Nearly 10 years after going into remission from breast cancer, Brenda Derrick lifted 52 pounds over her head 30 times.
Since her mastectomy, Derrick has had challenges with pectoral strength.
Saturday she got the chance to show off her progress at the “Barbells for Boobs: Amazing Grace” fundraiser in Hillsborough.
“I do the best that I can and try to get stronger in other areas,” said Derrick, who was one of 26 event participants.
CrossFit gyms across the country are hosting the event to raise money to provide mammograms for uninsured women.
Five area CrossFit affiliates participated in the Hillsborough event, raising $379. A typical mammogram for an uninsured person costs about $100.
Robin Bodwin, special events coordinator for a CrossFit gym in California, contacted local gym owners in September about participating in Barbells for Boobs, said Chad Edwards, the owner of CrossFit Local in Chapel Hill.
In less than a month, owners found a location and drummed up participants.
The event began last year at a handful of CrossFit gyms in southern California, Edwards said. This year, more than 150 affiliates are participating nationwide.