Liz Freel Mentorship Program
Donation protected
SO, WHAT’S THE GOAL? WE AIM TO RAISE $50,000 TO START THE LIZ FREEL MENTORSHIP PROGRAM. YOUR DONATIONS WILL BE USED TO PAY FOR TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT FOR ASPIRING AT RISK YOUTH AND WOMEN IN NEED. CHECK US OUT @ www.pullyourheartout.com TO READ MORE ABOUT LIZ AND LEARN WHY WE DECIDED TO DEADLIFT FOR CHANGE.
OUR DEADLIFT EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE FEBRUARY 16, 2019 AT CROSSFIT KALI IN DENVER, CO. HOWEVER, WE HAVE HAD REQUESTS TO DONATE FUNDS ONLY, SO WE HAVE SET THIS UP TO HELP. ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO THROUGH OUR PARTNERSHIP NONPROFIT CORNERSTONE 253.
BELOW IS MY STORY AND WHY WE STARTED THE PROGRAM. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP. WE APPRECIATE ALL OF YOU!
The Iron Saved Me - by Christina Leonatti
On November 17, 2018, I had the opportunity to compete in the Old Dogs masters only IPL full powerlifting meet in Irvine, California. The experience was nothing short of spectacular and further proved my love for this sport. My coach, Susan Salazar, perfectly prepared me for this journey and I took the platform in my best form to date. I not only achieved my personal goals, but more importantly, I lifted beside truly amazing and strong women and watched world records smashed.
But perhaps the most inspiring moment was watching Liz Freel take the platform. Diagnosed with liver cancer 4 years ago and given 6 months to live, Liz refuses to buy into that hype. She not only continues to lift and train, she dominates the platform. Knowing the dedication and commitment it takes to train for a meet when you actually feel good, I was astonished by her work ethic, drive, beauty and grace. I never once heard her complain, in fact, she was just the opposite. She encouraged us and complimented us on OUR lifts.
When I returned home to Denver, Colorado, I realized how deeply moving this experience had been. I began thinking about all of the strong women across this nation and all of the amazing stories that lie behind the iron. Lifting, to many of us, is our grounding. It saves us from depression, anger, complacency and even disease. The iron is a reason to live and a reason to keep going.
I started powerlifting during a dark period in my life. I wasn’t sure why I needed it so bad, or what I was trying to prove. But ultimately, it didn’t matter. Lifting gave me hope and eased my suicidal thoughts. It became my therapy.
It was then that I realized that I needed to do something and perhaps lead others like me to this sport. My mind often goes to a place of ‘what ifs” and “what could’ve been”...What if I had discovered this sooner? Could it have saved me mental anguish and suffering? Who else is out there struggling to find a way, an answer, a reason to keep going?
This brings me to February 16, 2019. I challenge you to pull your heart out. Deadlift for change. Your donations will go toward purchasing gym memberships and personal training to at risk female youth and women who are less fortunate and struggling to make ends meet. I truly believe that when you build a strong body, a strong mind will follow. As Rosie the Riveter reminds us, WE CAN DO IT.
OUR DEADLIFT EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE FEBRUARY 16, 2019 AT CROSSFIT KALI IN DENVER, CO. HOWEVER, WE HAVE HAD REQUESTS TO DONATE FUNDS ONLY, SO WE HAVE SET THIS UP TO HELP. ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO THROUGH OUR PARTNERSHIP NONPROFIT CORNERSTONE 253.
BELOW IS MY STORY AND WHY WE STARTED THE PROGRAM. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP. WE APPRECIATE ALL OF YOU!
The Iron Saved Me - by Christina Leonatti
On November 17, 2018, I had the opportunity to compete in the Old Dogs masters only IPL full powerlifting meet in Irvine, California. The experience was nothing short of spectacular and further proved my love for this sport. My coach, Susan Salazar, perfectly prepared me for this journey and I took the platform in my best form to date. I not only achieved my personal goals, but more importantly, I lifted beside truly amazing and strong women and watched world records smashed.
But perhaps the most inspiring moment was watching Liz Freel take the platform. Diagnosed with liver cancer 4 years ago and given 6 months to live, Liz refuses to buy into that hype. She not only continues to lift and train, she dominates the platform. Knowing the dedication and commitment it takes to train for a meet when you actually feel good, I was astonished by her work ethic, drive, beauty and grace. I never once heard her complain, in fact, she was just the opposite. She encouraged us and complimented us on OUR lifts.
When I returned home to Denver, Colorado, I realized how deeply moving this experience had been. I began thinking about all of the strong women across this nation and all of the amazing stories that lie behind the iron. Lifting, to many of us, is our grounding. It saves us from depression, anger, complacency and even disease. The iron is a reason to live and a reason to keep going.
I started powerlifting during a dark period in my life. I wasn’t sure why I needed it so bad, or what I was trying to prove. But ultimately, it didn’t matter. Lifting gave me hope and eased my suicidal thoughts. It became my therapy.
It was then that I realized that I needed to do something and perhaps lead others like me to this sport. My mind often goes to a place of ‘what ifs” and “what could’ve been”...What if I had discovered this sooner? Could it have saved me mental anguish and suffering? Who else is out there struggling to find a way, an answer, a reason to keep going?
This brings me to February 16, 2019. I challenge you to pull your heart out. Deadlift for change. Your donations will go toward purchasing gym memberships and personal training to at risk female youth and women who are less fortunate and struggling to make ends meet. I truly believe that when you build a strong body, a strong mind will follow. As Rosie the Riveter reminds us, WE CAN DO IT.
Organizer
Christina Leonatti
Organizer
Denver, CO