Darren “Kirby” DeBoard just celebrated his birthday on Dec. 17. DeBoard, an employee at the Y and an inspiration for those looking to turn their lives around, began his weight loss journey back in 2020. According to DeBoard, he knew he had to make a change when his lifestyle came close to killing him.
“I was in and out of the hospital,” said DeBoard. “I was miserable. I went into diabetic ketoacidosis and my blood sugar was not measurable by emergency room staff. It was literally just too high.”
At this time, DeBoard stated that he weighed close to 638 pounds. Deboard began this journey by watching his diet.
“I started eating better,” said DeBoard. “I watched what I ate better and was just more mindful about what I ate and how much I ate. That took off almost 100 pounds right there.”
While preparing for bariatric surgery to assist in his weight loss journey, DeBoard crossed paths with the YMCA of the Coastal Bend. While other places were too expensive or had no scholarships or financial assistance available, the YMCA of the Coastal Bend responded to his calls immediately.
“That was the deciding factor, the customer service,” said DeBoard. “I started going to the YMCA and when I started I had to walk with a cane. Lirone Speaks was the first director that I actually spoke to because he was working the front desk at the time along with the front desk worker. I spoke to them and realized that I could budget to go to the Y. I got a membership and I applied for financial assistance and was accepted and I started going to the gym every single day.”
Now, three years later, DeBoard is down to 418 pounds and is still losing more. According to DeBoard, his body has been feeling much better since he began this journey.
“When I was at my biggest, I used to have to have a power chair to get around because my legs could not hold me up,” said DeBoard. “I went from a power chair to a cane and now I’m walking on my own. … I can actually do things.”
At the same time that DeBoard was working on his physical health, he was also battling a drug addiction. DeBoard is currently an addict in recovery. At the start of December, DeBoard will be 8 months clean.
“I stopped using on April 1,” said DeBoard. “That’s when I realized that I had a problem and started seeking help. I am proud that I am no longer using drugs or illicit substances. I have given up that lifestyle completely.”
To DeBoard, the YMCA has supported him through this journey, referring to the entire staff as practically his cheerleaders.
“They’re so happy you’re there and they’re happy for all the members that are trying,” said DeBoard. “No matter your size or ability, nobody is there to judge you.”
These days, when DeBoard is not working at the Y, he enjoys taking drives around the city and playing different kinds of video games. To DeBoard, the journey is not over, but he isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
“Don’t give up, no matter what,” said DeBoard. “If you give up, you give up on yourself. That is not an option. … It’s a very difficult journey. Weight loss, addiction … those are all very difficult. But there are people that will listen to you and try to help the best they can to at least be someone to talk to. That works wonders.”