Charity Pierce’s journey began in 2015 when she weighed a staggering 778 pounds. The desperation for change stemmed from her wish to visit her mother, who was battling brain cancer. Charity, struggling with severe health conditions including non-healing sores that led to infections, was rushed to the hospital. Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, known as Dr. Now, immediately assessed her condition and warned her about the life-threatening risks her weight posed. Despite the dire situation, Dr. Now approved Charity for bariatric surgery, understanding the urgency of saving her life.
Although Charity experienced initial progress following the surgery, the tragic death of her mother caused her to fall back into old habits. She began using food as a means of coping with grief, but eventually found the strength to refocus on her health. Over time, Charity not only shed pounds but also underwent a 57-pound mass removal from her leg. By the end of her appearance on My 600-lb Life, Charity had lost 282 pounds, bringing her weight to 496.6 pounds. However, this marked only the beginning of her long, challenging journey.
Skin Surgery and Ongoing Health Challenges
Charity’s path to weight loss was not without its challenges. In 2016, during a follow-up episode of My 600-lb Life: Where Are They Now?, Charity faced frequent cellulitis infections, which required multiple hospital treatments. To address her excess skin, Dr. Now performed another skin surgery, removing 38 pounds of skin from her stomach. However, complications arose, and a subsequent surgery was necessary due to a recurring skin infection, which had the potential to result in septic shock.
Amid these medical hurdles, Charity’s daughter, Charly, also struggled with her weight. At 390 pounds, Charly began her own weight loss journey, losing 14 pounds by the end of the episode. Together, Charity and Charly attended therapy sessions to rebuild their relationship, transitioning from a caregiver-patient dynamic to a more balanced mother-daughter relationship. By the end of the episode, Charity had reduced her weight to 338 pounds, shedding a total of 440 pounds. Charly also pursued bariatric surgery and became a patient of Dr. Now in 2017.
Personal Heartbreak and Setbacks
Despite the progress Charity had made, personal challenges continued to emerge. In 2019, during a visit to Iowa with her fiancé, Tony, and daughter Charly, Charity learned of Tony’s infidelity with her sister. This devastating betrayal triggered a deep depression, which led Charity to struggle with food and substance abuse once again.
Although these setbacks caused considerable emotional pain, Charity did manage to lose 29 pounds, bringing her weight down to 335 pounds. She also received approval for further skin removal surgery, a sign that her commitment to her health and Dr. Now’s program remained steadfast. However, her emotional struggles were far from over, as she faced the consequences of her actions during a painful period of her life.
Battling Addiction and Recovery
Charity’s challenges took a near-fatal turn during a 2019 skin removal surgery. She secretly brought painkillers into the hospital, resulting in an overdose. This incident not only compromised Dr. Now’s trust but also threatened her recovery. However, Dr. Now intervened and saved her life, reinforcing the importance of support and guidance throughout her recovery.
By 2020, Charity began taking steps toward healing. She and her daughter Charly took a break from their co-dependent relationship to focus on individual goals. Charly lost 90 pounds independently, which motivated Charity to refocus on her own health. Charity eventually reconciled with her daughter and recommitted to her health journey. By the end of 2020, she had managed to bring her weight down to under 300 pounds, a significant milestone in her ongoing transformation.
Facing Life-Threatening Illness and New Beginnings
In December 2019, Charity received a devastating diagnosis: kidney cancer. By March 2020, she underwent successful surgery to remove her kidney, preventing the cancer from spreading. Her recovery was marked by her continued determination to maintain her reduced weight, with Charity regularly updating her followers on her progress via social media. Her connection with her daughter, Charly, remained a strong source of support, and the two continued to celebrate their shared victories.
The year 2023 marked new beginnings for Charity’s family. Charly got engaged in 2022 and became a mother, later announcing that she was expecting her second child in October 2023. Both Charity and Charly had successfully managed their post-surgery weight and embraced their new roles in life, reflecting the power of family support in overcoming adversity.
In 2024, Charity continued to focus on her family and use social media to engage with her followers. She encouraged financial support through “Stars” on the platform, demonstrating her adaptability and resilience in maintaining her family’s wellbeing. Although recent updates on her health have been limited, Charity’s ability to navigate the ups and downs of her journey remains a testament to her strength and determination.
