NEW YORK - They say breaking up is hard to do, but not so if you're a martial arts expert breaking boards for a good cause.

Leif Becker is attempting to set a world record at the Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum in Times Square by breaking 12,000 boards over a 24 hour period.

He's been chopping since 8 a.m. Thursday.

Becker is also raising money in partnership with the Encourage Kids Foundation, an organization that helps children with serious medical conditions.

Several of the boards Leif will be breaking have been decorated to represent diseases many kids are fighting.

"Their eyes light up, how they feel, the sense of confidence. When you're dealing with children going through medical challenges like the ones the Encourage Kids Foundation helps out, you give them that sense of confidence for a moment. You take them away from the problems they're facing and you give them that sense of empowerment," Becker said.

If you would like to donate to the Encourage Kids Foundation, text "Break" to 50555.