Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

On June 16, the Blitz Fitness karate students and their instructors held their annual kick-a-thon at the Martha’s Vineyard Boys’ and Girls’ Club. Every year the students attempt to outdo their previous record of kicks, typically numbering in the thousands.

This year, Blitz Fitness chose to have most of the proceeds donated to the Maddison Barbera Family Fund. Students between the ages of five and 17 were asked to go out and find sponsors and donations to benefit the fund, which they did so amazingly well, some of the young students raising hundreds of dollars. For those who don’t know, Maddie is a precocious 15-month-old who, because of a congenital disorder will have to endure corrective hip surgeries to help her walk as well as rigorous physical and occupational therapies to increase her range of motion. Those who know Maddie are constantly amazed at her determination!

We are writing to thank Blitz Fitness, Catie Fuller and her fantastic students for their incredible efforts, especially at the Kick-A-Thon where over 3,000 kicks were thrown in less than two hours.

Through You’ve Got a Friend, a nonprofit, the money raised will greatly benefit the Maddie fund and the family and we thank all those who donated.

Maddison Barbera Family
Vineyard Haven