“Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.” -Martin Luther King Jr.
When someone like Chris Swanson decides to raise $100,000 for a family in need, there’s no telling what kind of creative ideas will soon follow. The Life on Life Initiative has developed into a worldwide mission to help people from all walks of life gain functional freedom. From something as simple as buying the lunch of the person behind you in the fast-food lane to something as noble as teaching a fellow human being how to read, the impact of the Life on Life Initiative has already created a ripple effect that reaches far beyond what we can imagine. While most of the Life on Life events so far have been conducted by small groups of Life Leadership Members around the world, All Grace Outreach (AGO) Spokesman Chris Swanson decided to take on a project unlike any that has been accomplished up to this point. Read on to hear the full story through the words of Life Leadership Member, Alexis Lukonen; and to find out how you can help make a difference in this family’s life.
The Pennsylvania Project
Myron and Deb Kile’s story is the kind of story that you see in movies and distant Facebook articles, but rarely find in your own home town. Well, at least most of us don’t look hard enough to see the sacrifice, selflessness and undeniable love that many people around us humbly provide in the privacy of their homes. I would love to give you a peek into this couple’s world.
You see, Deb was used to leading a life that was beyond normal from a very young age. When she was 10, she fought her first battle with cancer. Thinking that she only had a horrible stomach ache, her mother, Carol, finally took her to the doctor. That day was the beginning of months of struggle, and a new-found ‘normal,’ as she and her mother worked hard to regain Deb’s health. Life did go on, however, and many years later, Deb met a wonderful man named Myron! Right amidst their falling-in-love story, however, Deb found out that she had breast cancer. Instead of running away, Myron asked Deb to marry him. A couple short weeks after their wedding, Deb had a horrible surgery to remove both of her breasts. Myron was her caretaker and best friend through the whole process—she often still gets a mist in her eyes when talking about his patience and unconditional love at that time in their journey. For a little while, life seemed to be as close to ‘bliss’ as she’d known so far—even though she did struggle with several other significant health issues throughout the years. They even started building their dream home and were making a lot of progress! The walls were up, the rooms were laid out and the roof was on; but that is where the project came to a halt.
Deb’s healthy, beautiful mother in her 50’s found out that she had ALS. Over the next few months Carol went from a cane…to a walker…to a wheelchair. Her condition was rapidly declining, and that’s when Myron and Deb decided to move her into their home and become her full-time caregivers. Although they both kept their traditional jobs, there was only enough to pay the bills and afford to give Carol the best organic foods and care. Over the past ten years, their dream home has sat with the roof on, the windows in, and the walls as lonely studs.
The tears roll down my cheeks as I write this. Deb was my nanny when I was young and now is my most cherished friend. I watched Myron and Deb’s dedication, pain, and joy throughout my whole life. I have never seen them lose their faith in God or even once ask for handouts or pity. That is why in October of 2015, I am calling our community of Life Leadership Members, local churches, businesses and anyone who will, to help me reignite their dream by finishing their home! Not only will this be a dream come true, but it will help in a massive way to make Carol’s life much easier and more enjoyable.
Carol is now completely immobile and has lost her ability to talk and even move her arms, hands, and legs; but her mind is still there. And for anyone that knows her, so is her humor! 🙂 She has not given up on a miracle, and though we cannot provide just that, we can give her the ability to have a better life. A life where she can have the space to join Myron and Deb at the dinner table and have the equipment to take a real shower and move her chair around without banging into walls…Where she can roll out on the deck and watch the fun in the pool, and enjoy her life to the fullest possible.
This project is significant—and we need a lot of financial support—but it is also possible and the right thing to do! To make it even more special, we have decided to keep this as a surprise for Deb and Carol. I did need Myron’s input for several of the details for the house, and it was when I sat down with him that I was moved even more as I experienced his attitude of gratitude. After I told him what our vision was, his first words were, ‘wait, why us?’. This left me speechless. This family is more deserving of a blessing than anyone I know of! Please help us as we speak Christ to this family, without even our words!”
