Write a commentSix-time Guinness World Record holder, Robert Natoli, helped fight stage 1V childhood Neuroblastoma cancer with 40 pounds on his back and 41 step-ups.
According to Natoli, he's been a "fitness enthusiast" all his life. On April 4, Natoli did more than just break a Guinness World Record, he also helped an Oswego boy, Julian Ross, in gaining more hope towards battling stage IV Neuroblastoma. Ross watched from his hospital bed on Skype from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia as Natoli broke a Guinness World Record. Paddy Doyle recently held the record, for holding 40 pounds on his back while taking 41 step-ups in one minute. For each step Natoli completed, $100 was given to the Ross family.
"I'm always setting goals for myself and was inspired by Julian's strength," Natoli said. "I wanted to show him that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. It's especially special to help someone else in need and really raise awareness of the families fight and only hope people get behind me and support this great cause."
The record was officially broken when Natoli completed 52 step-ups within one minute, for a total of $9,900 given to the Ross family. Kristi Thompson, Ross' mother, explained how she was shocked to see him complete two world records that day. The second record was 47 step-ups within one minute with 60 pounds on his back. Natoli only needed to compete 35 steps.
"It was amazing just the whole event itself," she said. "I could tell his legs were almost completely jello half way through his set, but then he broke another record! Bob is an amazing man who has helped us out in every way. A while ago, he donated a van to us from the Time Buyer Corporation because ours was having some troubles. It was a great outcome."
The Ross family plans to add new additions onto the house which Julian and his brother have always desired. The additions have been costly, according to Thompson, but with the help of Oswego contractors and now the funds from Natoli's record, the additions should be finished in no time.
This is not Natoli's first Guinness World Record. Natoli holds eight records for weight lifting and other fitness accomplishments.
"I just have so much admiration for Julian and his family," Natoli added.
For more information on Ross' fight to battle stage 1V Neuroblastoma or to donate to the cause, visit http://www.juliansjoust.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/JuliansJoust.
