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Tuesday Sep 18, 2018
Hope NYC VII: Brian Wallace
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Hope NYC in NYC on November 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 they've had first hand experience, 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 Brian Wallace, fighting out of Mendez Boxing in New York City.Where are you from? Seattle, WAWhere did you go to college? University of WashingtonDid you play any sports growing up? Football, Baseball, VolleyballWhat do you do for work? Run Sales for an Advertising Research CompanyWhy boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? Great workout, great event, great cause... No! I've never been in a real fight my entire life!Why on earth did you sign up to fight? Have attended, supporting 3 friends who are alumni. They spoke so highly of the organization, the training, and the event!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 Mom had a very close call with Cancer, but won her fight and has been cancer-free for 15 years now! Plus I know many other family members, and friends that have been impacted over the years.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? Actually nothing right now! I'm in a great place mentally/physically to focus and train without feeling like I'm missing out on anything!When you’re not throwing punches and training - what other hobbies/interests do you have? Still play volleyball a few days a week. Love being out in nature hiking and climbing things. And of course... travel!Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? I think that would have to be the trainer of my opponent! But it's not gonna happen, I'm keeping my hands up... Be sure to check out his fundraising page and wish him luck! Best of luck, Brian!
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Tuesday Sep 18, 2018
Hope NYC VII: Jake Trundle
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Hope NYC in NYC on November 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 they've had first hand experience, 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 Jake Trundle, fighting out of Mendez Boxing in New York City.Where are you from? New York CityWhere did you go to college? Tulane universityDid you play any sports growing up? Baseball mainlyWhat do you do for work? AnalystWhy boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? simple answer, noWhy on earth did you sign up to fight? I’ve known of this amazing event for a couple years and knew that if the opportunity ever came where I can be a part of this, if I could do more the help then I would have to.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 just trying to do what I can to help the countless victims and all of the health professionals working every day.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? Football Sunday’sWhen you’re not throwing punches and training - what other hobbies/interests do you have? My dog, outdoor workWho do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Same as everyone else; best friends Be sure to check out his fundraising page and wish him luck! Best of luck, Jake!
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Tuesday Sep 18, 2018
Hope NYC VII: Emily Bromley
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Hope NYC in NYC on November 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 they've had first hand experience, 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 Emily Bromley, fighting out of Gotham Gym in New York City.Where are you from? San Diego, CAWhere did you go to college? UC Berkeley (go bears !!!)Did you play any sports growing up? Swimming, Basketball, Water PoloWhat do you do for work? I manage overall relationships with broadcast and cable networks for a TV ad technology company called FreeWheel.Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I'll start with the second question first...definitely not. But isn't that the point? I'm in a phase of life right now where I think it's important to lean into fear of the unknown and play to my strengths. This probably sounds cheesy, but boxing is forcing me to commit to being courageous, and I like that. Why on earth did you sign up to fight? I thought if I did this I might come out of it looking like Gigi Hadid - but getting punched in the face might prevent that from happening.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 think cancer affects nearly everyone in some way - whether it happens to family, family friends, colleagues, friends, or friends of friends. My grandpa had prostate cancer. One of my mom's best friends passed suddenly from ovarian cancer. A friend from college has been battling a horrible brain tumor for years. One of my best friends is a gene carrier of BRACA which has enormous implications towards developing cancer and for future reproductive capabilities. Cancer is unfathomable, until it happens. Cue Mike Tyson... "everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face." I think that is what life is all about. Fighting cancer require ceaseless effort and courage ... not to mention a huge support network. I can't imagine anything more important to fight for.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? Dirty martinis. @bigmikecastle - do I really have to give up martinis?When you’re not throwing punches and training - what other hobbies/interests do you have? When I'm not having a martini with friends, fam or my awesome co-workers ... you can usually find me traveling or doing something active.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? I'm pretty sure my little brother. So far though, it sounds like people are more excited that I'm learning how to punch someone else in the face :) Be sure to check out her fundraising page and wish her luck! Best of luck, Emily!
