By Marsha Bonecutter

Who could have imagined that the critical illness and near death of a little four year old girl would result in a business serving a community and improving the quality of life for people in that community for over 40 years?

Shirlee Gibson, founder of Apple A Day, in Findlay, Ohio, was a normal, happy and healthy four year old who loved to “go barefoot” as many children do. That innocent habit is believed to have caused the illness that nearly took her life. Perhaps Shirlee stepped on a rusty nail—we will never be certain, but one day her legs mysteriously became paralyzed from the knees down and as the illness progressed, the 47 pound child dwindled to a mere 17 pounds. Doctors were baffled by her condition which they diagnosed as a rare blood disease. Shirlee was hospitalized for several months while doctors ran tests and tried every medication they could think of. Even blood transfusions did not work. Finally, doctors told Shirlee’s parents there was nothing more they could do. Then, a miracle took place that Shirlee would remember all of her life—a young intern started Shirlee on several different vitamins! Vitamins and a special diet saved Shirlee’s life!

Eventually, Shirlee recovered and went on to marry and have three children, two boys and a girl. She began a career in banking, but soon found that kind of work to be “cold” and not to her liking. She remembered how her life had been saved by natural supplements and wanted to open a natural foods store. Divine providence intervened once again, when an older gentleman Shirlee had done a kindness for, remembered her in his will. Due to his generosity, she was able to open her store!

In 1968, on North Main Street, Apple A Day was launched. In 1972 the store moved to an old Victorian house at 600 South Blanchard Street, where it still is today.

Shirlee’s three children all went to work with mom at the store, where, between customers, she held them and rocked them in an old green chair. But more than the two boys, Kristina, Shirlee’s daughter was her constant companion. Kristina says, “I grew up at Apple A Day. I spent most of my childhood going to work with mom and what little girl would not enjoy “playing store” all day!”

As the years went by, Kristina continued working with her mom and though they had disagreements occasionally, Kristina soon realized that, like Shirlee, this was her calling in life. “I love it! I’ve learned so much along the way, through online classes, knowledgeable customers and, of course, my mom—my biggest influence!” said Kristina.

Since 1984, with the exception of three years, Kristina has been the manager at Apple A Day. She has three wonderful sons, who like their mother, were fortunate enough to go to work with mom, who held and rocked them in the same old green chair–now in Kristina’s living room. Nathan is in his final year of medical school but continuing on to be an orthopedic surgeon. Dustin, 23, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Criminal Justice. Ryan, 20, was just promoted to Aviation Electricians Mate 3rd Class (AE3) in the United States Navy. He us stationed on an aircraft carrier in Japan. There is certainly something miraculous about that old green chair!

Five years ago Apple A Day opened its second location in the corner of a grocery store at 2021 Broad Avenue in Findlay. “We are doing very well,” says Kristina, “I see a huge demand for wheat/gluten free items and this location has the best selection in town!” Kristina makes it a challenge to have the items that are trendy right now, such as what might have been mentioned on TV by Dr. Oz. “I have alot of allergies myself, so I am very motivated to have available an excellent array of choices for those people who have food allergies and desire high quality, or organic,” explains Kristina. “Speaking of high quality, we have the entire line of Berlin Natural Bakery products, including the pasta and the pizza sauce from Simply Sauce….it’s amazing!

Shirlee retired last summer, and Kristina holds the reigns in her more than capable hands. When asked what she loves most about running her own natural health store, Kristina was emphatic. “I love the customers! I am a very compassionate person and I love people! I love the opportunity to give hope to people who have been told nothing more can be done for them.” Kristina plans to grow with the industry and will fill the need for self help due to the rising costs of insurance—“prevention is the best medicine!”

Visit Apple A Day today for all of your natural health food needs, you’ll see the slogan on the wall: “YES WE CAN!” “By the way,” laughs Kristina, “we had this slogan before Obama did!”