HARLINGEN — “Whack. Whack. Whack.”
The sound of a tight fist tearing into wood ripped through the studio, cranking up the energy and excitement of the morning.
Each time Nicolas Perez, 7, shattered a piece of wood he added another dollar — or $10, or $20, or — for cancer research. He busted 30 boards in as many seconds.
Nicolas was one of 25 martial arts students who participated yesterday in the Break-a-Thon: Breaking Boards for a Cause. The event was held at Premier Martial Arts at 506 E. Harrison Ave.
“It’s always great to give back to the community,” said Eric Arriaga, owner of Premier Martial Arts.
Giving back is what martial arts is all about. Nicolas had only taken martial arts a few weeks and it had already empowered him to give back. His mother Elizabeth Perez was excited about his success.
“It’s not only helped with his confidence, he’s started to be more responsible,” she said. “He organizes himself.”
For each board a martial arts student broke, they could donate as little as a dollar or as much at $100 — or more if they wanted. Last year, the first break-a-thon raised $5,800, all of which was donated to the American Cancer Society. He wasn’t sure how much yesterday’s event raised.
Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves while doing their part for cancer research.
“I love it, my kids love it,” said Christina Garcia, 41. She’d just split 51 boards.
“Our family members have also had cancer,” she added.
Many people at the break-a-thon had been touched by cancer. Some had suffered themselves from the disease, others had lost friends and relatives. Stories of survival illustrated the importance of fundraisers for cancer research.
Regina Reyna, 40, was accepting donations for copies of her book “A Living Sacrifice for Jesus.”
Reyna has been in remission for 11 years. However, she remembers quite vividly being diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer.
Her husband was in the U.S. Army at the time and they were stationed in Germany, so fortunately all her medical costs were covered. But it was a frightening process, one that brought her closer to God.
Her experience taught her the importance of never losing hope. The doctors said she would never have children.
She has four.