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Tuesday Sep 18, 2018
Hope NYC VII: Mark Rosen
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Hope NYC in NYC on November 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 they've had first hand experience, 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 Marc Rosen, fighting out of Mendez Boxing in New York City.Where are you from? London, EnglandWhere did you go to college? Vanderbilt UniversityDid you play any sports growing up? Soccer, Rugby, TrackWhat do you do for work? High Yield Muni TraderWhy boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I have always admired boxers particularly the legendary heavyweights and have always wanted to experience what it is like to fight under the lights, at least once.Why on earth did you sign up to fight? When I heard about Haymakers for Hope, it struck me as an amazing way to raise money for a fantastic cause and I knew I had to get involved. Being able to get back in shape is just an added bonus.You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure – where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? Like virtually everyone, I have lost multiple loved ones to cancer and have also seen many friends and their families have to go through the difficulties associated with the disease. I’m drawing inspiration from my family members, a close friend in Middle and High School who battled with Leukaemia several times before passing away, and a friend who was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? Ice cream - It’s my favorite food. I have it several times a week, and anyone who knows me well, knows exactly how much ice cream I eat.When you’re not throwing punches and training - what other hobbies/interests do you have? I like to play soccer and skateboard. Before I moved back to NYC from LA, I spent most of my time surfing and hiking in Malibu.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Everyone at work. I think my coworkers will all attend just to see me get a fat lip. Be sure to check out his fundraising page and wish him luck! Best of luck, Marc!
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Monday Sep 17, 2018
Hope NYC VII: Katherine Erbeznik
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Hope NYC in NYC on November 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 they've had first hand experience, 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 Katherine Erbeznik, fighting out of Church Street Boxing Gym in New York City.Where are you from? Sacramento, CAWhere did you go to college? U.C. BerkeleyDid you play any sports growing up? Softball (badly) and ran track (also badly)What do you do for work? LawyerWhy boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? For me, boxing is more than just a sport. It is a physchological test. It combines intimacy, fear, nerves, strength, perseverance all into one activity. It excites me!Why on earth did you sign up to fight? This is a dream of mine. When I started boxing I said “I want one amateur fight. Just one.” And here I am!You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure – where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? Cancer has affected all of us. I lost my Aunt Mary to breast cancer in 2013. My Uncle Richard to brain cancer before that. It’s a frightful disease that doesn’t know race, creed, socioeconomic class, gender. We are all united in needing to find better treatments or, better yet, a cure!What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? Fear. Oh, and sugar.When you’re not throwing punches and training - what other hobbies/interests do you have? I do CrossFit and I love hiking. I spend time with my two little rescue chihuahua mutts. I also love reading self help books - I’m a work in progress!Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Hey, I’m a nice person. No one wants to see me get punched in the face! But I think my boxing coach will be so happy to see my take getting punched in the face with something resembling grace . . . and maybe an attempt at defense! Be sure to check out her fundraising page and wish her luck! Best of luck, Katherine!
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Monday Sep 17, 2018
Hope NYC VII: Slater Traaen
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Hope NYC in NYC on November 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 they've had first hand experience, 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 Slater Traaen, fighting out of Church Street Boxing Gym in New York City.Where are you from? San DiegoWhere did you go to college? University of San DiegoDid you play any sports growing up? Basketball What do you do for work? I work for a Munich based fund management company named GLL Real Estate Partners sourcing new acquisitions as well as managing our northeast office and retail portfolio. Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I wanted to challenge myself with something completely out of my comfort zone as I've never boxed before. Losing a gallon of water weight, lungs on fire and rendering my arms useless after each gym session is a challenge in and of itself. Stepping into the ring to fight is something on another level I'll have to wrap my head around.Why on earth did you sign up to fight? H4H is something I've been wanting to do for quite some time. I know a number of alumni all of whom say it was one of the best experiences of their life. The discipline, physicality and focus is something that was more appealing to me than a cancer 5K fun run.You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure – where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? Cancer has affected my family and my wife's family in a deeply meaningful way having lost loved ones to both ovarian and colon cancer. I'm fighting for them. I'm also fighting to ensure research is properly funded and advances are made to eradicate this horrible disease.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? That feeling of relaxation and free time. I think about the fight constantly and when I'm in on something, I'm all in. On the other hand I'm not very restrictive with my diet which may be my undoing but hope to counter that with plenty of gym time.When you’re not throwing punches and training - what other hobbies/interests do you have? I'm a big hoops fan and play a lot of basketball; try to get out of New York a few times a year either internationally or even if it's just taking a weekend trip somewhere; Heading out to shows or festivals to see a favorite band play; making my daughter belly laugh. Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? I have an unintentional habit of punching my best friends in the arm or slapping them relatively hard on their back as a show of endearment if I get laughing hard, so I am positive they are absolutely giddy about the payback I am about to receive. Be sure to check out his fundraising page and wish him luck! Best of luck, Slater!
