Wade’s Army was created to rally against neuroblastoma and give this pediatric cancer a name. Last year, we raised over a hundred fifty thousand dollars in Wade’s name for research and support for families battling the cancer. Wade’s Army offers tax exemptions for individuals and companies that show support. 

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OUR HERO: WADE DEBRUIN

WADE DEBRUIN (2009-2011)

Wade DeBruin was born on September 22, 2009. Weighing a healthy 7.4 pounds, he was the perfect big brother to his twin sister Hadley.  Extraordinary in every way, beautiful, calm and alert.  But all of that changed 19 months later, in May 2011, when Wade was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. Up until then there was absolutely no indication whatsoever that he was sick. He was a magical little boy meeting every milestone and playing right along side his big sister Ella and twin sister. We used to say he had the laugh of a unicorn. It was as magical as he was, lifting up the spirits of everyone who was around him.

What defines Wade is his strength, courage and resilience. Wade endured 7 rounds of high dose chemo, 3 major surgeries, 6 minor surgeries, a multitude of medical procedures and nearly 6 straight months in the hospital. His resolution is what has led us to continue his fight by creating awareness to this terrible cancer, supporting families going through treatment to fight it, and funding the most promising research to one day find a cure for Neuroblastoma.

On November 12, 2011 Wade’s little body could not fight anymore, his little organs were failing and the cancer had taken over. Surrounded by his Mama, Dad, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and lifelong friends, Wade let go in the comfort of his parents arms.(* information taken from here)

For this reason, we acknowledge Wade’s Day on his Heavenly Anniversary celebrating life, our ability to care for ourselves and others.

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This fundraiser has grown significantly each year due to the support from our amazing city & fitness community, and this year we hope to continue that trend on our 3rd annual Wade’s Army Fundraiser!

Participating Gyms (more to come! Gyms, please join us!):

• Claymore Fight & Fitness (Co-Host & 3rd year Participating)
• BCI Sports Performance & Fitness (Host venue)
• Anytime Fitness Huntsville & Hampton Cove (2nd year Participating)
• Titan Powerlifting (2nd Year participating)
• Iron Tribe (2nd Year Participating)

Wades Day Deadlfit Challenge Rules:

• 1 minute to do as many deadlift reps as possible of your own bodyweight
• Scaled version is 50% of your body weight.
• Prizes for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place Male & Female (scaled and non sclaed are all as one) 🎉

Details:

• Where: BCI Sports Performance & Fitness
• When: Nov.9th, 11:30am registration/check-in opens, 12pm challenge begins.
• After event (roughly 2pm): Food and talk!

Each donation of $35 or more receives the 2019 Wade’s Army uniform we will be rocking on November 9th for our Wade’s Day Workout (shirts available till Oct. 1st). This will ALSO give you a ticket to compete on Nov.9th for our DEADLIFT CHALLENGE. You may ALSO just donate $20 on the day of the challenge to enter the challenge.🎉

𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄—> https://www.classy.org/team/248111

𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍–𝐔𝐏 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄—> https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1K8zb4-JFnhxtstYnnbwOlSPhHGmS-tRudqsX8U1_CLw/edit#gid=634347005

It’s called Wade’s Army for a reason. We are a growing support network, a team, standing in solidarity with families stricken by neuroblastoma. We embolden children and parents with the strength they need to carry on the fight. Every penny will help us achieve our gym fundraising goal of $3,000 and a lofty Wade’s Army goal of $225,000!

If you donate at least $35 by October 15th, you can claim your well as your shirt in time for Wade’s Day; and decide right where your money goes:
1. International Neuroblastoma Research Initiative
2. Direct financial support of family battling neuroblastoma.
3. Green Kitchen in Children’s Hospital.
4. Wade’s Army operation costs.