CrossFit MindFire's first Barbells for Boobs a success

Andrea Plubell, a member of CrossFit MindFire in Sewickley, was struck by a startling statistic: One in eight women are affected by breast cancer.

This is a statistic that stuck with her after participating in a Barbells for Boobs event a few years ago, and it led her to reach out to CrossFit MindFire owners this fall to ask permission to host a fundraiser at their location.

Her goal was to bring the greater community together in October to raise money for those going through — and survivors of — breast cancer.

Not only did MindFire participate, but 70 people joined in to complete the signature workout, “Grace,” along with other fun challenges Oct. 23.

They raised more than $12,000 through donations.

“We even had kids get in on the fun by doing burpees and seeing who could hang from the pullup bar the longest,” Plubell said.

All proceeds benefited Barbells for Boobs, a charity founded by long-time CrossFit athlete Zionna Hanson in 2009 that provides support and education to incorporate physical activity for breast cancer risk reduction, treatment and survivorship.

In the last 12 years, the CrossFit community has raised more than $20 million for the nonprofit, mostly through hosting competition fundraisers featuring the classic CrossFit workout Grace — 30 clean and jerks for time.

The silent auction and bake sale raised more than $1,500 the day of the event.

After this year’s success, CrossFit MindFire intends to make Global Grace an annual event at the gym, the ultimate goal being to raise more and more money each year for the disease that affects so many.

“And now that we have one under our belt, I know we can make more next year,” Plubell said.

Donations to CrossFit MindFire’s Barbells for Boobs fundraiser can be made until the end of 2021 — as they continue to compete for the Pennsylvania “State Championship” title and hope to be Rookie Event of the Year.

They can be made online at campaign.forboobs.org/team/383474.