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Monday Sep 10, 2018
Boxer in Training: Stephanie Rokitowski
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. Stephanie Rokitowski has been putting in work at Haverhill Downton 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? I thought I was in shape before starting training, turns out that being in "boxing shape" is a whole new level. Training is coming along great but it's definitely been a humbling experience as well.What is your weekly routine? I get up early.... Like 4 am early. I get a run in before work. After work I head to the gym for conditioning, sparring or whatever other training we've got going on that day. Workouts typically last 2 hours. By the time I get home it's usually dinner and bed.How has your diet changed since training began? I've been eating MORE! The amount of calories I've been burning through with these workouts requires constant energy and fuel. I eat mostly healthy to begin with but have definitely allowed a few extra treats with training.Tell us about your first-time sparring, different than expected? I was so scared because I didn't know what to expect. I've never been in a fight before so I wasn't quite sure how it would feel to be punched in the face. Turns out the unknown was WAY more nerve racking.What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far? Honestly just time. If a few extra hours could be added to each day that would make things so much easier.What does your family think of your participation? My mom still isn't thrilled about me getting punched in the face.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? I had a fundraiser recently and a woman came to it and told me the only reason she came to the restaurant that night was for the fundraiser. She had just been diagnosed last year with Breast Cancer, underwent treatment and early this spring found out she was cancer free. It's stories like that that inspire me to fight for a cure.Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training? I think just knowing how many peoples lives have been affected by cancer, whether they are fighting their own battle or have lost someone to cancer, it makes our cause so much bigger than our own personal experiences.Donate to Stephanie 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: Melisa Thorne
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. Melisa Thorne has been putting in work at Firicano Boxing & Fitness 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? Very well. Always learning.What is your weekly routine? Train, eat, sleep, train.How has your diet changed since training began? Oh yes. You know how hard it is to not have ice cream in the summer?!Tell us about your first-time sparring, different than expected? Whoa. It was rough. But expected it to be hard.What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far? Time. Working full time and training leaves little time to spend with my family but they have been awesome. They know how important this is .What does your family think of your participation? My husband was apprehensive at first but now he is my greatest supporter.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? Cancer does not discriminate and I’m not surprised that all of us Belles have a story to share and a person that they are fighting for. I’d be surprised if someone didn’t have a personal story.Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training? My sister continues to be a huge inspiration. If she can raise a family as single parent and survive cancer then I can do this fight as a tribute to her perseverance and grace.Donate to Melisa or purchase a ticket to Belles of the Brawl V on October 10th here!
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Tuesday Sep 4, 2018
Hope NYC VII: Neil Schuster
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 Neil Schuster, fighting out of Mendez Boxing in New York City.Where are you from? Atlanta, GAWhere did you go to college? Columbia University Did you play any sports growing up? Football, basketball, and golfWhat do you do for work? Co-Founder | Merch Czar - No Laying Up New Business Ad Sales - GoogleWhy boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I’ve heard it was the best all around workout. I’m 29 and I like the idea of being in the best shape of my life and the 1 vs 1 challenge waiting for me on November 15th. That’s real motivation for me, though I have pictured myself boxing in my younger years, I never considered doing it in front of a crowd like the one I saw at H4H 2017!Why on earth did you sign up to fight? Each year I try to set a unique physical goal that’s black and white and that makes me think, ‘how am I going to pull this off?’ Last year was “Dunk Watch 2017” (the goal was to dunk a basketball) and this year the goal is “win a boxing match.” Combining this physical goal with a cause like fighting cancer is a win/win.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 mother’s bout with breast cancer when I was just a 3rd grader. She’s beat cancer’s ass and has remained cancer free for 19 years. Over that time, I’ve seen cancer take a toll on cousins, aunts, and friends losing several of them way too quickly. I’m incredibly lucky to have my Mom healthy and cancer free since 1999. It was the best case scenario, and I don’t reflect on how amazing her story has been. I also miss these other influential people like crazy, and I want to do something in their honor and for their loved ones; A fight seems fitting.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? The snooze buttonWhen you’re not throwing punches and training - what other hobbies/interests do you have? Golf, leisurely bike rides around NYC, playing the drums, and readingWho do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? The haters and losers! Be sure to check out his fundraising page and wish her luck! Best of luck, Neil!
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Tuesday Sep 4, 2018
Hope NYC VII: Matt Shendell
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 Matt Shendell, fighting out of Mendez Boxing in New York City.Where are you from? Queens, New York Where did you go to college? Univ of DelawareDid you play any sports growing up? Tennis, BaseballWhat do you do for work? CEO Ainsworth GroupWhy boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? Always loved it since I was a kid. Yes, was always planning to do one event like H4H.Why on earth did you sign up to fight? I have been a huge fan of H4H since I went to the event 4 years ago. Set it as something I have to do once.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 dad had a 5 yr bout with cancer in his face. Unfortunately he had his nose removed and now has a prosthetic.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? None of it! Im focused and ready!When you’re not throwing punches and training - what other hobbies/interests do you have? Football, and my two kids!Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? My wife! Be sure to check out his fundraising page and wish her luck! Best of luck, Matt!
