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Former IBO Welterweight World Champion boxer, Chris “The Heat” Van Heerden, will pound the streets of the city in the LA Marathon on March 19 with a pledge to raise awareness of and funds for mental health programs.
Chris has chosen the American Friends of Sheba Medical Center as one of his beneficiaries owing to the outstanding work the Hospital does globally for people suffering with both mental health and in crisis situations.
“As an Athlete I am connected to my physical health, but now understand that my mental health is just as important. In the LA Marathon I am running as much to combat depression as I am to prove that having a PMA – positive mental attitude – can improve your life.”
Chris Van Heerden
Support Chris’ Run
South African-born, LA resident, Chris Van Heerden started his professional career in 2006 and quickly emerged as a top fighter on the African continent, winning both the South African and African Boxing Union welterweight titles. In 2009 he prevailed over fellow South African, Kaizer Mabuza , to win the IBO welterweight belt, successfully defending his belt twice.
In Winter 2013 van Heerden relocated to the United States, forcing him to relinquish his status as the International Boxing Organization’s champion, but it was a move he considered instrumental in paving the way for higher, future honors. Chris is based in and trains out of Santa Monica, CA, and, outside of his much-admired boxing career, has become a boxing trainer to the stars, including the likes of Peter Berg, Sam Rockwell, Frank Grillo, Jennifer Gardener, and many more.
Join Chris in supporting mental health by donating to American Friends of Sheba Medical Center.
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