Sign In / Register
A year after completing treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma, Silverdale’s Jacob Alejo is turning his experience with cancer into a chance to support others facing the disease.
On October 17, Jacob will host Into the Storm – CHAD1000X Fundraiser at H1 CrossFit Silverdale, raising money for Blood Cancer NZ.
His own cancer journey began in 2024, when he noticed a lump in his neck.
“Like a lot of people, I thought it would just go away,” he says.
With his wife Grace pregnant with their first child, other priorities took over and Jacob put off having the lump checked. When it worsened, he sought medical advice and, after a series of tests, was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.
“At 28 years old, expecting your first kid, you don’t expect to hear the words that you have cancer.”
Jacob started chemotherapy on August 7, 2025. His son, Brooks, was born nine days later, and five days after becoming a father Jacob was back in hospital for his next treatment.
After three rounds of treatment, he was told he was in remission.
Jacob says the experience gave him an understanding of the physical, emotional and financial pressure cancer can place on families, and made him want to give something back.
“While I would never wish the experience on anyone, it completely changed my perspective on life,” he says.
“It taught me not to take a single day for granted and gave me a deep gratitude for every morning I wake up healthy, every moment with my wife and son, and every opportunity I have to support others facing similar challenges.”
Into the Storm grew from that experience.
Participants will take on the CHAD1000X Hero Workout, which involves up to 1000 box step-ups. The challenge can be completed with or without weights, individually or in a team, with a 500-step option available.
Jacob says the emphasis is on participation rather than fitness level.
The day will also include food, coffee, local businesses, a raffle and silent auction, with a fundraising target of $5000.
Jacob hopes the event will raise awareness of blood cancer as well as money.
“We want it to be a day where the community can come together, support those going through treatment, remember those we’ve lost and celebrate those who have come through the other side.”
Local businesses and organisations supporting the event include LSKD, Ground Control Cafe and Blood Cancer NZ.
More: https://lbc-community-fundraising.raiselysite.com/jake-alejo