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Tuesday Sep 4, 2018
Boxer in Training: Grace Bloodwell
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. Grace Bloodwell has been putting in work at Combat Sports Boston and below you’ll hear about her first time sparring and more about his experience with Haymakers thus far.We’re halfway to fight night, how is your training coming along? It's going well. My trainers at Combat Sports are excellent.What is your weekly routine? Run. Box. Run.How has your diet changed since training began? Doubled.Tell us about your first-time sparring, different than expected? Getting punched in the face felt a lot like I imagined it would.What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far? Balancing work, training, and time off is challenging...but possible.What does your family think of your participation? They think I'm a loon but they are rooting for me.Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training? Meeting the other competitors this weekend has made me appreciate the organization and the mission so much more.Donate to Grace or purchase a ticket to Belles of the Brawl VI on October 10th here!
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Tuesday Sep 4, 2018
Boxer in Training: Molly Falconer
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. Molly Falconer has been putting in work at EverybodyFights and below you’ll hear about her first time sparring and more about his experience with Haymakers thus far.We’re halfway to fight night, how is your training coming along? Great! I'm loving the process and learning a lot. Before this I only hit heavy bags and this is a whole new game- these bags hit back!What is your weekly routine? Conditioning twice a week, boxing technique twice a week and sparring once or twice a week. If I can't make the gym my trainer sends me something terrible to do, so I'm getting it in.How has your diet changed since training began? Luckily not much! I don't have to lose/ gain a ton and it's always been pretty on track. I have to drop a few pounds, so maybe some cheese will have to go soon which will be sad but manageable.Tell us about your first-time sparring, different than expected? Oh yea. There's no preparing for the first "pop" to the nose. Total mind fuck. Can I say that?What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far? I've done a lot of endurance events and I consider myself in shape, but this is a totally different kind of "shape". Give me a ten mile run over a 2 minute sprint any day. I can zone out on a run, but this takes 100% focus all the time. Training my body for something so different has been tough- also, I HATE doing abs!What does your family think of your participation? There's some general concern "for my face" (mom) but honestly they're used to me by this point and support me 100% in anything.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? I made it a point to reach out to several people I know who have fought cancer to see if they would like to share their story. What surprised me is how many people told me their story is "boring" and offered to share someone else's who they are close to. There is nothing boring about you if you've crushed cancer!Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training? No, still here because this disease has been so present in my life. My list of inspiration has grown, but not changed.Donate to Molly or purchase a ticket to Belles of the Brawl VI on October 10th here!
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Tuesday Sep 4, 2018
Trading in Booze for Boxing Gloves
32 women are in training for the Belles of the Brawl in Boston on October 10th. Over the next three months they’re fundraising, shadowboxing, sparring, running, jumping rope, doing all they can trying to drop those lbs to hit weight on fight night and walk away with a W. Which means that as they’re preparing for the big night, there are a few things they’ll have to sacrifice to be physically and mentally ready to get in the ring. We were curious what those sacrifices were so we asked them what the hardest things to give up would be, whether it be beer, staying up late or the most difficult of all - tacos. Check out what some of our fighters had to say…White. Chocolate. Chips. -Sophie MorganHonestly, wine, going on super awkward first dates, and sleep!! -Lauren WeishaarLoco’s burnt end tacos and coco margs. -Carolyn MalloyThe most difficult thing for me to give up during training has been chocolate covered almonds. However, I stopped eating them and immediately lost 2 pounds, which is horrifying. I actually enjoy eating healthy so my biggest challenge will be trying to hit my goal weight while maintaining my strength! -Alex KelleherTredwell's Ice Cream Sunday :( -Emily HarneyQuality time with my Golden Retriever, Walter. No joke. The after work snuggles have been put on hold. :P -Jenna TaylorFrench fries!!! I love French fries!!! -Paula SullivanOy... summertime is brutal! With barbecues galore, and patio season in full swing, it's going to be difficult to pass up after-work drinks, pizza, and all of those tempting treats... The spontaneous venture to Fenway Park for a weeknight game is no longer an option and I'll certainly miss a chocolate dipped waffle cone filled with coffee oreo ice cream... I should probably stop before I start drooling. -Claudia RosenbalttSweets! I have a crazy sweet tooth, but I want to commit to eating real whole clean foods while I train to get myself in the best place possible come fight night! -Brittany WiltonNothing. I enjoy every second of misery when training for anything :) -Molly FalconerMy time is the most difficult to balance, first I am a mother of 19yr old twin boys, second I am a wife, third I have a full-time job & last and most important for the next 4 months is my training schedule. I am very passionate about everything I do and I am very focused and that is most importantly the reasons why I hope to succeed in this journey. -Denise LavinoMargaritas. -Jane AnnisBourbon and chicken wings! -Kiley HorneWithout a doubt beer and wine! -Stacy MacQuarrieIce cream, Dunkin coffee rolls, and beer. -Allie LawlerI REALLY really really miss sleep and my dogs and my family. I'm out of the house early in the morning and back late at night. I also really miss my brain having space for things other than H4H and training. The amount I've worn the same shirt to the gym/haven't washed my wraps because I've forgotten to do laundry...scary stuff. Stay far, far away. -Jillian GundersheimHonestly, I'm a weight training junkie. Making that mindset shift in training has been the biggest so far. -Stephanie RokitowskiCheez-Its. -Grace BloodwellWINE. Absolutely the wine. And the every once in a blue moon chocolate cravings. -Brianna SavardIce cream for sure – how can you not eat ice cream all summer? -Tracy DeforgeFrench fries and sleeping in. Hands down two of my favorite things. -Kayla SheaI'm not a night person so the late night training sessions are going to be a challenge, I'm usually in bed by 8pm! -Alyssa CoteTime with my boyfriend. Going to the gym to spar late makes very little free time to see him but he is very supportive. -Natalie Moore
