WESTBROOK, Maine — Some 70 contestants are preparing to participate in a deadlifting competition at Iron Legion Strength Co. on Saturday, where they will deadlift hundreds of pounds to raise money for Make-A-Wish Maine.
Scott Baumann, the owner of Iron Legion Strength Co. said this is the gym's sixth annual Operation Change event. The contestants raise money through sponsorships and donations, pitching in to help dreams become reality for children who are battling childhood cancer and other terminal illnesses.
"It's emotional for all of us," Baumann said. "I usually announce the event in the beginning, and I don't even get through it without getting choked up because of the families and all the stories behind the competitors."
Baumann said the people who participate in competition aren't athletes or professional weightlifters, they're just people who are finding ways to give love and support to families who are fighting through the toughest battles.
"It's equally powerful to me to watch our clients come out here and overcome personal obstacles that we all know about in preparation for this event," Baumann said.
One of this year's contestants, John Wipfler, said when he took a hard hit mentally and emotionally last year, he began working out at Iron Legion Strength Co., later deciding to compete in the fundraiser.
"Folks here are kind of oriented to help and be kind, and that's one of the reasons I came back to lifting," Wipfler said. "I was in a tough situation myself personally, and it helped me. Now it's a way to give back to the community."
Wipfler said it especially feels good to support children and families who are fighting to overcome cancer and illnesses that are often terminal.
"Giving in any kind of way is useful and important, but giving them a break, for these kids, to grant a wish for them, whether it's a trip for them or something else, creates such a nice break in the long stress that they're all living through, with whatever the illness or challenge is," Wipfler said. "Just having those moments of joy, even in the midst of all their difficulties, is worth everything we're doing."
Strength and conditioning coach Kaleigh Leighton said she remembers when Henry, a child battling cancer and whose wish was funded through the competition, kicked off the event two years ago by completing a deadlift.
"It's not something that kids should have to fight, and seeing that courage and that drive in him to do that was absolutely amazing," Leighton said.
Leighton is just weeks, maybe even days away from having a child of her own. Over the years of participating and planning the fundraising competition, she said she has learned one lesson she hopes to pass on to her daughter one day.
"I really hope that I'm able to teach her how important community is," she said. "And how it's important to have a community to support you when you need it. how it's important to be there for the community when they need you."
Baumann said contestants have already raised $66,000. This year's goal is to raise $75,000.
The competition starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2. Anyone who wishes to support can purchase tickets at the door.