The 2022 IMA Push-Up Challenge

On Sunday December 4th we’ll be holding our 15th annual Push-Up Challenge. Since its inception In 2008 as an effort to restock the Walpole Food Pantry during the Great Recession The Push-Up Challenge has helped dozens of local families experiencing hardship.

This years Challenge takes on a special meaning as we’re doing our push-ups in support of Mr. Jackson.

As many of you know Andre fell ill in May of 2022 and hasn’t been able to return to the school. What most don’t know is the severity of his illness. Andre contracted a dangerous infection that did not respond well to antibiotics. Were it not for the fast action of some concerned Impact families and the great care he received at Mass General he wouldn’t be here today. The infection spread through his body resulting in numerous surgeries to remove affected areas. He’s healing now but the results of the procedures will take months to heal and will affect his ability to live without assistance.

As you know, Mr. Jackson is as private as he is kind and being the recipient of any help from others is the last place he ever intended to be. We don’t know exactly what the future holds or what the long-term needs will be, we only know for sure that some assistance will make a big difference in the near future.

Andre always poured himself into the Push-Up Challenge. He was always overwhelmed by the amount of effort and kindness he saw from our students. The helpfulness the funds provided were immeasurable. Many people have asked me over the last six months what they could do for Andre. Not having an answer or a way to show our appreciation for all he means to us has been frustrating. If you would like to help, please consider:

• Joining the Push-Up Challenge: Do 10 minutes or a full day of Push-Ups for someone who can’t.

• Sponsor one of our Amazing Students: 1 penny per Push-Up is all it takes.

• Contribute to the IMA Push-Up Challenge GoFundMe.

• Spread the word, he’s made an Impact on a lot of people the last 20 years.

• Write him a note and drop it off at the School. The highlight of his day is hearing how all his friends and students are doing while he’s away.

Thank you for your time and support, and thank you for being part of Impact.

Patrick Lynch