You’ve probably heard of the workout CHAD1000X (1,000 weighted step-ups for time) and The Step Up Foundation – the organization using fitness to raise awareness for mental health and veteran suicide prevention. 

In this episode, we get to know the selfless leader behind both: Sara Wilkinson. After losing her husband, Navy SEAL Chad Wilkinson, to suicide in 2018, Sara turned grief into purpose, creating a global movement that’s brought thousands together each year to honor his legacy and support others who are struggling.

She opens up about what it means to carry grief, how community heals, and the importance of looking people in the eye and asking, “How are you, really?”

Topics Included

• The story behind Chad1000X and its growth into a global movement


• How Sara transformed grief into purpose through The Step Up Foundation


• Compassion, resilience, and the power of community in healing


• Suicide awareness, mental health, and the language we use around loss


• The realities of military life, brain injury (CTE), and post-service transition


• The importance of small acts of kindness and connection

Resources Mentioned

• Chad 1000X


• The Step Up Foundation


• Home Base (Boston-based veteran brain clinic)


• Sound Off (mental health therapy platform for veterans)


• Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS)


• Boston Frogman Swim


• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline


• Sara Wilkinson on Instagram


• Willpower and Resilience, Live Big


• Jocko Podcast


• Cleared Hot Podcast

Community Highlight

Cory and Sara Fulana don’t just run two gyms — they run on purpose.

At Silk City CrossFit and CrossFit Hartford, service is part of the workout. Every month, they rally their community for something bigger — suicide awareness events with Uplift, women’s WODs supporting local female-owned businesses, Toys for Tots drives, marathon rows for the Boys and Girls Club, and Hero WODs that honor those who have served.

Their question is always the same: How can we give back?

Because for Cory and Sara, CrossFit isn’t just about fitness — it’s about using strength to serve others.

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