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Tuesday Feb 19, 2019
Rock 'N Rumble IX: Stephen Berte
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble IX in Boston on May 15th. They’ve committed to four months of fundraising and training in preparation to get in the ring and literally fight for a cure. Whether their mom is battling, their father has passed or their friend has put up a victory against the disease – they’ve all got a story to tell and they’ve all got a reason to fight. Below you’ll hear from Stephen Berte, fighting out of EverybodyFights.Where are you from? Hingham, MAWhere’d you go to college? Brown University Did you play any sports growing up? Football, basketball, baseball, soccer, wrestling....stuck with football and wrestling.What do you do for work? I work in asset management. Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? When I stopped wrestling, I was looking for something to replicate the physical and mental elements of the sport. The parallels between the two are uncanny and I was naturally drawn to it. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? I was going through some pretty significant life changes this fall and I needed a goal to help focus and motivate me. This seemed like the perfect challenge to do that. You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? So in December of 2017, I lost my dear friend, mentor and colleague, Bill to a near 10 year battle with cancer. Bill was the most influential person in my adult life. We worked so closely together and were such dear friends that I felt like I walked this journey with him. I was absolutely devastated when he passed.My dad lost his year long battle with cancer in September of 2018. His decline happened so quickly and the experience was very different however the devastation was the same. I lost the two most influential men in my life to this disease within 10 months. I fight so that my two boys and Bill’s children’s children do not have to experience what this past year of devastation has been like for us.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Liberty Grill pizza (linguica and garlic, crispy) and beer. I can taste an ice cold bud bottle as I write this response!When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I enjoy spending time with my family. My boys are really active and they love playing sports and running around like maniacs. They love going to Boston sports events and we take them back to my alma maters (Brown and CM) for as much as we can. We also hit the occasional Monster Jam when it’s through town. My wife and I love working out together. Lastly, I love experimenting on my Big Green Egg!Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? If my old man was around, I think he would really enjoy this. For those that knew him best, he always loved a good fight. My boys have come to watch me train and although they won’t get to see it live, they are definitely the most excited about the whole experience.Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Stephen!
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Tuesday Feb 19, 2019
Rock 'N Rumble IX: Bobby O'Brien
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble IX in Boston on May 15th. They’ve committed to four months of fundraising and training in preparation to get in the ring and literally fight for a cure. Whether their mom is battling, their father has passed or their friend has put up a victory against the disease – they’ve all got a story to tell and they’ve all got a reason to fight. Below you’ll hear from Bobby O'Brien, fighting out of TKO BoxFit.Where are you from? Milton, MAWhere’d you go to college? Boston College Did you play any sports growing up? Basketball and tennisWhat do you do for work? Attorney Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I love boxing! I love the physicality, the endurance, and the strategy involved. It's the only sport where you are simultaneously on offense and defense. So much strategy. It's so amazing! And when else can you do something for 2 minutes and feel like you just ran a marathon? It's so awesomely exhausting. Such a badass sport. I can't wait to keep learning. I can't wait to fight! Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? Why on earth wouldn't you want to sign up? I love the Haymakers mission. I think it's such a great organization and I can't wait to spread the word. I love boxing and I've always wanted to train for a fight. To be able to fight and raise money for cancer is a double victory. We are all winners before we even step into the ring (awwwwww). You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? The advances made in cancer research over the past two decades are incredible. My mom, dad and aunt were fortunate enough to fight and beat cancer. My uncle passed when I was younger. My dad once told me that someday cancer isn't going to be able to take anyone's life. I want to do my part to ensure such.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) I'm going plant-based until the fight (although I am really not a huge meat guy) so I'll say eggs and salmon.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I love to surf. I just hardly ever get out there. Does that count? I love to trail run too. I'll go with that one.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? My friend Alex "The Showman" Sherman. We sparred in college but he wasn't able to land any punches on me. He can't wait to see my mug all bloodied up.Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Bobby!
