Zumba for Hunter | Video

Alyssa Marino | 2/18/2013

Members of Gold`s Gym in Bismarck worked out for a good cause over the weekend. They rallied around a four year old who was just diagnosed with Leukemia.

Gold`s Gym in Bismarck was buzzing on Sunday, not just because it`s a popular day to work out, but members were participating in a black light Zumba-thon to raise money for a special cause.

"He`s down there fighting cancer and we`re here fighting the sweat off," said Brienna Schwab.

Schwab was talking about her four year old nephew, Hunter, who was diagnosed with high risk lymphoblastic leukemia last month. "It`s just amazing all these people that come together that don`t even know you to fight for him," Brienna said.

Hunter and his family were forced to pack up everything and move from Beulah to Seattle so Hunter could be treated at Seattle`s Children Hospital.

Brienna says she wishes she could be there. "I wanna be there right beside him, holding his hand."

She and some of the Gold`s Gym team, thought of the Zumba-thon as a way to help from here. "It just warms your heart. Brings a tear to your eye."

Mark Schwab, Hunter`s grandfather, was amazed by the turnout. He also brought Hunter`s little brother, Conner, along to be a part of it.

North Dakota certainly showed it`s caring spirit. "It`s definitely a North Dakota thing. It`s crazy how many people have donated their time, donated their money, sent prayers to us."

"It`s nice to see that people don`t just come here to work out. They come to be a part of something bigger," said Michelle Montoya, a trainer at Gold`s.

Tanner Blair, a Zumba participant said, "People of Gold`s care for each other. We`re a small community."

For those who turned out, Hunter provided extra motivation to keep going. "I`m gonna work a little harder today for Hunter."

The Schwab family is forever grateful. "My family and I are so grateful for everything."

**SPECIAL THANK YOU FROM THE SCHWAB FAMILY***

Aaron Moos (owner of golds gym)
Meghan Grad (golds class director)
Kelly Fry and Jackie Hulm ( Zumba instructors)
Big thanks to CK Auto for matching donations made that day
The entire Gold`s Gym staff who helped out
Aunt JJ, Aunt Darcy, Aunt Vicki and Uncle Ray, and Grandma
Smith Bakke Porsborg Schweigert and Armstrong Law Office
Tina Wagner
Kristen Wentz
Waford Orthodontics
Holly Martin
And everyone else who came and gave their time and money to help Hunter fight this cancer!

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