On Feb. 1, 2019, we officially launched Thrive alongside our partner OhioHealth. We set out to inspire readers and help them explore ways to live better right here in Richland and surrounding counties.
As we wrap up 2019 and look forward to how we can encourage locals to #thriveinthe419 in 2020, we wanted to show you the top 10 most-read thrive stories over the past 11 months.
Thank you, thrive readers for a great year! If you don’t already subscribe to the Thrive newsletter, please do so. If you have Thrive story ideas for us in 2020, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our new Thrive reporter, Tierra Thomas at tierra@richlandsource.com.
Here are the 10 most popular stories of the year.
#10. Mansfield birth mother shares her adoption story
Mansfield resident Nikki Lewis, 36, was 16 and pregnant and faced an extremely difficult decision. She opened up to us about her story. Read below.
#9. ‘She is my hero’: Mansfield man forever thankful for receiving life-saving CPR
While out on one of his five-milers on Sunday, March 3, Rex Linkenbach, 64, suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed along the side of Cook Road. What happened next was nothing short of miraculous. Read below.
#8. Here are 100 things to do this summer in Richland, Ashland counties
Nothing to do around here? Think again. We compiled our very own “Thrive Summer Bucket List,” featuring 100 things to do, eat, explore and have fun within the area. As a special bonus, we gave away weekly prizes to locals who checked off items from the list and posted to social media using #thriveinthe419. Take a look at this list below; how many things did you do?
#7. Mansfield family thankful to be alive, for community support after house fire
Choosing gratitude in spite of one’s conditions is no easy feat, but it’s something the Humble family embraced after they lose their home and belongings in a devastating fire on Sept. 10. Read more below.
#6. Mansfield family celebrates life of million-dollar baby
Isabella, “Bella,” spent three-and-a-half months in the newborn intensive care unit at Akron Children’s Hospital last year after weighing just one pound, seven ounces, and measuring 12 inches at her birth. Her medical costs amounted to well over $1 million. But if you were to ask her Mansfield parents, Tiffany and Dustin, they’d say she’s worth every penny — and so much more. Read below.
#5. Mansfield couple shares story of loss through lens of faith
“Each new life, no matter how brief, forever changes the world.” Mansfield couple, Jordon and Talon Baker are determined to keep the story of their little girl, Haddie Wren, alive. Read more below.
#4. Mansfield man lands dream job at 85
It’s never too late to pursue a dream and Dan Galat is proof of that. Read about Galat’s story and how grateful he is for the opportunity, as well as the ability to keep doing what he enjoys.
#3. Lex grad says life is worth living after attempted suicide
Mike Noser, 39, views life differently after trying to end his own at 28 years old. The survivor of an attempted suicide considers each breath he takes a gift, especially now that he’s able to breathe without the assistance of a tracheostomy tube. Read below about why Mike is so intent on sharing his story.
#2. Shelby newlyweds pay off $33K of debt in 13 months
The McKelveys began Dave Ramsey’s “7 Baby Steps” after getting married in April 2016. Their determination and concerted effort proved fruitful: after 13 months of careful budgeting and saving, they became debt-free. Read more below.
#1. Mansfield couple opening new group fitness studio in downtown Mansfield
After embarking on their own health and wellness journey, Mansfield couple Trent and Jasmine Houston want to encourage others to do the same. The husband-wife team opened “The Sweat Club” on 12 S. Park St., right next to Reindeer Grill. Read more about what they offer below.
