In 2019 I was introduced to Chalain at the gym. We were both new to the sport of powerlifting and had no idea what we were doing. This shared interest (and huge level of inexperience) created a bond that quickly grew into an incredibly close friendship outside of the gym. She made this so easy with her wit, warmth and unrelenting positive energy.

Chalain has achieved a lot on the platform since we first met and holds several Master’s state records—“raising the bar” for generations of female powerlifters to come. She is also a talented artist—helping many small business owners create logos for their brands.

Her greatest accomplishment, however, would be the family she and her husband Justin have created together and work hard to support. She and Justin have three wonderful, compassionate children and a small fur child (who often walks around with red lipstick prints on his head from Chalain) named Axl.

No stranger to facing adversity throughout her 46 years so far, Chalain has always managed to adapt with grace, somehow managing to do so while continuing to work hard, love fiercely, and keep people laughing.

Last Thursday, April 13 was no exception, when Chalain found herself hospitalized after experiencing a stroke. After undergoing extensive testing, doctors discovered a mass on her heart that will require major surgery to remove, as it poses a continued risk to trigger another stroke. This has come as a shock to her family and friends. Her memory and retention are heavily impacted but as the days go on, it is clear her personality has remained strong and her ability to show kindness and tap into her endless supply of sass is unscathed.

That being said, the road to recovery will be lengthy, arduous and no doubt costly--this is just the beginning. There are many unknowns about what is to come, but one thing that is certain is the need for intensive, lengthy rehabilitation and, in Chalain’s words: “I have to start over”.

It is a gift when you meet someone with a spirit of this caliber. Chalain’s gigantic capacity to love, her drive and her resilience inspire me and so many others to go forward and do good in the world and to be unapologetically who you are.

Thank you for any support you are able to offer during this difficult time of change and uncertainty. On behalf of the Moceri family and all of Chalain’s loved ones: thank you so much.

--Bethany