First-Ever Life on Life Push-up Contest Fundraiser
At first, Chris Swanson’s vision of raising $100,000 in 48 hours may have come across as a little daunting; but when he uncovered his plan for the Life on Life Push-up Contest at Life Leadership’s Fall Leadership Convention in October 2015, the reaction was awe-inspiring. Thousands of Life Leadership Members from all age groups, backgrounds and walks of life voiced their support for this incredible project.
The challenge will take place at all three event locations over Life Leadership’s New Year’s Summit weekend (Jan. 22-24, 2016). Each participant is encouraged to print off a Pledge Form from the Life Leadership website; and throughout the months leading up to the contest, donors will have the opportunity to pledge a certain amount of money for each push-up completed by the participant.
One-Time Donations
As is also normal with this kind of heartwarming project, many prospective contributors may prefer to simply make a one-time donation. If this is the case, all donations are tax-deductible and may be submitted in one of three ways:
- If the donor wants to donate with either a Credit or Debit Card, or through ACH from their bank account, they may do so at www.youcaring.com/PA-Project.
- If the donor prefers to donate with a Check or a Money Order, they may write it out to AGO (All Grace Outreach) and write “PA Project” in the Memo area. Checks and Money Orders should then be mailed to:
- All Grace Outreach, 200 Commonwealth Court, Cary, NC 27511
- If the donor wishes to give cash, the participant may then send the money using either of the first two methods. They may also elect to send the money directly to Life Leadership from their bank account by utilizing the “ACH Payments” tab under “My Account” on the Life Leadership website. If using this method, “PA Project” needs to be indicated in the Invoice area.
Push-Up Contest Participants
As the title suggests, this upcoming Push-up Contest is just that–a contest! Not only will everyone be able to contribute and make a difference through the Pennsylvania Project, but there will also be prizes for the winners of three different components of the contest itself–with a grand prize of an all-expense-paid mission trip with Chris Swanson to the beautiful South American country of Chile.
Following are some of the rules to guide you as you prepare to do your best and make a difference with this challenge. Note that there will be a follow-up blog post and an email blast sent out to make everyone aware of when the website page mentioned is live.
- To raise funds for the Pennsylvania Project, login to lifeleadership.com, click on the “My Forms” tab, and print off the Life on Life Push-up Contest Pledge Form. Each donor has the option to decide how much money they want to pledge per push-up, and then each participant will go back after the event is over to collect the donations based on how many push-ups they successfully completed. All donations are tax-deductible and may be submitted in one of three ways:
- If the donor wants to donate with either a Credit or Debit Card, or through ACH from their bank account, they may do so at www.youcaring.com/PA-Project.
- If the donor prefers to donate with a Check or a Money Order, they may write it out to AGO (All Grace Outreach) and write “PA Project” in the Memo area. Checks and Money Orders should then be mailed to:
- All Grace Outreach, 200 Commonwealth Court, Cary, NC 27511.
- If the donor fulfills their pledge in cash, the participant may then send the money using either of the first two methods. They may also elect to send the money directly to Life Leadership from their bank account by utilizing the “ACH Payments” tab under “My Account” on the Life Leadership website. If using this method, “PA Project” needs to be indicated in the Invoice area.
- Each participant will be required to pre-register as a contestant for the Push-up Contest–noting the location that they’ll be attending, the amount of pledges raised, and their gender–on the Life Leadership website by Friday, January 22nd, 2016, at 12pm EST.
- The Push-up Contest will be conducted throughout the weekend of the convention in pre-determined areas. Each CAB Coordinator team will have a designated time to assemble and complete their push-ups.
- At the event check-in, each participant will hand in a copy of their Pledge Form and will be required to sign a liability statement before beginning.
- Only Life Leadership Members that are present at the convention are eligible to win the all-expense-paid trip or any of the prizes; but if anyone wants to participate in the Push-up Contest from home to support the Life on Life Pennsylvania Project, they are more than welcome to do so.
