For four hours, the movement never stopped at H2L Studio in Mechanicsburg — and neither did the support.
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — H2L Studio in Mechanicsburg hosted the “Amy-Bloor-A-Thon,” a mini-thon featuring back-to-back workout classes, a bake sale and a silent auction, all to raise money for instructor Amy Bloor as she prepares to begin treatment for a rare form of cancer.
“We wanted her to know we’re going to be with her through this journey,” said Sarah Sturges, an instructor at the studio. “There’s more people here than I’ve seen at any one of our open houses. The support for her has been unbelievable.”
Every room inside the studio stayed active as members rotated through the free classes, with some participants staying for hours and others stopping by simply to donate or show support. All proceeds from the event go directly to Amy and her family.
Nick Brill, an instructor at the studio, said the outpouring of support was overwhelming. “It fills my heart,” Brill said. “Every little effort, everyone pouring into each other, it really is so heartwarming and so inspiring.”
For many, Amy’s impact on the community made showing up an easy decision. “She is such a presence to this world, such a light,” said Bethany Pierce, another instructor. “Everybody does everything in their power to be there because of how she empowers others.”
The event also resonated deeply with those who understand firsthand what community support can mean during a cancer journey. “As a cancer survivor myself, I know what it means to have that community behind you,” said Jil Tarman, another client.
Tarman also teamed up with Sturges to help organize the silent auction, which featured around 50 baskets with a variety of themes and items.
“It wasn’t a question for me to volunteer. We spent a lot of time together and putting everything together was fun, it was a labor of love for sure,” said Tarman.
Emily Matthews, a client who participated in the event, said the day was a reminder of how quickly life can change. “It makes me feel great to see people come out and support Amy because this could happen to any of us at any point in time in our lives,” Matthews said. “Everybody is so quick to rally around and support somebody, even if you’ve only taken, like, one or two classes with her.”
Instructors and clients say the support will go far beyond Sunday’s fundraiser.
“We go forever, we go for years and years and years, and we will be here for her kids, for her family, whatever that might be,” said Pierce. “The strength that she puts out to others is so much that that we just want to pull from that, and we want to spread that around the community.”
