This December 5–6, I will finally step on stage at the NPC Mid-American Winter Classic in Illinois. This will be my very first bodybuilding competition.

This has been a dream years in the making. I’ve prepared for the stage twice before, but both times my journey was cut short by personal and health crises, including a life-threatening heart attack that changed everything. That experience reminded me of the fragility of life, but it also ignited in me a deeper determination to live with passion, resilience, and purpose.

Since then, I have poured my heart and soul into rebuilding my health and chasing this goal. Every day has been about discipline, hard work, and faith. Bodybuilding has given me not only physical strength but also spiritual strength. I know that stepping on stage isn’t just about competing, it’s about proving to myself, and hopefully inspiring others, that we can rise from even the most brutal battles and make our dreams a reality.

For those who know the sport, it is clear that bodybuilding is an incredibly expensive journey. Beyond the countless hours in the gym, the road to competition is filled with costs—specialized food, coaching, doctors, body specialists, and supplements. Additionally, competing at the show itself requires covering airfare, hotel, car rental, hair, makeup, posing suits, and all the other details that make stepping on stage possible.

I would not have made it this far without the love, encouragement, and support of my family, friends, and community. I am so grateful for every message, every prayer, and every bit of kindness shown along the way.

If you feel called to support me on this journey, please know that any donation, big or small, is greatly appreciated and means the world to me. Every contribution helps bring me one step closer to the stage and one step closer to fulfilling a lifelong dream.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me, for standing by me, and for helping me make this moment possible. I can’t wait to make you all proud when I walk across that stage in December.

With gratitude,

MaryAlyce