CrossFit event memorializes young cancer victim, raises research funds
BUTLER TWP — A sold-out fitness event held on Saturday raised funds for research in memory of a local boy who died of bone cancer in 2015.
The Ultimate Chipper 2019 saw 120 CrossFit enthusiasts participate in an intense fitness routine known as Wesley's Workout of the Day at CrossFit Recreate on Fairground Hill Road.
Alicia Haller, who owns CrossFit Recreate with her husband, Ryan, said the second annual event also included selling T-shirts listing sponsor names, a raffle, the donation of a portion of the cost for on-site massages from The Green Center of Butler and monetary donations.
All proceeds from the event were donated to CureSearch for Children's Cancer Research in the name of Wesley Zablocki, 11, whose parents, Ted and Nikki, are members of CrossFit Recreate.
Haller said this year's event was double the size of last year's.
“We see a family who lost a child and do lots of fundraising and we thought, 'What could we do to help?'” Haller said.
Tim McCune, a Common Pleas Court judge in Butler and member of CrossFit Recreate, attended on Saturday to support the Zablockis' effort to fund cancer research through CureSearch.
He applauded the Hallers' decision to host the Ultimate Chipper in Wesley's memory for the past two years.
“I think they have worked really hard to put this together and I'm amazed to see members of other CrossFit gyms participating,” McCune said.
Kara Plant of Butler Township has been a member of CrossFit Recreate since its opening in 2017.
She was happy to climb into her workout clothes and sweat for a good cause.
“It's a great community event and supports a worthy cause that, unfortunately, affected two fellow gym members and friends,” Plant said.