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Monday Sep 10, 2018
Hope NYC VII: Alec Ginsberg
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Hope NYC in NYC on November 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 they've had first hand experience, 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 Alec Ginsberg, fighting out of Gotham Gym in New York City.Where are you from? Jericho, NYWhere did you go to college? The University of National Champions (UNC - Chapel Hill)Did you play any sports growing up? I played hockey and lacrosse throughout high school, and continued to play club hockey in college. I still play in a league once a week.What do you do for work? The simple answer is that I'm a pharmacist at CO Bigelow Apothecary in the West Village, but I'm also the 4th generation of the owning family, so I spend a lot of time focused on our retail beauty, social media, in-house brand, and any other projects we happen to be working on at any given time.Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I got into boxing in high school because I wanted to get the most out of my workouts. I had taken a lesson just to try it out and immediately realized there's no tougher way to train. I've always felt that if I'm going to spend an hour in the gym, I might as well make it as hard as I can. I never pictured fighting because I never imagined a situation that would allow me to do it without making it my occupation. Then I discovered Haymakers for Hope!Why on earth did you sign up to fight? I've always loved the process of setting short term personal goals or challenges, making a plan, sticking to it, and accomplishing. Above all else, I love to test my limits. For example, most recently I went to Tanzania on my own to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. Fighting in H4H fits the mold for exactly the kind of challenge I love to take on. It's an opportunity very few people ever get to experience, and it brings not only the physical/mental challenge of pushing my boundaries but also the fundraising aspect. I attended the NYC event last year and got swept up in the excitement. I couldn't wait to get involved.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 choose to fight for those who don't have a choice. Today it feels like everyone has had their life affected by cancer in some way, shape, or form, whether they themselves have been diagnosed, or someone close to them. For me, it's not just my own family and friends who have been attacked by the disease, but also the people of the West Village community that I care for at my pharmacy. Not a day goes by that I don't speak with someone who is fighting for their life, and it's time for me to do my part.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? I'm a huge NFL fan, and one of my favorite things to do is wake up on a Sunday during football season and sit on the couch from the minute I wake up until I go to sleep watching all the games. While I'm training, I'm going to have to shift to using that time in the gym or prepping meals for the week. That first Sunday after November 15th is going to be great!!!When you’re not throwing punches and training - what other hobbies/interests do you have? Outside of work and the gym, the rest of my life is spent doing/consuming all things music and sports. I'm a die-hard Knicks, Jets, and Tarheels fan and really love to follow the NBA, NFL, and NCAA basketball. There's rarely a time when I'm at home and don't have a podcast playing in the background discussing one of those things. I also play guitar, and while my days of playing in a band have come to an end, I still enjoy subjecting my girlfriend to my talent on a nightly basis.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? I'm really not sure, but I do know that my mother is by far the least excited. She will be the woman ringside on fight night yelling, "DON'T TOUCH MY BABY!!!!"Be sure to check out her fundraising page and wish him luck! Best of luck, Alec!
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Monday Sep 10, 2018
Hope NYC VII: Gabriela Ponce
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Hope NYC in NYC on November 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 they've had first hand experience, 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 Gabriela Ponce, fighting out of Mendez Boxing in New York City.Where are you from? Born and raised in Quito EcuadorWhere did you go to college? Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MDDid you play any sports growing up? NopeWhat do you do for work? I am a photo retoucher.Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I guess I have always been a fighter in some sense of the word. Growing up in a culture of male dominance, patriarchy and gender stereotypes of what girls and women "should be" I had to fight my way to be heard by people around me. Boxing just puts a very literal and practical experience to something I have felt I have been doing since I was a child.Why on earth did you sign up to fight? It is a huge personal challenge for me. It's also crazy, and I'm pretty Crazy ;)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 lost my grandfather and my stepfather to cancer.Both of them WAY too young. I am also drawing a ton of inspiration from people who have to battle something each and every day, and do it. To me, determination is one of the most admirable qualities in a person. Through my training I want my daughter to see her mother be determined. I want myself to push harder than I ever had and I want to honor all those fighters who have worked so hard every single day of their lives.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? Beer and Wine. I will miss my wine.When you’re not throwing punches and training - what other hobbies/interests do you have? I love to run, It keeps me sane.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Definitely NOT My mom.Be sure to check out her fundraising page and wish him luck! Best of luck, Gabriela!
