Bench Press for Breast Cancer

About a month ago, we told you that Lee was participating in a Susan G. Komen fundraiser called Benchpress for Breast Cancer.  The event was yesterday morning and it was an amazing success.  In it's first year, the event raised about $2,000; this year, BFBC raised more than $7,000, with contributions still coming in after it ended!  It was a such a unique way to raise money and it was so much fun to watch.  Each participant had two lifts - as explained the me, the first lift should be something that you could do three or four times; the second lift should have been difficult, or perhaps a PR.  Surprisingly, when everyone was done with their lifts and all of the awards and raffles were handed out, they offered a third lift, but you had to go for a PR.
This is a part of Lee's world that I don't pry into, and I don't want to embarrass him, but I was blown away by his strength.  To set the scene, Lee weighs approximately 190 pounds.  His first lift was 365; his second lift was 405.  And then, after that, he came back about ten minutes later and successfully lifted 410 pounds, more than twice his body weight.  He had the third highest bench of the day, but the guys that lifted more were easily 100 pounds heavier and a foot taller.  It was impressive.
In addition to his lifts, Lee did a great job raising money - through our blog and Facebook posts, he raised over $500, almost every donation coming in $20-$25 increments and many from people he hasn't seen in years.  Great job Lee!!!  We are very proud of you!  More photos here.

The event was held at The Refuge. 

An example of some of the stuff they lift there. 

   

Letting the girls handle some weights. 

A budding weight lifter? 

My new favorite picture of my man. 

His wrist wraps. 

The girls, watching with Grammy and Grampy.

Getting ready for his first lift - his true, genuine smile is how I know that he's in his element. 

Making 365 pounds look easy. 

The event organizer, Brian LaPila - this picture does not do justice for how huge he is. 

Lee makes 405 look easy too.

Yeah! 

Getting ready for the third lift. 

Mentally preparing... 

Pushing up 410.  I know that it doesn't look like he's going to make it here, but he did - I don't have a picture of the completed bench because I was too nervous - not that he would get hurt (there were three spotters for every lift) but that he wouldn't make it.  He did.  Again, it's pretty difficult to lift a PR, after putting up only a few pounds less a few minutes earlier!! 

Happy to be done.