TLDR: I'm participating in the 2026 Unified 5k and fundraising for AdaptX, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that creates access to better health and fitness for individuals with disabilities through education, research, advocacy, and scholarship.

I'll try to be brief here... bare with me. I'm jumping into this fundraiser with only SEVEN days to go to the biggest event of the year for my gym - the Unified 5k. I want to help.

As someone who didn't grow up participating in any kind of sport, I'm now an avid advocate for being active. It's changed my life in ways I never dreamed.

Without being dramatic, I really didn't think that I belonged in fitness spaces of any kind - unless you count a Richard Simmons VHS tape (Sweating to the Oldies, if you must know) in my den. Obese, uncoordinated, and unaccustomed to being included in anything active... it was truly a terrible feeling. No one is at fault here. There were zero barriers to entry for me other than my own headspace and willingness to overcome a fear of failure. 

That is not the case for many people. There are very real obstacles for so many people to just enter a fitness space - something I take for granted. Whether it's financial, proximity, physical, or education of staff in facilities, AdaptX endeavors to make these barriers disappear.

I have seen first hand what can happen when a community fitness space isn't just accessible, but is truly inclusive. It's remarkable. There's nothing like it.

I was talking with Brendan (the owner of my gym and founder of Unified Health and Performance and AdaptX) this morning about the cost of devices like a prosthesis or a Hoyt running chair. As you'd imagine, they're several thousand dollars (chairs can cost over $6k). It's not something I have to think about.

I just have to buy sneakers every so often. How about you?

Would you be willing to help AdaptX further their mission by donating? If so, please consider any amount appreciated and click the link or whatever is here haha.

Every single dollar donated goes to equipment, grants, and education. It doesn't go to fees, overhead, or administration costs. Every dollar to removing barriers. Which is why I can confidently ask for a donation knowing that it will be used judiciously. 

Thanks for reading this far! If you're unable to donate, that's ok. Maybe next year :) If you want to come and support, we'd love that too. Let me know if $$ is a barrier for you and I can possibly provide you with a code through Knight Fuel who also sponsors the race.