films Color Book and Freedom Hair. Lynne is also a writer and makes jewelry, mostly gemstone, Swarovski crystal, and art glass, which she sells in her Etsy shop, Ashelyn Designs. Check out her "Goddess" earrings and pendants!

 

Her goal is to help all people to not only accept themselves but to embrace their shape, their true selves, and celebrate their inherent joy of life. Carpe Diem - Seize the Day! Allow Lynne to help you find your power, in her workshop "Energy is Power". Sunday 1:30pm