The first OXC Classic was May 2015, and I missed it because I had my daughter’s bat mitzvah.

I really wanted to be a part of all of the action and I knew that I would definitely do it the following year.

I am happy to say that I am about to participate in my third annual OXC Classic on Sunday, May 27, at Camp Kaylie in Wurtsboro, New York. I have been doing it with one of my boys since he was 9 years old. It has been one of the most exciting and challenging experiences ever!

I first got involved with OHEL Children’s and Family Services as a volunteer with the Long Island Families for OHEL in 2007.

The Long Island community has had a deep history of supporting OHEL. I have personally witnessed the incredible work that OHEL has done in our community and have seen so many people whose lives have been elevated as a result of this wonderful organization with a dedicated staff of more than 1200.

In 2009, I took advantage of an amazing opportunity to run in the NYC Marathon on behalf of OHEL. Thus, the concept of Team OHEL was created. I worked very hard to train for the marathon and to achieve my goal of completing the race in under four hours. As I continued to get more involved with OHEL, I joined the board of Camp Kaylie at OHEL, when a fully inclusive camp was just a revolutionary concept. To be a part of a team that took a ground-breaking idea and help transform it into a successful and thriving reality has been both amazing and inspiring. Today, Camp Kaylie is sold out for the following year— a month or two after camp ends!

The OXC Classic was also started as a new and innovative fundraiser, so very different than any other kind of fundraising event within the Jewish community.

Women, men, families, groups and students— every one of different abilities, can be a part of this unique and fun experience. Every OXC participant challenges his or her body and tests his or her limits throughout the course, in support of children and adults with disabilities that navigate an obstacle course every single day of their lives, as they work to overcome their own personal challenges.

Prior to OXC, I had never done a Tough Mudder type obstacle course. I didn’t know how I was going to prepare and train for it. Fortunately, OHEL provides free training sessions within our community along with many other communities. The classes at Fit Studio are geared to focus on core muscles, balance and weight bearing exercises—all of which is great prep for OXC. My son and I trained with Avid Fitness which really prepared us for all of the obstacles on the course. Avid is great at organizing training sessions for both adults and kids simultaneously! He really drives home the idea of always working together as a team. Once on the course, it was evident that this was not just about breaking personal physical barriers and doing our personal best. This was so much more. We were inspired and uplifted by the group and team efforts that were apparent all around us throughout the day. From the first obstacle, we relied on our teammates and we continued working together all the way to the end.

It was clear that this event was not about “me” but about “others,” which is one of OHEL’s core principles. How can we as a community be there to help those most in need?

The entire OXC day is extraordinary, for participants and their family members alike. It begins with a beautiful breakfast, before being outfitted with great OXC swag, followed by the challenging race itself. Upon finishing the race, everyone is given a place to take a hot shower before eating a delicious BBQ that is set up for all to enjoy.

This year OHEL has added a new element to OXC. They will be hosting a Young Leadership Shabbos May 25-26 for students, and those interested should contact Rabbi Avi Weber, OXC community coordinator at [email protected]

I am very thankful that through the OHEL OXC Classic, I am able to combine my love of fitness, desire to do chesed and give tzedaka, along with my deep love and concern for helping others overcome their disabilities, by being a part of Team OHEL.

There is still time to sign up, train and join the fun! Visit http://www.oheloxc.org for more information. Looking forward to helping out and hopefully participating again next year!