Congratulations to Kathryn Carpitcher, a people lead in HR in Shawnee, OK, Walmart Store 103. As the 2022 Thrive Challenge Grand Champion, she won $25,000!
Kathryn Carpitcher starts each day on a positive note by reading a framed quote: “You’re beautiful, you’re amazing and you’re loved.” She’s on a mission to become the healthiest version of herself so she can fully enjoy her future family.
When Kathryn and her husband, Jeff, got married, they hoped a baby would soon follow. But it didn’t happen. “I was heartbroken,” Kathryn says. She was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, which makes it hard to get pregnant.
Plus, with a family history of heart disease, her doctor said she needed to lose weight and exercise. At 335 pounds, she was eating almost every meal out, and so was Jeff. “We didn’t feel good,” she recalls.
A Wake-Up Call
Then, her father died of a massive heart attack at age 57. “That’s when we decided to change our lifestyle.”
Inspired by her Walmart manager, Candie Holland, Kathryn downloaded the Thrive app. “Jeff and I both wanted to live better lives for ourselves and for the kids we hope to have.”
The couple started cooking healthy dinners together. Their favorites are beef stew with veggies, grilled chicken, and roasted asparagus. They eat without their phones nearby, which lets them connect and de-stress.
Next, the couple turned their garage into a mini gym. Eventually, she lost 45 pounds! In May, Kathryn got pregnant. Sadly, she had a miscarriage. The loss was devastating, but it proved that she can get pregnant.
“I love the Thrive Microstep about connecting with someone in a meaningful way. That’s what I did after the miscarriage. It was very healing.”
Winning the Thrive Challenge
Kathryn and Jeff encourage each other so old habits don’t creep back in. “Our relationship has grown tremendously,” Kathryn says.
Their inspiring journey has delivered better health and even more perks: “First, Jeff won the Thrive Challenge. Then, I won—which was a total shock!” she shares. The couple saved their money and bought a beautiful home for their future family.
Why She Loves Walmart
Kathryn wants a long career with Walmart and hopes to become an assistant store manager. “We get ample training and opportunities for promotion, and the benefits are phenomenal,” she says.
Those benefits include the Even app, which Kathryn uses as a budgeting tool, and the Walton Life Fitness Pass for deals on gym memberships. She used the Resources for Living hotline after her dad passed. And she is excited about the 16 weeks of paid maternity leave.
Kathryn is also thrilled that Walmart now covers fertility treatments and will help pay for adoption or surrogacy. “Even if we don’t get pregnant, we have options!”
A Life-Changing Journey
“The Thrive Challenge changes your whole life,” Kathryn shares. “I hope my story can inspire others.”
Kathryn has learned to enjoy each moment and handle stress better. She feels like a more patient, compassionate leader.
“Before I started this journey, I was just getting by. But now I’m thriving,” she says. “Jeffery and I just need to be patient and trust God, and we will have our miracle baby!”
If you’re interested in learning more about how Thrive can help change your life, download the Thrive app and get started with small changes that can lead to a big difference.
