Charlotte Brewery Founder Rows 24,000 Meters for Cancer Care

When Michelle Pratt lost her battle with liver cancer in 2017, her brother Joe Vogelbacher Jr. knew the nurse practitioner would want her story to help others fighting the same fight.

Now in its seventh year, Michelle's Mighty Mission brings teams together at CrossFit Mecklenburg on March 7 for a 24,000-meter rowing challenge. Every dollar raised goes directly to the 24 Foundation, which provides support services to local cancer patients and survivors.

Joe Jr., who co-founded Sugar Creek Brewing, organizes the event alongside his father Joe Sr. They describe it as "fun and suffering" that celebrates Michelle's legacy of caring for others. The brewery and CrossFit gym share a building, creating the perfect venue for what's become an annual celebration of strength and community.

Michelle spent her career as a nurse practitioner with the VA, inspired by Florence Nightingale's example of selfless service. She died at 47, five years after her rare liver cancer diagnosis. Her family honors the spirit she showed throughout her illness and her entire life caring for others.

Teams of two to four people take turns on rowing machines while a DJ spins music, food gets served, and the community gathers. Last year, one of Michelle's former nurses participated and dedicated her effort to the woman who inspired so many. CrossFit members, brewery regulars, and teams from across Charlotte join together, many rowing in memory of their own loved ones touched by cancer.

Sunny's Take

What makes this story shine isn't just the impressive fundraising or the physical challenge. It's how Joe Vogelbacher transformed personal loss into community connection. Michelle told her brother that if her cancer could create anything good, she'd be all in favor of it. Seven years later, hundreds of people gather annually to sweat, celebrate, and support cancer survivors in her name.

Spencer Lueders from the 24 Foundation notes the money stays right in Charlotte, making a direct difference for local families facing cancer diagnoses. The foundation provides oncology support programs that help patients navigate one of life's toughest challenges.

CrossFit Mecklenburg owner Brendan McNeirney captures the event's vibe perfectly: it's a nice party where people enjoy working out together for something bigger than themselves. The gym's motto hangs on the wall as a daily reminder: "Movement is medicine."

March 7 will bring another round of rowing, remembering, and raising hope for those who need it most.