Editor's note: BHP will update this story later on Tuesday

ABC series follows singer, Y employee Dana Baker
By JODI RALL
For Brentwood Home Page
Dana Baker’s is a familiar face to many who work out at the Brentwood Family YMCA. Tonight the world will meet the man with a tremendous voice and soft heart when he’s the focus of the new hit ABC TV weight loss show Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition (WKRN Channel 2, 9 p.m.).

At his highest weight, Dana, 45, tipped the scales at close to 500 pounds. The “new” Dana will be revealed tonight. Though most viewers will see his year-long transformation in one hour, friends and supporters at the Brentwood Family YMCA have watched and supported his journey for the past year.

“I am so proud of Dana and everything he has been able to accomplish to improve his health and change his life forever,” Suzy Constantine, YMCA Senior Program Director, shared last week. “It was amazing to watch him transform over the last year.  As he progressively got smaller, his smile got bigger.  Way to go Dana!”

It all started on Feb. 23, 2010 when Dana was in his swimming class at the Brentwood YMCA.

Excitement filled the gym and people lined the glass windows outside the pool to watch as personal trainer Chris Powell came running out and jumped in the pool with unsuspecting Dana. A clip of this meeting is already running on commercials promoting the new series.

Powell, who guides each of the Extreme Makeover participants through their transformations, came to national prominence after he helped David Smith, “the 650-Pound Virgin” lose over 400 pounds in 26 months. Smith’s journey was documented in a TLC documentary of the same name.

Jumping into the pool with Dana was only the start. Powell has guided his workouts and weight loss from start to finish. Tonight’s “reveal” will include learning the total amount of pounds Dana has shed.

But that’s just a part of what will be celebrated tonight by his friends and supporters.

Dana’s gentle demeanor, warm smile and amazing vocal talents are admired by many. In April, he used his talent to raise money for the Y’s annual Giving Campaign by singing at a fundraising luncheon, where he also shared how much the YMCA means to him. He also led a “choir” that performed at the Friends of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt’s annual Friends and Fashion show.

 “Through his journey, Dana Baker has been and continues to be an inspiration to all of us here at the Brentwood Family YMCA,” Steve Saxton, district executive director shared.

“As Dana shared with me, his transformation has not been just about losing weight but a renewal of both spirit and mind.

“His dedication to change in these areas exemplifies the YMCA’s commitment to helping people grow in spirit, mind and body. We could not be more thrilled for Dana and are so proud of his incredible accomplishment.”

Dana, who could not contractually give interviews prior to tonight’s show, has said that he hopes his message will impact people. His whole life has been a struggle with weight issues and he also openly talks about the consequences of carrying that extra weight on his body. Knee and other health issues were destroying Dana’s ability to live his life to the fullest.