Deadlifts for Dreams 5
Deadlifts for Dreams has been fundraising for children in Manitoba facing life-threatening illnesses for FIVE YEARS! How the time flies.
This year, Deadlifts for Dreams 5 raised over $57,000 in support of Dream Kids!
Pictured: Dream Kid Spencer trying out a deadlift at the event!
On September 16, we completely SMASHED our fundraising goal! We are so thankful for everyone who was involved in making this event a success: the lifters, the event organizer Dave, our hosts at Training Grounds Gym, our amazing sponsors, and everyone who donated and attended the event. The day was a blast - full of deadlifts, superheroes, face painting, and family fun! This year, Deadlifts was in support of Dream Kid Spencer, a happy-go-lucky kid with the biggest smile.
Spencer is one of the strongest kids we know, because he keeps smiling through some extremely difficult times. What started as a regular trip to the hospital for Spencer turned into a parents worst nightmare - Spencer was diagnosed with cancer. Spencer spent over five weeks in the hospital and received rigorous chemotherapy treatment.
“It really pushed our emotions to the max,” Luke, Spencer’s dad shared. “Before the surgery, we had to face the possibility, however low the probability was, that he might not live. We had to accept the possibility of our son’s death.”
Luckily, Spencer’s body responded well to the chemotherapy and he had surgery to remove his tumour. He then began radiation therapy, which was hard on Spencer’s body. His parents received some encouraging news when CT scans showed no new growths in Spencer. He has continued to grow and flourish even after all he’s been through.
When Spencer first visited The Dream Factory and learned that his Dream would come true, he was so excited. With his love for Disney Music and Mickey Mouse, it was only natural that Spencer’s Dream should be a trip to the most magical place on earth - Disney World!
Pictured: Dream Kids Maiya and Apollo joined us at the event with their families!
Spencer joined us for the fun in St. Malo, Manitoba and got his face painted by Heather’s Pretty Parties. He also talked superhero business with Captain America and Captain Marvel. Amid all the fun, Curtis - the event’s top fundraiser - and his daughter presented Spencer with an incredible Paw Patrol painting! Ethan hugged and kissed the painting when he got hold of it - his face lit up as soon as he saw it.
Deadlifts for Dreams was all about sharing in triumphs. The support and sportsmanship of all the athletes was clearly at the forefront of this event. Lifters beat their personal records and dedicated their lifts to Spencer - as well as several other Dream Kids from Deadlifts for Dreams past! Dream Kids Maiya and Apollo came out and enjoyed the family fun. Kids sat on the tailgate for the Truck Deadlift - which a number of lifters attempted (and succeeded!).
One of the biggest attractions of the day - aside from the deadlifting - was the dunk tank! A number of event organizers and Dream Factory staff were sent for a swim by the Dream Kids who were in attendance! Spencer was apprehensive at first about dunking his friend Dave, but it was too fun to resist!
Pictured: Event Organizer Dave went for a dip in the dunk tank when Spencer sent him for a swim!
Pictured: Spencer and his sister sat on the tailgate for a truck deadlift - to really challenge the lifters!
We are so grateful for everyone who made this day possible. To date, Deadlifts for Dreams has raised over $150,000 over the past five years! This event has brought countless dreams to life for children battling life-threatening illnesses in Manitoba. We can’t wait for Deadlifts to continue to grow and make even more Dreams come true next year!