Turning Love Into Strength. Turning Loss Into Purpose.
A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
The Story of Lavi
Alavia “Lavi” was born on April 3, 2000—a beautiful, healthy baby girl who entered this world full of life, love, and an unforgettable spirit. Her grandmother, affectionately known as her MeMe, gave her the nickname “Lavi,” and it stayed with her throughout her short but extraordinary life.
At just 10 months old, Lavi was diagnosed with a rare ependymoma brain tumor, nearly the size of a baseball, located in the back of her head. Her first brain surgery lasted eight hours, but Lavi fought her way through it and was able to return home to her family.
That would be the beginning of a journey filled with more challenges than any child should ever have to face. Lavi endured three brain surgeries, a shunt placement, two rounds of intensive chemotherapy, daily oral chemotherapy, six weeks of daily radiation, and countless other procedures and hospital stays. Her tumor was benign, but it was also recurrent—meaning that each time doctors removed it, it would return in another part of her brain.
Despite everything she endured, Lavi never stopped fighting.
She never let her illness define her. She always had a smile on her face and seemed to love everyone she met. She literally never met a stranger. Lavi loved to dance, play dress-up, care for her baby dolls, and help take care of her little brother. She was her mom’s little diva and loved her family tremendously. She was known for her hugs, her kisses, and the joy she brought wherever she went.
You could look at Lavi and never know how sick she was.
Eventually, the tumor returned in her brain stem, where it could no longer be safely removed. Faced with an impossible decision, our family chose quality of life over quantity of days. Lavi was able to spend her final days at home, surrounded by the people who loved her most, under hospice care.
On March 21, 2003, just 13 days before her third birthday, Lavi passed away peacefully at home.
Although Lavi's life was far too short, her impact has lasted far beyond her years.
Lavi’s Legacy
Lifting for Lavi was created to make sure that Lavi's story doesn't end with her passing.
What began as a charity powerlifting meet held in her memory has grown into something much bigger—a community built around strength, compassion, remembrance, and support.
Lifting for Lavi honors Lavi's strength by bringing people together to support families who have experienced the unimaginable loss of a child. Through fundraising, community events, and acts of compassion, our mission is to remind grieving families that they are not alone.
We lift weights in Lavi's name, but we also lift hearts, families, and communities.
Every lifter who steps onto the platform, every volunteer who gives their time, every sponsor who believes in our mission, and every person who shares Lavi's story helps keep her light shining.
Lavi may not have gotten to grow up, but she continues to grow a legacy.
Her life reminds us that strength isn't measured by how long we live, but by the love we leave behind.
This is Lifting for Lavi.
Lifting hearts. Building strength. Keeping Lavi's light shining. ❤️💜
Upcoming Event
5TH ANNUAL LIFTING FOR LAVI
April 3, 2027 | Tyler, Texas
Lavi's Birthday
Over the past four years, our annual Lifting for Lavi Charity Powerlifting Meet has raised more than $13,000 in support of the National Brain Tumor Society and brain tumor research.
This year will be our 5th year, a milestone year, and it will fall on Lavi's actual Birthday! A portion of the proceeds will go the NBTS - National Brain Tumor Society, and a portion will go to creating new programs and support to families of children living with serious illnesses as well as families grieving the loss of a child due to a traumatic event or illness.
join us in making this the most successful year yet!
- SPECIAL GUESTS
- VENDORS AND SPONSORS
- COMMUNITY EVENT
- FOOD, FUN, AND MORE!
Saturday, April 3, 2027
Welcome to Our World
Every lift represents strength.
Every donation represents hope.
Every act of kindness keeps Lavi’s memory alive.
Together, we can transform heartbreak into something meaningful and make a difference in the lives of others
Our Mission
To provide compassionate support, connection, and hope for individuals grieving the loss of a loved one due to a traumatic event by fostering a community where healing, understanding, and meaningful relationships can grow
Our Vision
Foster a community where no one faces traumatic loss alone.
Our Purpose
To support individuals and families through education, community, financial assistance, and other charitable programs that promote hope, healing, and resilience.
Strength With a Purpose
Lifting Hearts. Building Strength
Join Us in Bringing Hope and Healing
Your heartfelt donation helps us support parents of children with serious illnesses, families grieving traumatic loss, & funding brain tumor research. Together, we foster a caring community where healing & understanding flourish. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference. Thank you for your compassion & support!
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and fund our mission.
About Us
Our Board of Directors
Executive Director - LaTosha Cleaver
President - Mykel Cofer
Secretary- Jesse Cleaver, Jr
Treasurer - Miles Powell