Deany Bandavis is an amazing 7 year old in Pickerington, Ohio who is fight DIPG, a rare brain cancer that disrupts the use of his involuntary muscles.
Athletes came out to donate their entry fees and show him their strength for support at the Strongman Summer Sizzler. This was the first event of this kind in Pickerington, Ohio.
Athlete Eric Long, 45, jumped into the contest night before after just months undergoing multiple surgeries to repair parts of his intestines. Long had lost 40 lbs from the experience but jumped in because he wanted to help Deany. He competed in the Open Mens division as well when he could have competed as a Masters.
Amber Klein is new to the strongman sport and jumped at the opportunity to do a contest for fun with her training partner and husband. She was able to snag a top double overhand axle deadlift number that will place her in the top three for the North American Grip Sports American women under 63 kg leaderboard, at 171.82 lbs.
Dusting Kramer, also new to the sport, jumped in to the contest even though his main sport is crossfit. He surprised himself with a win of his Novice division.
The contest rallied 10 athletes and raised $426 for Deany.