Competing In My First Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament
Raising funds for cancer research while training my butt off
“Show me someone who has done something worthwhile, and I’ll show you someone who has overcome adversity.” – Lou Holtz
In the coming months, I’ll be competing in my very first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament. However, this is no ordinary event or simply a personal challenge to embark on.
I’m taking part in the Tap Cancer Out BJJ Open in Chicago on Saturday, October 14th and along with my competitors, I'll be fighting for those who are in the fight of their lives.
This experience is personal to me. Last year, after four months of being married and beginning a new chapter of our lives, my wife and I suffered the loss of her mother to a brutal year-long fight with stage four small cell ovarian cancer.
During this grim period, we were confronted with unimaginable hardships. Despite the odds, her mother exemplified courage, dignity, and an inspiring resolve to face every difficult decision head-on. The challenges of training and competing in a tournament pale in comparison to the relentless emotional, physical, and spiritual struggles she courageously faced until her final breath, when she found peace with the Lord.
After months of attempting to get our lives back together and figure out what the “new normal” is, we’ve decided to turn our grief into motivation and this dark period into an opportunity to spread awareness.
With the unwavering support of my wife Julianna, my coaches and friends at Crossover Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy, and my strength trainer and professional nutritionist, I have all the right people around me to get me in the best strength and condition possible to compete my heart out as well as raise the necessary funds for those putting in the work to help cancer victims and their families.
All of this is why I’m raising funds in support of Tap Cancer Out, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and their 2023 cancer-fighting beneficiary organizations.
Tap Cancer Out donated $1,200,000 to these organizations in 2022, which include:
-Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation
-American Brain Tumor Association
-Camp Sunshine
-Cure Cervical Cancer
-First Descents
-Isabella Santos Foundation
-Johns Hopkins Pediatric Oncology
-Pink Ribbon Girls
And their gifts in 2023 will be even bigger!
I would be honored if you'd support my fundraising efforts with a donation. It's secure and 100% tax deductible.
If you'd prefer to pay by check, please mail to:
Tap Cancer Out
PO Box 551
Fort Mill, SC 29715
Please include a note with my name and make the check payable to "Tap Cancer Out."
If you can't make a donation at this point, help me reach my goal by sharing this page on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter! Or, even better, send an e-mail to friends you think might be interested in contributing and include a link to my page!
Thanks so much for your generosity!
-Remso W. Martinez