FERGUS – A fundraising workout in support of Team Addy raised about $3,200 for sarcoma research and treatment at SickKids Hospital.
The event, held Feb. 5 at ForgeX Athletic Training in Fergus, was “a great success,” said gym owners Mitch and Karen Johnson.
“We had 60 people participate in the ‘No One Fights Alone’ Team Addy workout, with many other people who came to watch, cheer on and support this wonderful cause,” stated Karen in an email to the Advertiser.
Team Addy was created in support of Addison Hill, a 14-year-old, who died from sarcoma cancer on July 10, just one day after the conclusion of a successful fundraiser she inspired was held at Centre Wellington District High School for research into sarcoma cancer at Toronto’s SickKids Hospital.
The workout at ForgeX was specifically programmed by the gym’s head coach, Travis Laitar, to “reflect and memorialize Addy and her likes and hobbies,” from the specific exercises to the number of repetitions of each, Karen explained.
Funds were raised by teams of participants, who paid to join the workout and also raised pledges.
Karen said ForgeX is a family-oriented operation and the owners wanted to do something to give back to the community.
About 60 participants in a group workout at ForgeX Athletic Training in Fergus on Feb. 5 raised approximately $3,200 for sarcoma research and treatment at SickKids Hospital.
Photo by Patrick Raftis
“What better way to do it than what we do best. Addy’s story really hit close to home as our children are close in age and we really wanted to try to help out in some way,” she explained.
The gym owners pointed out the event would not have been possible “without the support of the community, our ForgeX family, businesses and people who donated to the raffle, our coaches and most of all our head coach Travis.”
A permanent banner has been placed inside the front door of ForgeX for the Team Addy Foundation and organizers plan to make the workout an annual event “to continue to support the Hill family, in their journey and to ensure that ‘No One Fights Alone.’”
Cam O’Leary climbs the peg board.
A letter to the gym from Addison’s family thanked the gym operators and participants for their support
“Addy told me to keep fighting for the kids at SickKids before she passed away from a nine-month battle from having angiosarcoma,” the letter states.
“And that is exactly what our family will continue to do. Raising awareness for childhood cancer and funds for sarcoma research in support of SickKids is our everyday fight, but it was very evident this morning at ForgeX that no one fights alone.”
The letter continues, “Addy’s spirit, resilience, and strength continues to empower others. Especially seeing how she was able to power through her short cancer journey fighting everyday with hope, grace and humour.
“A huge heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this Sunday morning an extra special one, and to our ForgeX family for letting us know that Team Addy now has a permanent place in their gym to inspire their members to keep going.
“Our family was incredibly touched to also learn that this year’s fundraising event that took place today at ForgeX will be a yearly event.”
The letter concludes, “I struggle to find the right words of how appreciative we are for all of the outpouring kindness and support that our community continues to show us, they are all holding our hearts in their hands.
“Thank you to each and every one of you.”