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Monday Feb 11, 2019
Rock 'N Rumble IX: James Arredondo
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble IX in Boston on May 15th. They’ve committed to four months of fundraising and training in preparation to get in the ring and literally fight for a cure. Whether their mom is battling, their father has passed or their friend has put up a victory against the disease – they’ve all got a story to tell and they’ve all got a reason to fight. Below you’ll hear from James Arredondo, fighting out of EverybodyFights.Where are you from? Somerville, Ma originally, South Boston currentlyWhere’d you go to college? Bentley Did you play any sports growing up? Hockey and Track and FieldWhat do you do for work? Digital Marketing Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? It was always a "someday I'll" type of thing for me since I was a little kid. I think my parents forbid my brothers and I from watching Rocky movies for a while. Wasn't until I got into boxing classes/workouts more recently that I thought, "yea, I can do this." Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? Very early on at my time at my gym I learned about H4H from someone who has since become a friend had just gone through it. I respected what he did and thought the whole experience seemed like an awesome way to take it to the next level. You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? I watched others in my gym train in 2018 and thought I was lucky that I hadn't had anyone close to me affected by the disease. Then within a few weeks a close co-worker was diagnosed, a friend's mother passed after a long battle with it, and another friend told me about how they had been in remission for almost 20 years. It made me want to do something so that hopefully in time, cures can be found and others won't have to go through the same experiences. To me, this competition literally embodies the battle against cancer and I hope that my journey can honor the sacrifices of the people I know personally have battled it, and inspire strength and motivation for others to help find a cure.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Ski season, but worth the sacrificeWhen you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? Running, snowboarding, going to concerts, traveling (to warm places these days), and woodworkingWho do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? My youngest brother or my friend Lionel.Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, James!
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Monday Feb 11, 2019
Rock 'N Rumble IX: David Purdy
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble IX in Boston on May 15th. They’ve committed to four months of fundraising and training in preparation to get in the ring and literally fight for a cure. Whether their mom is battling, their father has passed or their friend has put up a victory against the disease – they’ve all got a story to tell and they’ve all got a reason to fight. Below you’ll hear from David Purdy, fighting out of UFC Gym.Where are you from? Masshole; born and bred. I grew up in Attleboro and went to college in Norton. My wife and I lived in the Back Bay and South End after college (before kids). We now live with our four boys in West Roxbury.Where’d you go to college? I studied as an undergraduate for four years at Wheaton College in Norton, MA. before spending 4 more years in grad school at Northeastern University in Boston. Did you play any sports growing up? My primary sports were hockey and baseball. I also played football, basketball and soccer in middle school and high school. I played one year of college lacrosse at Wheaton. After college I added skiing and golf to my repertoire.What do you do for work? I'm a Portfolio Manager at an asset management company that specializes in quantitative management of institutional assets. I'm part of a team that is responsible for the oversight of various client portfolios, which includes daily analysis, research and client interactions. I travel around the world spending roughly 1/3rd of my time on the road. My background includes the study of economics, finance, computer science and physics. Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? As a kid, I used to train with the golden glove boxers as preparation for hockey season. It provided an amazing workout and some important lessons that would help me as my hockey career progressed. However, I never pictured myself boxing competitively. When my wife was diagnosed with cancer three years ago I decided to give it another try. At the time, I was working with a fitness trainer at Equinox who recommended that I add boxing to my routine. It would provide cardio, but more importantly, an outlet for stress. He was right. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? I remember sitting with the pharmacologist at Dana Farber and frantically trying to write down all the medications that Jessica would need to take over the next few months; this for pain, that one for drowsiness, this one for constipation, which is caused by that other one.... It was terrible. The feeling of helplessness was overwhelming. The medications were a preview of all the crap Jessica was going to have to face and there was NOTHING I could do about it. I wanted to hit something hard. I wanted to take out all my anger and frustration on something or someone. So, I went to the gym. Tyler, my coach, asked me if everything was alright? I explained the situation and he said that we should do something about it, we should sign up for Haymakers. You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? I draw inspiration from those who have fought and continue to fight their own battle. Too many of my family and friends have been impacted to list them here. Yet, each one inspires me in their own way. Cancer has provided me with some of the worst lows and the most amazing highs of my life. