Crossfit competition raises hope for Eli
IMPERIAL — A gym with a big heart organized a 5K run and crossfit training competition to support surgery for the son of members who need to travel to Los Angeles for a life-transforming event.
Crossfit Imperial Valley initiated the “Eli’s Heroes” 5K to help fund travel and accommodations for Israel and Lizett Samaniego, whose son Eli, 2, will have kidney transplant surgery at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in June. At 18 weeks pregnant, Lizett was informed Eli had end stage renal failure … two weeks later fetal surgery placed a stent in Eli to drain his bladder that saved his life.
Even after a successful birth, Eli was immediately put on dialysis and undergoes the daily procedure on a machine at home each evening. The good news is Lizett is not only a compatible donor but because she is a relative, surgery has a better probability than the typical 30 percent chance doctors told her was typical.
“We never had a moment’s doubt it was the right decision especially when we see him run and play,” said Lizett. “It’s really hard to focus on the negative, we concentrate on the positive and should the negative emerge we’ll tackle it when it comes.”
Israel and Lizett have insurance but that will not cover their journey to UCLA. Lizett will be released from the hospital in 24 hours but Eli must remain for two weeks. Once he recovers, he will still require anti-rejection medication and afterwards is just a matter of maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise for son and mother to thrive.
The seed of the benefit germinated even before Eli came into the world, remarked Mallee Sato, Crossfit Imperial Valley owner. There were 75 competitors in the 5K. The crossfit competition was the largest part of the day with 30 teams of two. There were four events with medals going to male and female divisions in advanced, intermediate and beginner categories.
“Before the baby was born we (Cortney Eyer, co-organizer) had it in the back of our minds to do the benefit, so when we heard surgery was coming up we organized the run and crossfit competition,” said Sato. “We worked really hard to put this event out there and make it as professional as possible.”
Finishing in first place of the men’s 5K was Randy B. Ramirez with a time of 22 minutes, 33 seconds. Ramirez resides in Winterhaven and just googled the event two days ago.
“It’s great to support a good cause especially when the community comes together,” said Ramirez. “It’s very nice of Crossfit to host the event and provide all the food and drinks for the competitors.”
Taking first in the women’s competition was Arcy Selk finishing with a time of 24 minutes and 43 seconds. She felt compelled to race for the chronically ill ever since her mother-in-law succumbed to cancer.
“I don’t know Israel or Lizett but I always support events for cancer or children,” said Selk. “I’m very proud of all the people here today supporting the cause.”
Although Israel and Lizett did not compete they did assist with judging the competition. “It’s just so nice to feel all the love and realize all the work everyone put in today,” said Lizett. “We give a big thank you to everyone who supported the event.”