“Normally, we would be nervous about doing the Open, but knowing that we are doing it in honor of those who would not be able to do something like that means so much more. I am just going to get out there and do my best.”
Photos courtesy of Eliss Hall
Every rep completed in the 2014 Open at CrossFit Fit Farm will be extra special for Tennille and Cody Boseman. The Omaha, Neb., couple, originally from Logan, Utah, will complete the five workouts in honor of those who physically can’t.
The couple is raising money to help families like theirs. Their 2-year-old son, Jett, has a rare neurological disorder called pontocerebellar hypoplasia, or PCH, which means two parts of his brain didn’t fully develop. He’ll never walk, talk, ride a bike, run or do many of the things most children do. In fact, doctors say he will likely only live until age 6.
“We are so grateful to have functioning, healthy bodies and want to continue our journey of good health,” Tennille said. “We will be completing each and every rep for the Jett Powered Foundation and will be thinking of all the children in the world who suffer from these debilitating conditions.”
In January 2013, the Bosemans started the Jett Powered Foundation, a nonprofit that provides support for children and families affected by rare neurological diseases. The foundation raises money through a variety of sports and fitness events.
“The goal of this foundation is to help other children and families like ours to accomplish their goals, purchase medical equipment and enjoy life as much as possible,” Tennille said.
When the Bosemans first learned their son would never play tee ball or scrape his knee climbing a tree, they were devastated.
Tennille, who works as a fitness instructor teaching Zumba, yoga and Pilates, wondered how she could care for her son without being a nurse. But it was through exercise, and creating the Jett Powered Foundation that the couple persevered and got through the emotional turmoil.
“Exercise and fitness have always been a part of my lifestyle, but I didn’t know how big of a role it would play until I gave birth to Jett,” Tennille said. “Through the pain and anguish that filled my entire body, I managed to get a workout in each day. I felt like some unknown force was dragging me along, pushing me to complete that next rep or take that next step. Exercise made me happy and gave me the strength to keep moving forward.”
When Tennille or Cody are having a rough day, knocking out some burpees or overhead squats keeps them sane. And the couple always has the foundation’s two mottos on their minds while working out: “You can do hard things” and “Move for those who can’t.”
“CrossFit by itself is an amazing outlet for us, but the fact that we can combine it with Jett Powered is even better,” Tennille said. “We are so grateful for the CrossFit community.”
CrossFit Fit Farm has already held two charity workouts for the Jett Powered Foundation. The upcoming fundraiser will ask people to donate $0.25 per rep completed by the Bosemans throughout the duration of the Open. CrossFit 22 in South Bountiful, Utah, the box where the Bosemans were first introduced to CrossFit, is planning a fundraiser, as well. A CrossFit box in Chicago plans to help, too.
Jett has the developmental skills of a 6-week- to 2-month-old and isn’t expected to get much further than that. Yet, he has a big personality and smiles a lot.
Jett’s fight motivates Tennille and Cody to work hard every day and be strong, physically and emotionally. Jett has inspired other members at Fit Farm to participate in the Open in his honor, too.
“God gave me the ability to move, so I am doing the Open for those who can’t,” said 30-year-old Deanna Sanchez. “There are people who are fighting for their lives and are paralyzed who would do anything to be able to do what I can.”
Sanchez said she’s grateful to know the Bosemans and baby Jett, and is inspired by the Jett Powered Foundation to stay active.
“Jett’s challenges in life have taught us to appreciate good health,” Tennille said. “Time is precious and the simplest events and milestones are worth celebrating.”
The couple's CrossFit milestones are cause for celebration, too.
Two years ago, the Bosemans took their first on-ramp CrossFit classes in Utah. They moved to Omaha in May 2012 so Cody could attend dental school at Creighton University. A year later, they found CrossFit Fit Farm.
When Cody first started, he couldn’t do one kipping pull-up. Now, he can do butterfly pull-ups with no problem. Tennille said she also continues to improve. She loves working on her gymnastic skills such as pull-ups and handstand push-ups.
“Normally, we would be nervous about doing the Open, but knowing that we are doing it in honor of those who would not be able to do something like that means so much more,” Tennille said. “I am just going to get out there and do my best.”
Click here for more information about the Jett Powered Foundation or to make a donation.