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Monday Sep 10, 2018
Boxer in Training: Danielle Lamy
You’ve heard who they are and why they’re fighting. But now that we’re over the halfway mark until the big night on October 10th, things have started to pick up a bit. Training is getting more intense. They’ve been punched in the face. Most have had a bloody nose here or there, their diets have changed, and boxing is becoming an everyday part of their lives. So we figured it was about time to check back in and see how things have been going. Danielle Lamy has been putting in work at YMCA Cambridge and below you’ll hear about her first time sparring and more about her experience with Haymakers thus far.We’re halfway to fight night, how is your training coming along? It's going well! I have come a lot farther then I thought I would so far....and have handled being punched a lot better than I thought.What is your weekly routine? On Monday Mornings - I go surfing before work (as long as the surf is up) in New Hampshire. On Monday Evenings - After work I head to the gym where I warm up for an hour before boxing class. After boxing class we spar On Tuesday Mornings - I go to cycling at Handle Bar and then head to the gym to complete drills for foot work On Tuesday Evenings - I run around at a restaurant (slow cardio, am I right?) On Wednesday Mornings - I go to cycling at Handle Bar and then head to Pilates at Down Under Yoga On Wednesday Evenings - After work I head to the gym where I warm up for an hour before boxing class. After boxing class we spar Thursday Morning - I I go to cycling at Handle Bar and then take on the guys at Toast for a morning basketball game Thursday Evening's - After work I head to the gym where I warm up for an hour before boxing class. After boxing class we spar Friday Morning - I head to the gym for a morning boxing class (its interesting have gloves thrown at you before coffee) Friday Lunch - I go to the yoga studio to take a class the focuses on healing the back Friday Evenings - I once again run around a restaurant to complete the weeks cardio haha On the weekends I surf whenever possible!How has your diet changed since training began? I started out just eating really healthy (no burger, fries, or sweets :( ) but still had trouble loosing weight. With the help of Julie I switched to 4 meals a day. This was the biggest change since I am a HUGE snacker. Weirdly enough I have found myself to not be hungry all the time.Tell us about your first-time sparring, different than expected? Yes, I came out of the ring just thinking, what the hell did I just get myself into.What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far? When I get tired, I also have hard a hard time listening to what my body needs, even if that means diverging from the daily routine.What does your family think of your participation? My mom was not happy when I first started, she said there is no way I can watch my daughter getting punched in the face. (I have been told a lot of mom's feel the same way) She has slowly come around and is one of my biggest supporters. I wouldn't be here without my family. My parents, brother, aunts, uncles, and cousins have been beyond supportive.It’s amazing how many people’s lives have been touched by cancer in some way - has there been anyone that has surprised you by their story? Once of the biggest reasons why I am fighting is for myself and my future kids. I have had a lot of people come up to be, surprised about what they read on my fighter page. I was pretty quiet about what was happening in my life in the spring and didn't let to many people know how I was feeling on a daily basis.Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training? Yes, I originally came into this to bring awareness to cancer and if you feel like something is off in your body, find out why. Since the start, I have come to the realization of how strong I am. My confidence has raised and I finally feel like I can stand my ground with anything.Donate to Danielle or purchase a ticket to Belles of the Brawl V on October 10th here!
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Monday Sep 10, 2018
Boxer in Training: Denise Lavino
You’ve heard who they are and why they’re fighting. But now that we’re over the halfway mark until the big night on October 10th, things have started to pick up a bit. Training is getting more intense. They’ve been punched in the face. Most have had a bloody nose here or there, their diets have changed, and boxing is becoming an everyday part of their lives. So we figured it was about time to check back in and see how things have been going. Denise Lavino has been putting in work at Jim McNally Boxing and below you’ll hear about her first time sparring and more about her experience with Haymakers thus far.We’re halfway to fight night, how is your training coming along? The training is going really well BUT it is getting harder!What is your weekly routine? Wake up, gym, come home, shower, cook dinner, get ready for work, see personal trainer, sleep!!How has your diet changed since training began? Really not much, I am a healthy eater to begin with, just eating alot more of the healthy stuff!Tell us about your first-time sparring, different than expected? Whoa....First time was really tuff, not what I expected but pushed through it, said I'm not giving up, and here I am countless sparring sessions later!What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far? I honestly have not had any challenges sticking to my routine, I know it's got to be done to be where I want to be and that's the thought process I have to keep me pushing through!!What does your family think of your participation? Pretty much everyone is on board with what I am doing especially my husband who has been amazing through this whole process, right by my side, and has seen the blood, the sweat, and tears!! He pushes me, helps me, & listens to all my complaints....lol.It’s amazing how many people’s lives have been touched by cancer in some way - has there been anyone that has surprised you by their story? Yes, a member of my boxing who I have seen numerous amount of times and in passing has said hello or has waved to me asked me one day if she could have a few minutes of my time & we sat down and she explained to me how she is a cancer survivor and how honored she felt that I was doing Haymakers, she hugged me and told me she will never forget what I did for her any many others❤Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training? Absolutley not!!Donate to Denise or purchase a ticket to Belles of the Brawl V on October 10th here!
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