A brief setback, a powerful comeback

For more than 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of helping others build strength, confidence, resilience, and community through fitness, wellness, and athletic performance. As a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and accomplished martial arts instructor and 4th-degree black belt, my mission has always been simple: To help people pursue Mastery for Life.

Over the years, I’ve supported people through challenges, celebrated milestones, rebuilt confidence after setbacks, and watched friendships and support systems grow through the communities we’ve created together. Teaching and leading through movement has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

For most of my life, I’ve quite literally relied on my legs to get me where I am — in the gym, in the studio, and in the work I love.

Now, I’m preparing for a new chapter in that journey.

On December 19th, I will be undergoing a total hip replacement. The prognosis is very positive, and I’m fully committed to doing the work it takes to return to full strength and function. I expect to be away from teaching and training for up to a couple of months at most, with a real possibility of returning sooner than that as my recovery progresses.

During recovery, I may receive state disability benefits. Assuming I qualify, that income will only partially cover my regular living expenses and does not fully cover the medical and rehabilitation costs that follow surgery. A close friend helped and encouraged me to create this GoFundMe account to help bridge that temporary gap.

How the Funds Will Be Used

While my insurance will cover a large portion of the surgery, I will still be responsible for the remainder of my out-of-pocket medical costs, post-operative care, medications, and physical therapy. In addition, I will be completely unable to work for several weeks during recovery, resulting in a sudden loss of income while normal living expenses continue.

This fundraising goal of $11,000 reflects a conservative estimate of my remaining medical responsibility (and assumes I am getting state disability benefits), lost income during recovery, and essential living needs while I heal. Any funds raised beyond direct medical costs will go toward continued rehabilitation and basic living expenses as I work to safely return to full strength and independence.

Funds raised will help with:

I am strong, motivated, and truly optimistic about what’s ahead. This GoFundMe isn’t about helplessness — it’s about community, a temporary transition, and returning safely and powerfully to the life and work I love.

If we’ve ever trained together, shared a class, worked toward goals side by side, encouraged one another along the way, or simply had a positive impact on each other in some way, please know how grateful I am for you. And if you’re able to contribute in any amount, it truly makes a meaningful difference.

Thank you for your kindness, your encouragement, and for being part of this journey with me.

With gratitude,

Christian