He lost his son, his parents and his health. What he gained is changing lives.

Shaun Lezer gives insights on health behind the wheel

Above: Shaun Lezer with his kids, Lincoln age 12 and Brynlee age 8, in front of the truck honoring his son, Kash (Courtesy).

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By Bianca Prieto | The Inside Lane

OTR truck driver Shaun Lezer was living on KitKats and frappuccinos until his health hit a wall in 2022. The 42-year-old Utah resident, who now drives for In-N-Out Burger, knew he needed a serious reset. The Healthy Habits program through the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund changed everything.

Now he’s logging daily walks, staying hydrated and training for a virtual 5K, one that he sparked into existence. Taking place June 22-28, The Heart & Sole 5k, now in its second year, is sponsored in part by the Inside Lane. Here, Lezer shares how he turned things around.

What motivated you to sign up for the Healthy Habits program? What made it different from trying to make changes on your own?
The main motivational factor for me was feeling hopeless for my future and as a role model for my family. I definitely had this fear of a lifetime full of chronic illness and possibly future diseases such as diabetes, which is genetically present in both my mother's and father's family tree. Before reaching out to St. Christopher’s, I had never tried a peer group setting program. This is absolutely what made the difference in my success.

You took a big step by committing to a 5K. What inspired that goal, and how has it helped you stay focused on your health?
The 5K was an idea I came up with during a group call one day. The conversation was about gratitude and specifically how grateful we were for how trucking has changed our lives. The idea for the 5K was focused on how I can give back to the trucking industry. My vision for the 5K is the hope that someday it will inspire as many drivers as possible to want to change their current lifestyle regarding their own physical and mental health.

Which changes from the program have had the biggest impact on your daily life?
For me, the biggest impact is the courage and willingness to address and take action on many physical and mental health issues I was ignoring for years. In 2019, I lost my youngest son at the age of 6 months. In 2022 and 2024, I lost both my parents in their 60s. With that said, I was at my lowest depression point in my entire life. The Healthy Habits group of fellow drivers had a huge impact on my life.

What should drivers know about the Healthy Habits initiative?
Drivers should be aware of all the programs that SCTF has to offer. It’s so easy to visit their website, and the facilitator, Lindsey Bryan, is the easiest person to talk to. She responded to me the same day I signed up online for the program. You are not committing to anything except improving yourself; there is no hidden agenda or sales pitch, I promise you!

For drivers out there who feel stuck, unhealthy or unsure where to begin, what would you say to them?
Don’t give up! The Healthy Habits group is 100% free. You have nothing to lose! The group and facilitator are the most supportive space I have ever been a part of. There is no pressure or judgement at all,. Come with open ears and you will be surprised by the knowledge and friendships you may gain.