Conshohocken’s Sweat Fitness gym held a fundraiser on Saturday in an effort to help Brandon Holiday reach the 2020 Paralympics, writes Anita Oh for CBS Philly.

The former police officer, who has survived ten heart attacks and had his left leg amputated below the knee, is now a member of the National Paracanoe Team. He is looking to raise enough money to buy a new sprint boat and fulfill his dream of securing a spot on team USA for the Tokyo Paralympics.

The sport has an enormous importance for Holiday. According to the Executive Director of Athletes with Disabilities Network Northeast, kayaking has helped him get back his life.

“The training is 20 to 30 hours a week,” he explained. “Weights, cardio. It gets rough, but there’s a hunger to it, to want to see yourself do better.”

Read more about the fundraiser at CBS Philly by clicking here.