Curtis Cancelosi’s life used to consist mainly of sitting around and eating all day. That lifestyle led to a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, with his weight topping out at 418 pounds.

“Diabetes runs in my family, but my mom was really scared when I was diagnosed,” said Curtis, 42. “She thought I’d have to take pills or shots. My dad had to do shots all the time.”

His diagnosis was in 2006. Today, Curtis is down to 289 pounds, with a goal of dropping to 250. He has a steady job, he goes on long walks every weekday and he’s careful with his diet.

“My goal is to see my nephew and niece graduate from high school and go to college,” he said.

Curtis has had plenty of help. Angie Frederic, diabetes dietitian at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital, has worked with him on a diet to help him get to a healthy weight. He uses a CPAP machine to treat his sleep apnea. And he has two caregivers who make sure he stays on that diet.

“Angie keeps me on the right track so I can keep losing weight,” Curtis said. “She’s helped us with nutrition and portion sizes,” said Harold Thompson, who owns the adult foster care home where Curtis lives.

“She’s worked with Curtis on building muscle. She’s been fantastic.” Harold and others in the house watch Curtis at night, keeping him from binges. “They listen for footsteps in the kitchen,” Curtis laughed.

Lanet Dunigan, the home’s day manager, helps him with breakfast and his lunch for work. Breakfast consists of cereal and juice, and lunch includes carrot sticks with a sandwich or light meal, as well as yogurt or pudding.

“Getting down to 300 pounds was a huge benchmark for Curtis,” Harold said “The goal was to get below 300, and to not go back there.”

When Curtis first started walking, he would be out for 20 to 40 minutes. Now, he goes on walks for up to an hour. He does still eat some sweets, but not often.

“He can’t go through what he’s gone through without us giving him some rewards,” Harold said. “But they’re small rewards, not a whole bag of cookies.”

Curtis is also healthy enough to enjoy activities with the other foster residents. Harold took them camping throughout the summer, and he plans to take them to a few University of Oregon football games this fall.