Choose Your Hard
June 3, 2026
While Winnebago community members might recognize him from the Whirling Thunder Wellness Center pool inside the Blackhawk Community Center, or from volunteering at the Healthy Choice Food Stand at the yearly Pow Wow, there is a lot more to Lloyd Hamilton's story than you might realize...
Now or Never
When Lloyd was 48, he woke up and realized that he had one foot in the grave, several physical ailments, and severe health diagnoses. Although his health was suffering, the good news was that most of his health concerns were fixable—as long as he was willing to put in the work.
It was around this time that Lloyd was hired at Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System, first as one of the chefs for the Kidz Cafe and later as the Pool Manager. As Lloyd navigated his new position and gained a thorough understanding of the program, he realized he needed to be an example of what it stands for and for those it was there to help. The Winnebago Public Health Department’s Diabetes Prevention Program collaborates with Whirling Thunder Wellness Center to provide a variety of strategic initiatives to support fitness and nutrition goals. Hamilton always knew that he needed and wanted to be fit. However, working at the Kidz Cafe, Lloyd began to learn exactly how much he needed to eat a healthy diet and align more closely with his teachings and personal goals. Lloyd knew that guidance from this Primary Care Provider at Twelve Clans Unity Hospital could only go so far – “Simply put, it was up to me to achieve my health goals. I had to make it important.”
The Journey
Lloyd weighed more than 300 pounds and was diagnosed with Stage 4 cirrhosis—the most advanced and severe stage of liver damage. He knew he could no longer delay making significant changes to his health. Reversing many of the challenges he faced required dedication, discipline, and hard work. His transformation involved intensive circuit training and consistent guidance from a personal trainer, whom he credits as a key factor in his success. Much of Lloyd’s fitness journey was built on the support, expertise, and accountability his trainer provided along the way. His personal trainer would hold him accountable, challenge him, and motivate him. After the sessions with his personal trainer, he started making small changes that led to a great impact. He was showing up for himself through what he chose to consume and how he chose to stay active. It was through his choices and the guidance from those at WCHS that he began to feel better, and his primary care visits began to reflect those positive changes.
Relatives & Role Models
Growing up, Lloyd's grandparents took him in and raised him after his parents died. So, for Lloyd, his role models when it came to health and fitness were his grandparents. His grandpa was a WWII Combat Veteran, and his grandmother was a nurse; they both fully understood the value of health and hard work. "While other kids were out playing, I was working—lots of chores. We were the picture of hunters and gatherers. That was our lifestyle."
Now, as a father, grandfather, and uncle, Lloyd serves as that role model for not only his family but also all relatives within and those visiting the community. He takes pride in his work, shows up, and puts in the workday in and day out for his health, fitness, and work responsibilities.
Choose Your Hard
Lloyd shared the following words: "Nothing worth its salt is ever easy. It's hard being healthy, but it's hard being sick, too. I've heard it said, “Choose your hard.” Most of the time, we have that choice. I chose to help myself as much as possible."
The guidance provided by WCHS, combined with Lloyd's willpower and persistence, resulted in better health. The doctors who guided him along the way, the programs that provided Lloyd with the necessary tools, his personal trainer, and the people around him who encouraged him ALL played an important role in Lloyd's health journey.
"I'm not perfect, and I never will be, but today I'm living proof that it's never too late to wake up, get moving, and take back control of your life."