GALION — Shawna Layland of Galion has challenged herself to do 22 push-ups each day for 22 days to honor those who serve in the military as part of 22Kill.
22Kill is a global movement that seeks to raise awareness to veterans’ suicide and other mental-health issues that can lead to suicide. According to a suicide data report released by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in 2012, an average of 22 veterans commit suicide every day.
“That’s a disturbing number,” Layland said. “We have to raise more awareness about this, and that’s my goal.”
Layland began her push-up challenge last week after hearing about 22Kill from a friend.
At first she was reluctant to try, unsure if she’d be able to do it.
“But it’s not about how many you can do or how you do them, it’s about what you’re doing them for,” she said.
The goal for 22Kill is to get 22 million push-ups, according to its website.
“Every push-up counts so don’t be shy to show your support for our veterans. You can do as many or few push-ups as you can or choose,” the website states. “Whether it’s 1 or 100 in a row, we will accept them however they come.”
Participants are encouraged to record a video of themselves doing the push-ups and upload it on 22Kill’s Facebook, YouTube, Twitter or Instagram page.
Layland said she’s had people ask if she’s done her push-ups for the day.
“I’m like, ‘I have, have you? Let’s do them together,'” she said.
In some cases, she has indeed had others join her. Last week, several students from Galion City Schools completed a combined total of 1,980 pushups. On Tuesday, the U.S. Army Recruiting Office of Mansfield accepted the challenge.
The Galion police and fire departments, as well as Richland Source employees, have also agreed to participate, she said, adding that she hopes to get others to join. Even her cousin from Sweden got involved at Layland’s encouragement.
Layland has many family members and friends who’ve served in the military, including her late father who was in the Navy.
“If there’s something I can do to help the military, then I’m absolutely going to do it,” she said.
