Life can surprise us. It certainly surprised me in 2016, a lonely new soul to LA, when a warm, confident, beautiful woman confidently approached me at an event. Layne Eiler (pronounced LAY-nee) invited me to Dinosaur Coffee in Silverlake the following week. A few coffee dates later, we became roommates. Just like that, I’d found a new best friend.

Early in our friendship, I watched her fall in love with Jamie Wang. She spoke about how consistent, deeply kind, and loyal he was. She mentioned that he was a personal trainer and how being with him reignited the part of her that always loved wellness. Jamie wants what’s good for all people—it’s just who he is.

Life can amaze us. Layne and Jamie decided to go into business together, opening Vita Cors—an inclusive personal training gym designed for all body types, meeting folks wherever they are in their fitness journey. They believe in pushing back against the toxic side of the fitness industry, fighting to remove barriers to wellness, and supporting those striving to become their healthiest selves.

So they got to work. They built a beautiful fitness community out of their garage, serving hundreds of clients, working from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. six days a week, all while saving up to open their very own gym.

Then finally, they did it.

They opened a stunning personal training gym, welcoming people at all stages of life, using new equipment purchased with their blood, sweat, and many tears. Life is astonishing!

But life can also disappoint us. For all their saving, hard work, and kindness to others, there are some things you just can’t prepare for.

If you are a client or familiar with Layne’s story, you probably know what comes next.

In the spring of 2024, just weeks after finally opening Vita Cors, Layne suddenly started experiencing significant sleep issues that quickly escalated into a much larger battle for her mental and physical health. Unable to continue working due to the profound physical and mental strain, she and Jamie sought inpatient treatment.

I’m willing to bet many of you have struggled with a serious health issue at some point. Perhaps, like Layne, it happened suddenly and unexpectedly. Maybe you’re still battling. You know the cost isn’t just emotional. It isn’t just physical. It’s also financial.

This is where you can help. It’s our turn to help two people who have made a career of investing in others. We are hoping to raise $15,000 to help with Layne’s medical bills. Hospital stays, inpatient treatment, MRIs, outpatient centers, hormone specialists, therapists—these things add up so quickly.

This won’t cover everything, but it will help. It will give them a better chance at keeping the gym open for their clients while continuing to seek treatment and get to the root of Layne’s health issues.

We are asking for donations of $5, $10, $100, $1,000, or whatever amount you feel you can give. Every little bit helps. And if you can, please share this.

Thank you for reading this and for caring about someone you may not even know. Thanks to the generosity of others, life can be incredibly beautiful, even in the midst of pain. Thank you for caring about two of life’s loveliest souls during a very challenging season.

Best,

Madison Chandler