Dannielle "Danni" Allen has struggled with her weight her whole life, but as a young athlete who kept active in high school on the soccer, swim and water polo teams, it wasn't really an issue. Now, at age 26 and her heaviest-ever weight of 258 pounds, Danni is ready to get healthy. "I really want to start truly living my life. I'm tired of staying in on a Friday night because I feel like I don't look good." Danni was born and raised in Illinois with a younger sister, and she always had a passion for singing. She was in one of the country's top show choirs in high school and has performed at the Grand Ole Opry, but she declines most offers to sing now because she's self-conscious about her weight. Danni graduated from Clemson University with a degree in architecture and a minor in business administration. A recent health scare with her father and his long road to recovery convinced her she needed to take control of her own life and get healthy. Once the weight is off, Danni looks forward to being able to wear a bikini on vacation and to helping others with their weight loss struggle. "I know what a toll it takes on your life and if I can help others, mentally and physically, it would make this journey mean even more."