About 2 months ago I was notified that one of my past “No Mullarkey” clients, Kristina Ayres had tragically died in car accident. I was deeply saddened by the news and felt absolutely terrible for her family. She was driving to work, lost control of the car, ran up on the curb and hit a fire hydrant. Unfortunately she did not have a seatbelt on and suffered major head trauma. Kristie had previously volunteered to be an organ donor, so on a positive note she saved several other lives through her tragic passing. The doctor told her parents that because she was in such great physical shape that several of her organs could be donated. Because of her generosity to be an organ donor she saved multiple lives, one of which lives right here in Phoenix.
Kristie came to me back in 2014 to train her for her very first bikini competition. She joined my group training program and we got to work. What a work ethic this gal had and what a pleasure she was to coach. She had a smile that would light up a room and would always show up ready to work her tail off. She ended up competing in 2 local NPC shows with the “No Mullarkey” Team and was an absolute natural on stage. I knew that she had what it took to go to the National level and to possibly get her IFBB pro card in the future. She not only had the will, but she had the package the judges were looking for. She decided to move on to another trainer and eventually did compete at the national level. If she had been given the opportunity I know she would have made a great pro.
I attended her Memorial and got to chat with her awesome parents, brother and several folks from the fitness industry who had nothing but great things to say about Kristie. It was neat listening to stories of her journeys since she left group training and moved on in life. One of my favorite stories was her love for doughnuts, which were her go to backstage at shows and for cheat meals. It cracked me up because I recalled telling her my secret about competing. Instead of eating tuna and rice cakes backstage, I too would eat doughnuts. They were our secret weapon:). Nothing like a little sugar, carb load to get your flat muscles to fill out. Shhhhh, don’t tell anyone:)
Next time you are having a tough day, just be glad you have that day. Kristie does not get another day and her family does not get to share another with her. Love yourself and what God has given you because our days are numbered on this planet. If you are not already, become an organ donor. The way I looked at it when I became one is, “What the heck am I going to do with my organs when I am gone?”. Give someone else a second chance. Although Kristie is gone, she is living through many because she was an organ donor. I am sure those families are very thankful that she donated. Rest in peace Kristie and I hope you are sitting on an endless mound of doughnuts upstairs:).
You can register to become an Organ and Tissue Donor at http://www.donatelife.net.
Kristina Ayres
June 2, 1991-November 2 2017
Giver of Life Through Organ and Tissue Donation
“Generosity Transforms the World”
Karen Mullarkey
“No Mullarkey” Personal Training
www.karenmullarkey.com
ISSA CPT