Road to Houston

First and foremost, I’d like to say hello, my name is Gage Nicholis De La Cruz, I just turned 20 years old and on my way to compete in my first ever bodybuilding show under the “Transformation” category. Well to fully understand my journey I think I should give a little history of my life that has led me to this point. So, in other words let me reintroduce myself. my entire life, I’ve grown up a big kid, from birth I was nearly 10 lbs. And growing up in a sport loving family as you may have guessed, football was my near future. So, at the rightful age of 5 years old I started my career in football. And if you haven’t guessed it already, yes, I was put on the O-line. And guess what, it worked for me, over the years I grew fitting for my role as an o lineman. I was blessed to play my years with Clovis North youth football program, Clark middle school, Memorial High school and eventually Fresno City College. by the end of my high school football career, I peaked at 6 foot 5 inches and weighed almost 385 lbs. and had earned with hard work a spot on the city county All-star team and was picked for 4 first team all-star rosters in California. I was pumped and excited for college ball. And I was able to continue my career with the Fresno City Rams where I feel I really grew up as a man but, something happened, I was feeling depressed and unhappy with myself. I started to fall out love with football in my head and the feeling was just not there anymore with the sport I grew up playing. It was during this time that I made a huge decision in my life that shocked a lot of people especially my dad. I QUIT FOOTBALL. It was the hardest thing I ever did but, I was mentally checked out and couldn’t see myself playing again. I constantly would fight within myself and put myself into a depression that I didn’t know how to get out of. During this time, I found myself eating my sorrows away, I would lay down all day, and had zero drive to do anything. This cycle was becoming unhealthy for me, and I was spiraling. I knew I had to do something but couldn’t, until one day, I Had had enough. I decided I wanted to change my life, my whole perspective changed, and I wanted to prove the doubters wrong who thought I would just let myself go. So, I began going to the gym and slowly learned a new healthy lifestyle. I have been on a determined course to change my life for the better. I started getting into bodybuilding and like football I have meet some incredible people who have been helping me achieve my goals. To date I have lost 100 lbs. and counting. Which leads me to this point. I am determined to defeat my fears and have done something I never imagined I would do. I entered a competition in Houston Texas called Summer Shredding. This takes place on September 14, 2024. So here is the kicker, I’m currently a college student with a part time job, so that equals limited funds lol. And this is where you can help me. I have set up a go fund me in hopes that I could raise funds to help elevate the cost as much as possible. Going to Houston for the competition is going to be a challenge in itself, and in a perfect world I wouldn’t have to ask for help, but, The cost of airfare tickets, Room, car rental, comp shorts, prep and food is all very costly for me alone. With your help and prayers, I hope to go to the competition and place. I greatly appreciate your time and consideration and I thank you ahead of time for your help. GOD BLESS you.

Psalms 34:4 “ I sought the lord and he answered and delivered me from all my fears.”

-Gage De La Cruz