Rudy is larger than life -- a real-life Paul Bunyan! He is a fun-loving, easygoing "teddy bear" who still chops wood the old fashioned way. He admits to being an emotional kid and being teased. This was the start of him using food as comfort. In order to keep his weight in check, his parents kept him active in all sports such as swimming, soccer, basketball and baseball. His sister passed away from leukemia when she was just 16. Throughout her sickness, Rudy ate himself through the pain.

Rudy earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, where he was a four-year starter on their varsity football team. Since leaving college, he has struggled with his weight while trying to balance his job and family. Rudy currently works as a Senior Production Technician at a power station in Rhode Island. His weight keeps him from doing his job to his best abilities, as he is often tired, short of breath and unable to fit into tight areas.

Rudy's family is the reason he wants to be healthy. Rudy's daughters are his life; having the energy to chase them around the yard, or sit down for the occasional tea party would mean the world to him. He dreams of the day he gets to walk his girls down the aisle.