- Each of the following three components of the Push-up Contest will constitute one third of the final score:
- Total number of Push-ups completed consecutively in cadence by the participant.
- Total Pledges raised before Friday, January 22nd, 2016, at 12pm EST.
- Average amount of Money pledged per Push-up.
- There will be both a male and female winner in each category, and the male and female that rank the highest overall will win a place on the all-expense-paid mission trip to Chile with Chris Swanson. The mission trip will take place from June 4-11, 2016. Because of a limited number of spots on the mission trip, only the male and female individuals who win the contest will be able to go.
- The winners from each category and the winners of the all-expense-paid trip will be announced Saturday night after everything has been tallied up.
*All participants that are seriously competing for the all-expense-paid mission trip should have a passport or be in the process of applying for one by the New Year’s Summit weekend.
Once the New Year’s Summit weekend has concluded, all participants are encouraged to send the collected pledges in, using one of the three methods mentioned earlier, by January 31st, 2016. The Pennsylvania Project will be coordinated to take place while the couple is away for a week in April 2016. If interested in volunteering your time and skills to help with this project, please be sure to send an email to newhavenproject2015@gmail.com. Life Leadership is looking forward to hosting this first-ever Life on Life Push-up Contest, but the true success of this Life on Life Event will be determined by those who decide to join together and do their part in making it a reality. Whether you can raise $1 or $10,000, you can make a difference in this family’s life–so get out there and start practicing your push-ups! 🙂
Sharon Lalor says
I am in for the challenge. I believe this is going to be great.
Emily Yantzi says
Colin and I are both planning to participate!
Lloyd Weiler says
I’m in!! Been working out a plan to be a serious contender!??
Curtis Spolar says
Let’s do this!
Robby Palmer says
I’m in! What a great cause! I love this!
Joanne Brandtjen says
This is such an amazing endeavor! What better way to help a family in need AND better your health! I’ve been doing my pushups every day! Can’t wait for the contest!
Elizabeth Sieracki says
I missed the video of Deb telling their story at LC. I had already decided and have started training for the push up contest. Hearing her story today has made me even more excited to get out there and seek pledges. Thank you to all those already coordinating this amazing project.
Sean Faber says
This is exciting! Can’t wait to get the whole family involved!
Jeff walker says
Nothing will stop us! Let’s continue the fight and get that victory that they well deserve!!!
Sherice Kral says
We will definitely need some clarification on what “consecutively” means. In the Army we can sag in the middle or bend our back to rest but if our feet or hands come off the ground, we’re terminated. Do we get terminated in this if we stop? If we rest other than I just described? Can we just knock them out or are we going in cadence? We need to know the details ASAP so we can start seriously training for this. Please and thank you!!!!!
Hilary Dorr says
Sherice – try the forums to see if there are any details there.
Zach Frey says
Hi Sherice!
The push-ups will be done in cadence. Consecutively, in this case, means without stopping. Thanks for the questions!
Chris Marsh says
I’m in. Will be in Louisville for this one. Just post the forms and Im doing it.. Fired Up!
Zach Frey says
Hi Chris!
The Pledge Form is on the website. If you go to My Forms and look under Product Information and Sales Aids, you will find it as Number 2.
Thanks!
Blaine Terrill says
I’m in! What a great way to serve!
Eric says
Started my training.
Ashley Rasmussen says
Such a creative idea! What’s more fun than a little competition and serving a higher purpose at the same time?! Game on!
Lindsay McKean says
As soon as we heard this and seen Chris Swanson , Mark & Jenn Paul rocking out push ups on stage, we knew we would be doing our part in raising funds for this family!! It’s truly inspiring to us especially as we have both our fathers at home with us taking care of them , retiring my dad out of the nursing home last August was such an incredible moment for our family, there are daily challenges we face, so I can relate and understand the commitment level and dedication that this family has in their hearts!!! This will be the 1st of many inspirational stories and projects that Life Leadership conquers and we are thrilled and excited and ‘”in training” to do our part in making this happen!!