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, but am a better person for having been impacted by it. The committed Doctors, nurses and administrators of Dana Farber are the ultimate inspiration and need our support.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Privacy. Most of my battle with cancer has been waged alone. Lonely nights spent in bed worrying about Jessica and the boys. Days at work trying to hold back my feelings and focus on the task in front of me. Time at the gym hitting the bag so hard that my knuckles would bleed while tears rolled down my cheeks. I hated it and the last thing I wanted to do was talk about it. Now I need to tell everyone. It scares me, but I know my experience is not unique and if opening up a little bit can help provide better resources for Dana Farber then it's worth it.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? My four boys keep me very busy. They are my primary "hobby" and as you can imagine take me in many different directions. Sports is a constant. My boys play baseball, soccer, basketball and ski. We love watching the Pats, Red Sox, Bruins and Celtics. We love watching movies (especially Marvel) and like listening to sci-fiction books on tape during our long rides to VT for ski weekends. I'm an avid reader. My current interests are Artificial Intelligence, Civil War and Political Science. I like to do puzzles with my wife and play cribbage and chess with the boys. In the summer we play golf, fish and spend time on the beach. I'm pretty good at can jam.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Anyone that's spent any significant amount of time with me. That would include family, friends and co-workers in no particular order.Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, David!
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Monday Feb 4, 2019
Rock 'N Rumble IX: Conor Harris
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble IX in Boston on May 15th. They’ve committed to four months of fundraising and training in preparation to get in the ring and literally fight for a cure. Whether their mom is battling, their father has passed or their friend has put up a victory against the disease – they’ve all got a story to tell and they’ve all got a reason to fight. Below you’ll hear from Conor Harris, fighting out of Nolan Bros Boxing.Where are you from? Hanover, NHWhere’d you go to college? Boston College Did you play any sports growing up? Baseball, Soccer, and SkiingWhat do you do for work? Lawyer for a Biotech Company Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I've never pictured myself as a fighter, but challenging myself to do something completely new and against the grain was part of the appeal. Plus, I wanted to step up my fitness, and knowing I will be in a real boxing match at the end of this is a huge motivator to train hard. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? It's a really unique opportunity to do good both for others and for myself. Everyone has been hit by cancer in some form or fashion, so H4H literally provides an opportunity to hit back. I also had a friend do Belles of the Brawl a few years ago, and watching her train and fight inspired me to do the same. You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? I've lost both my grandmothers to cancer. My paternal grandmother, whom we called Ging, always encouraged us to engage in life - she would tell us to "do at least three active things a day." So I can't think of a better way to honor her than to get active by training for this fight against cancer.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Wait, we have to give up beer and cheeseburgers?? Seriously, the toughest thing will just be the time commitment. Giving up free time with friends, family, my dog, etc. will be hard. But celebrating with all of them, and some pizza and beer, after the fight will be sweet.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? Spending time with friends, hiking with my dog, and getting slightly insane about the Red Sox and the Patriots.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? I'm an in-house lawyer, so I have plenty of coworkers who have probably dreamed about punching me in the face.Be sure to check out his fundraising page and wish him luck! Best of luck, Conor!
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Monday Feb 4, 2019
Rock 'N Rumble IX: Jay Driscoll
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble IX in Boston on May 15th. They’ve committed to four months of fundraising and training in preparation to get in the ring and literally fight for a cure. Whether their mom is battling, their father has passed or their friend has put up a victory against the disease – they’ve all got a story to tell and they’ve all got a reason to fight. Below you’ll hear from Jay Driscoll, fighting out of EverybodyFights.Where are you from? Milton, MAWhere’d you go to college? Trinity College Did you play any sports growing up? Golf and HockeyWhat do you do for work? Producer at Lockton Companies Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I started going to boxing classes during my winter break freshman year of college and have been addicted ever since. While I enjoy the conditioning/bag classes, I wanted to see what it was like to train for a real fight. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? Taking a few punches is a small price to pay to try and save a life. You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? I’m fighting for my two friends who both recently lost their moms to breast cancer. If our team fundraising efforts are able to help give someone even one more day with a loved one, it’ll all be worth it.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Peanut M&MsWhen you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? Golfing and traveling with my familyWho do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Too many to nameBe sure to check out his fundraising page and wish him luck! Best of luck, Jay!
