Inaugural workout fundraiser to benefit ALS patients to be sponsored by Buckhannon HealthWorks

News Release
January 4, 2023

BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – Regional functional fitness and CrossFit affiliates will come together on Jan. 28 to support The S.E.T.H. Project, an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) non-profit, with the inaugural ‘I don’t have much quit in me’ workout fundraiser.

“HealthWorks is proud to sponsor The S.E.T.H. Project and specifically, its regional CrossFit event,” stated Jeff Sandy, Center Manager of Buckhannon HealthWorks. “Physical therapy and ALS have a close relationship; as physical therapists, we focus on and celebrate freedom of movement and function independence – all of which are strongly impacted by ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.”

“We believe it is imperative our company and profession support work toward curing this devastating disease,” continued Sandy. “Together, as a community, we can make a meaningful impact and change people’s lives, for the better.”

Members at participating locations will complete one tough workout to honor founder Seth Poling, who is seven years into an ALS diagnosis, and the other 144-plus registered People with ALS (PALS) in West Virginia.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. For Seth, it currently means that he is unable to move any part of his body, other than his eyes. His brain, his thoughts, and his cognitive ability are fully functioning. This means he is literally a prisoner in his own body. Thanks to specialized technology, Seth is able to communicate, drive his wheelchair, and even control the TV using his eyes and a computer.

“It is crunch time for the S.E.T.H. Project, the last week to register for the ‘I don’t have much quit in me’ CrossFit fundraiser,” Poling said.

Locations participating in the fundraiser include:

Buckhannon – Power Alley CrossFit
Bridgeport – CrossFit Sozo
Elkins – 1201 CrossFit
Fairmont – Amaziah CrossFit and CrossFit CTRL
Morgantown – Mountaineer CrossFit, and CrossFit Ridgeline
Parkersburg – Strong Tower Fitness
Scott Depot – Firebreather Fitness
Uniontown, Pennsylvania – CrossFit U-Town

“Thankfully, our top sponsor, HealthWorks Rehabilitation and Fitness in Buckhannon, generously donated to help us promote and provide a fun experience for the participants. I am grateful to have the support of a local business, especially one that means so much to me,” Poling said. “Before my ALS diagnosis, I dreamed of being a physical therapist and serving the Buckhannon community. Although my plans didn’t quite manifest, I am happy serving the community in some fashion. I encourage everyone in the surrounding area to sign up for our CrossFit workout on January 28, 2023. Multiple locations are participating, so the only excuse for not participating is – YOU. Start the New Year with us and help #EndALS.”

In addition to the Buckhannon HealthWorks sponsorship, the event also received monetary support from the West Virginia Chiropractic Center and in-kind support from all participating gyms.

The deadline to register to participate in the fundraiser workout is Jan. 7.

To donate to the fundraiser, visit TheSethProject.org. To participate in the workout, visit a participating location or email info@TheSethProject.org to sign up before Jan. 7. The participation fee is $30 and includes an event T-shirt, stickers, and the chance to win prizes.