Tyrone Bell walks the halls of The Medical Center several times a day for exercise. Bell weighs around 800 pounds and battles a number of medical problems related to obesity. Photo by Joe Imel

Sometimes the hardest part of Tyrone Bells day is just getting out of bed. Other days are much worse. At 21 years old, Bell, who is believed to weigh around 800 pounds, battles medical complications that are a result of his morbid obesity. In addition to problems such as sleep apnea and requiring a tracheotomy a surgically created air passage in his neck to breathe, he feels the stares, hears the comments and watches peoples reactions when they see him strain and huff to make a step. People always got comments to say, Bell said Tuesday from his bed at The Medical Center. Sometimes I understand it, but I get tired of it. I need a break. Simple things, the things most people take for granted, can be incredible challenges to Bell. Dressing. Cleaning. Breathing. During the night, as he tries to sleep, the memories of what he said were years of abuse vividly haunt him. It began when he was 3 and continued until he was taken out of his home at 14 and began moving to institutions and foster homes. I still dream at night, but I dont sleep, Bell said. When I do sleep, (the memories) are like a train running through my head. On his third suicide attempt, he was almost successful in eating himself to death. He tries to ward off depression by watching television, writing out his experiences, reading the Bible and avoiding mirrors. Some days it works. Bell who said his fathers side of the family has a genetic predisposition to obesity is the eldest of 11 children, requires 24-hour care and does not have the option of living with relatives. He considers himself homeless and collects around $500 each month in disability checks. He has spent the majority of the past three years making his home in hospitals and emotional rehabilitation centers. His longest stint in The Medical Center was six months; he returned two weeks ago. I just want to continue with life, continue with school, if I can ever get back on my feet, Bell said. The nurses and doctors at the hospital have become his family. His favorite visitor, best friend and Caucasian mother is The Medical Centers discharge planner, Wendy Gleason. Gleason is working to find a home for Bell, but has found obstacle after obstacle related to what she believes is obesity discrimination. Bell would require a special bed and someone to monitor him around the clock, Gleason said. Ideally, Bell should be surrounded by a positive male role model and be placed into a weight loss program to allow him to begin a return to normalcy, Gleason said. Bell dreams of losing weight and pursuing his interests in computers and business technology. All he lacks is someone willing to lend a helping hand. Hes motivated; he tries, Gleason said. He can be somebody. Hes a bright kid trapped in a large body. If this could bring one human being out to manage him, it would be the best thing that could ever happen to him.