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Monday Jan 28, 2019
Rock 'N Rumble IX: Vanessa Baca
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble IX in Boston on May 15th. They’ve committed to four months of fundraising and training in preparation to get in the ring and literally fight for a cure. Whether their mom is battling, their father has passed or their friend has put up a victory against the disease – they’ve all got a story to tell and they’ve all got a reason to fight. Below you’ll hear from Vanessa (Razney) Baca, fighting out of Haverhill Downtown Boxing.Where are you from? Peabody, MAWhere’d you go to college? Bentley University Did you play any sports growing up? Sure did! I played basketball, field hockey, and softball.What do you do for work? Media Manager Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I initially got into boxing for the workout - it's the best and hardest workout ever. After playing basketball growing up and realizing I wasn't going to the WNBA after college, I wanted to try something new and boxing was it. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? To raise awareness of the importance of early detection and preventative care. You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? Why am I fighting? For my mom. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 and took the immediate step of getting surgery. The day after her surgery, she went to go see my youngest brother off to his senior prom – she wasn’t going to miss it! Today, she is cancer free and still the strongest person I know. I'm also fighting for everyone else who is affected by this horrible disease.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Going to my husband and I's favorite Mexican restaurant - Howling Wolf in Salem, MA.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I like to hang out with my family, hike in NH, and listen to podcasts.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? My dad - my biggest fan! He's so excited and already telling me to throw and uppercut. My mom is not too thrilled to watch her little girl get in the ring! :)Be sure to check out her fundraising page and wish her! Best of luck, Vanessa!
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Tuesday Jan 22, 2019
Fighter Reflections - Denver Year One
Last year we took an amazing leap of faith, expanding Haymakers to a totally new market. Thirty brave individuals, connected by our mission to knockout cancer, signed up for the challenge. With little knowledge of what was in store prior to signing up, here is what they had to say about their experience.It was an experience unlike any other, the training pushes your physical and mental limits to the max, and on fight night it all comes down to a handful of minutes. You’re volunteering to get hit in the face, pure and simple, it’s the real deal. You’re doing this to raise money for others less fortunate, so you don’t mind. -Jay Badgley“Training and Participating in Haymakers for Hope Rumble in the Rockies Inaugural event was the single most challenging, humbling, and rewarding experience of my life. I can confidently say that Haymakers for Hope and it’s amazing staff has positively changed my life forever by introducing me to boxing and self-defense, charities doing amazing work, and some very close friendships. I can’t wait to welcome the next Denver class of fighters and give them access to resources that will elevate their experience even further: Alumni!!” - Josh SiegelWords can’t describe the night of the fight; to have my friends and family supporting me and witnessing all the work I put in during training was unbelievable. The people I trained with are like family now; all those early mornings and getting stronger together brought us so close. Cancer sucks and you don’t always have the chance to really feel like you’re fighting it, but I felt like I was punching cancer in the face every day! - Stephanie “Tessie” MernickIf you are anything like me, you've felt helpless witnessing the people you love being diagnosed or fighting cancer. Or you've lost loved ones to cancer. Haymakers enabled me to fight back concretely while instilling a new fitness routine and confidence - both of which I desperately needed being brand new to Denver. And fight night??? Will be the best of your life. To this day, there are people who still don't believe I got in the ring. Crazy what can happen when you commit to something this kick-ass! - Jessie BlakeHaymakers for Hope provided me with the rare opportunity to physically and mentally push myself further than I have before. Being pushed outside my comfort zone and to raise money for cancer was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I would highly recommend signing up for a Haymakers for Hope event. 4 months of grueling training is by far worth it once the main event rolls around. The whole Haymakers organization does a phenomenal job and I will continue to support them with the upcoming fights. - Troy OrzechParticipating in Denver's Inaugural H4H was certainly one of the most intense and rewarding experiences I've ever had. The feeling of accomplishment after stepping out of that ring knowing you gave it all you had makes all the training worth it. Can't wait to cheer on the next batch of Denver fighters! - William PalametWant to throw your name in the hat? Sign-ups for Rumble in the Rockies II are open until Friday, January 25th. Sign up here!
