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Gymnastic stars aren?t always required to step onto the mat to add feathers to their caps. They can just as well make a positive impact through their words and actions outside the gymnastics arena. In this regard, the ?Fierce Five? have been the frontrunners where gymnasts like Gabby Douglas and Simone Biles have opened up new avenues for young talents. Now, another member of the excellent coterie is on a purpose-driven mission of her own and is set to make a huge difference in the lives of others. It is an enduring tale of compassion and care.

Laurie Hernandez, 23, occupied the coveted stage next to legendary women such as Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas at the 2016 Olympic Games. Her successful campaign at the Olympics brought her two medals and a lot of fame. In her personal life, the gymnastics icon has a bounty of love, which she shares with her girlfriend and partner, Charlotte Drury. The two gymnasts had kept their love affair under wraps for two years. Now, Hernandez is ready to proclaim her feelings for Drury as well as lend ample support to Drury’s sick friend as well. Their enduring love story goes beyond traditional strictures as they raise awareness of an actor friend’s sick status.

Laurie Hernandez seeks to rally for support and help girlfriend’s dearest ally

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Charlotte Drury is close friends with the actor Barton Cowperthwaite, who is famous for his role in the Netflix show, ?Tiny Pretty Things?. Recently, the actor-cum-ballet dancer was preparing for an audition in a Broadway play when life threw a curve ball at him. He was diagnosed with a tumor in the right frontal lobe. At such a difficult juncture in his life, he was glad to have the support of Charlotte Drury, his confidant and good friend. The World Cup winner wrote a heartfelt note for him on Instagram and shared some photos from the actor?s hay days. In the slew of pictures, he was captured in different dance poses inside a blank studio with white walls. Barton Cowperthwaite was in an all-black attire, which brought about a wonderful contrast against his monochrome surroundings. To support Charlotte Drury and her friend, Laurie Hernandez shared the former?s post on her Instagram story.

A part of Charlotte Drury?s long post was visible on Hernandez?s story, where the latter attached the link to Cowperthwaite?s GoFundMe page. Drury?s post read, ?Thinking about this day where I got to shoot my sweet, beautiful friend. There?s just no one like you @bartonc?. Laurie Hernandez has now joined Charlotte Drury to raise money and help her friend overcome this terrible adversity. This entire event tugged at the heartstrings of people and denizens alike, and the power couple decided to lend a helping hand as well, in a fitting manner.

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Powerhouse gymnastics couple raise money for dear friend

Barton Cowperthwaite was on the fence about asking for donations on GoFundMe. After all, he was extremely fortunate to land iconic acting jobs in successful movies and shows. He had been living an affluent life, but the glioma ended all his prospects for the unforeseeable future. He is running out of his savings and cannot afford the medical bills heading his way. Therefore, when his family suggested online pleas for donations, the proud actor had to relent.

Read More: ?What Were You Thinking?: Internets Response to Laurie Hernandez?s Mid US-Open Existential Crisis Is Hilarious

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His insurance policy does not cover many procedures. Thus, he is asking for $100,000, which should help him tide over the immediate medical expenses. He is extremely grateful for the show of support from his friends Laurie Hernandez and Charlotte Drury. With their help, he has already collected $85,000 and will reach his goal soon. We hope to see him up and ready on his feet soon enough.

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