CrossFit Community Comes Together To Help One Of Their Own

Cancer has messed with the wrong guy. When Zach Lucas isn't fighting fires, he's pumping iron.

"Being a firefighter and the challenges that come with that on the mental side, are something that is definitely beneficial going into the fight against cancer," said Zach Lucas, a Village Firefighter and CrossFit coach.

Zack was originally diagnosed with lung cancer in June when doctors found an 8-centimeter mass in his right lung.

They removed half of the lung, but later changed the diagnose to stage 3 testicular cancer.

He spoke to News 9 Friday while receiving his first of three cycles of chemotherapy.

"Just trying to stay positive. I think I do miss the weights the most, sure hopeful they miss me, because I'll be back,” Lucas said.

The husband and father of two boys has the support of his CrossFit and firefighting community.

The Koda Foundation started a fundraiser for Zach.

Over 20 gyms are participating in the Zach Lucas Challenge Friday and running through Saturday.

"We're just really wanting to raise money cause we know with all the treatments and the travels, and the stuff that he's going to be going through, he's going to need that support and we definitely want to be there for him," said Brice Collier, co-founder of Koda Foundation.

Zach coaches in Edmond at CrossFit OKC.

The collaboration is an example of the strength of the CrossFit community.

"CrossFit, that's something they've done from the beginning. At its roots, it was about community and helping those around them," said Ginny Morey, CrossFit OKC owner.

Even if you're not part of a gym, you can participate on your own by going to the website Competition Corner.

Many of Zach's fellow firefighters are taking part as well.