#lovelifeleadeship
Darla Dodds says
My daughter and I are planning on being in the competition. We are holding each other accountable as we train. We believe this is a wonderful cause!
Adam M Rossman says
Raising $100,000 in 48 hours! Helping a family in need! Two people get to go on a mission trip with Chris Swanson!
AWESOME idea!!
Jason Tingley says
I am in for the challenge!
Jeremy Pethke says
Already training for the competition! Loving the results too!
Margie dieyz says
I’m SO in!
Paul Letby says
I’m in too!
Brandon Perry says
Looking forward to doing my few!
Aaron Simon says
Just a few? Cmon!
Brandon Perry says
I only have to do a few more than you ?
Aaron Simon says
That’s what I love about you Brandon! You’re such a big dreamer!
John Stinson says
Oh I’m all in!
Mark Popejoy says
This is amazing! When I heard this from the stage, I knew I had a new purpose. 1. to help our Life on Life brothers and sisters to make this happen for this family, and 2. to go on an actual mission with Swanson! I’m on fire!. Ever since the first time I heard Chris speak, I knew it was in my destiny to get to the point where I could go on an actual mission with Chris. This is the 1st opportunity of I’m sure many to do just that! Let’s Do This! Training has already begun for Operation Pennsylvania!
Jennie Dibala says
What a wonderful cause! I am excited to participate!
Doug Heyne says
How can i not be in, you have my picture with chris swanson in the blog!?!?! lol, like i would miss this anyway. i am not only in, but i am full on planning on going to Chile!!! Fearless!!!! #lovelifeleadership
Kristen Seidl says
I remember taking that picture Doug! 🙂 What a great day of serving, and you definitely gave Chris a good run with those push-ups!
Winston Likert says
Way to go Chris, what an Awesome idea and an even more Awesome cause. I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of Life Leadership and truly making a difference. As part of team Fearless and watching Chris, Mark and Jenn in Chattanoga, I am all in for this challenge!!
Jr. Keim says
Such an act of love! Thx Chris for putting this together! And yes I’m up for the challenge!
Amy Koerkenmeier says
Sounds like fun to me! Getting the Fitness F right and raising money for a great cause! My family and friends are laughing.. I will be able to do some pushups by January!! Just watch!
Chris Brady says
This is such a creative way to raise money for a great cause!
Helping Others!
Having Fun!
Working Together!
I LOVE Life Leadership and this great community of caring people!
So proud!
CB
Owen Derry says
I’m in!!!
Brad Miller says
I am in. What a great idea to come together to help a family with a big heart and the true word of Family. My kids have been holding me accountable to train for the push ups by doing push ups with me. I love this cause. Way to go Life on Life.
Eric Landry says
The challenge is started! I’m in!!!
Fired up.
LP Theriault says
Im in, I’ll go for 125 push ups !
Karleen Conover says
Yes!! What a great idea – I love it! Pecs are already beefin’ up… I might look like Chris S. before this is all over. 🙂
Lynn Brown says
I think this idea is fantastic and I want to thank you for giving me a goal. I’ve been training for this and i’m 58 years old – so happy to be back to the gym with a purpose! Even happier that it’s going to help a well-deserving family. God is so good.
Anna Nismiya says
This is really a news to find the fittest person…..
I would like to submit here the best videos for all the beginners on how to work on push-ups.Guys goahead and watch this out and then go for push ups contest
Yer Yang says
I’m in for this challenge!!
Tammy Pellerin says
I’m always up for a Challenge, especially when it’s for a great cause!!! Got me training seriously again, Thank you!
Judy DeShon says
I’ll do my part to contribute. I can probably eek out a few more push-ups if you can see about Peter Furler’s “I’m Alive” blaring in the background. 🙂