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Tuesday Jan 22, 2019
Rock 'N Rumble IX: Jim Norcott
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble IX in Boston on May 15th. They’ve committed to four months of fundraising and training in preparation to get in the ring and literally fight for a cure. Whether their mom is battling, their father has passed or their friend has put up a victory against the disease – they’ve all got a story to tell and they’ve all got a reason to fight. Below you’ll hear from Jim Norcott, fighting out of TKO BoxFit.Where are you from? Quincy, MAWhere’d you go to college? University of Rhode Island Did you play any sports growing up? Yes! Baseball, football and basketball.What do you do for work? I’m the head of sales for a foreign exchange trading platform. Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I’ve always wanted to learn how to fight but never set aside time to take it on. H4H provides the perfect opportunity! Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? I previously participated in an athletic events which also involves raising charitable funds and I loved the combination of doing good for others while doing good for yourself. You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? My biggest inspirations are my two grandmothers who have each fought and won multiple battles with cancer. Their perevsenance and strength can’t be matched but I’m going to try!What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Spending all my free time with my wife and son.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I love traveling and sharing experiences with friends and family. I also enjoy running, cycling and weight lifting.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Mike O’MalleyBe sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Jim!
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Monday Jan 21, 2019
Rock 'N Rumble IX: Mike O'Malley
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble IX in Boston on May 15th. They’ve committed to four months of fundraising and training in preparation to get in the ring and literally fight for a cure. Whether their mom is battling, their father has passed or their friend has put up a victory against the disease – they’ve all got a story to tell and they’ve all got a reason to fight. Below you’ll hear from Mike O'Malley, fighting out of TKO BoxFit.Where are you from? North Easton, MAWhere’d you go to college? University of Rhode Island Did you play any sports growing up? Baseball, GolfWhat do you do for work? Manager of a global financial technology business. Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I am still not sure. I have always had an interest in boxing, but never made it further than a few group classes. I can visualize myself getting in the ring, but never really thought it would happen in any serious way. Not like this. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? The stars aligned. I have had a lot of life change which took me away from a healthy lifestyle, charitable work and doing things which are impactful, especially on a daily basis. As I was searching for a motivator for change, we kept having family, friends and loved ones impacted by cancer. Some friends dealing with cancer are the exact same age as us with the same age children. It seemed like on a daily basis, my wife and I were discussing a new situation we heard about and could not imagine what we would do if faced with that scenario. Putting myself in their shoes, hit me at my core. When I heard about HFH, I instantly knew this was something I wanted to be a part of. You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? I have been extremely fortunate that I have not lost any immediate family members or close friends to cancer, yet. However, people close to me have recently lost loved ones or have family and friends battling the disease. The past few months have been overwhelming with the number of new incidences we have heard of.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Definitely the family and the food. Working in Boston, training in Dorchester and living an hour south of Boston with young kids is going to keep me away more than usual and that will be tough. Also, I love the worst food on the planet, specifically loaded nachos, (Americanized) Chinese food, more specifically crab rangoons, and sweets, so yea, its going to be the food because I don't think those things are part of many healthy diets.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? Outside of family and work, its golf. That is where I spend all of my free time and I am looking to compete in state tournaments.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Pretty much the whole office.Be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Mike!
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