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Wednesday Aug 29, 2018
Belles of the Brawl VI: Lauren Weishaar
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Belles of the Brawl VI in Boston on October 10th. 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 Lauren, “Lo”, “Laur”, “Barb” Weishaar, fighting out of EverybodyFights.Where are you from? Webster, NYWhere’d you go to college? Stetson UniversityDid you play any sports growing up? I swam and played lacrosse until I found out my true calling in life was to play golf!What do you do for work? Investor RelationsWhy boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? Oh yeah, I asked my mom if I could learn to box when I was 11 years old (that got shutdown)! Here I am! I love the intensity of the workouts... never a dull moment and a great way to zone out and just focus on either mitts or sparring.Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? I’ve lost many loved ones to cancer and have some currently battling the disease. I’m fighting in their honor and to raise awareness for the Haymakers For Hope foundation. This experience will push me to my personal limits and has/will continue to make me uncomfortable. This experience will teach me to never give up... our loved ones fighting don’t have a choice, but to keep going. They are my inspiration.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 and loosing people I love to this disease has taught me to cherish life, time, to make time for loved ones, to live a happy life, and to not give up on the things/people in my life that mean the most to me. Life is hard. I am grateful to have this opportunity to give back and raise awareness.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Honestly, wine, going on super awkward first dates, and sleep!!When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I enjoy playing golf (when I’m not sore from training), cooking, rapping to 90’s Hip Hop music, denying how much I adore Taylor Swift’s new record and spotlighting as a stylist for friends and family.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Good question? I can think of a few, however I think my brother will laugh the hardest when I get punched in the face. Thank you Kevin for prepping me for this experience during our childhood! FYI - these girls punch harder than you do! And don’t forget to donate. :)Be sure to check out her fundraising page and wish her luck! Best of luck, Lauren!
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Wednesday Aug 29, 2018
Belles of the Brawl VI: Jillian Gundersheim
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Belles of the Brawl VI in Boston on October 10th. 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 Jillian Gundersheim, fighting out of EverybodyFights.Where are you from? Newton, MAWhere’d you go to college? Northeastern UniversityDid you play any sports growing up? I played soccer, basketball, and lacrosse up until 8th grade but took my real talents to the dance floor. I've been dancing my whole life and danced competitively all the way through college!What do you do for work? I'm a Pediatric RN. I started at Boston Children's Hospital on the inpatient Hematology/Oncology Unit and now work at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in the Jimmy Fund Clinic! I also work at South End Community Health Center in Pediatrics as well.Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? Never pictured myself fighting...ever. When dance was not a part of my daily life anymore, it definitely left a void. Boxing and dancing have a lot of similarities, especially with rhythm and mind-body connection. Just trying to Cha-Cha Slide my way around the ring and hopefully that works!Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? My amazing coworker and mentor, Laura Stokes, fought in Belles of the Brawl 2016. I was in complete awe of her dedication and hard work that she put into her training. She is such an phenomenal role model in the ring, at work, and in life. She would wake up at 3 am before day shift and wake herself up early from night shift to get her workouts in and stepped so far out of her comfort zone. When I saw her fight I felt like I was having second-hand excitement and basically had been through Belles training with her. After two years to think about it, a few Sam Summers, and a couple of peer pressure texts from Stokes, I sent in my application and never looked back. I'm so proud to call her my friend and to be able to share this experience with her after completing it myself.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 drawing my inspiration from my patients that are so close to my heart. You haven't seen resiliency until you've seen a kid and their family endure cancer treatment. They are constantly battling the fear of the unknown while trying to focus on 24 hours by 24 hours. They have more mental toughness than they're even aware of and show up day after day ready to get after it. I'm so lucky to be a part of their journeys. I learn something big from them every single day. I'm also fighting for my grandma Bev Siagel who beat cancer twice and Poppa Julius Gundersheim, who continues to live with cancer to this day. They are unbelievable and take care of themselves impeccably to make sure that they are here for us. I love them so much. You'll find them in the front row of HOB possibly with their eyes closed, but regardless ready to watch me perform.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) I REALLY really really miss sleep and my dogs and my family. I'm out of the house early in the morning and back late at night. I also really miss my brain having space for things other than H4H and training. The amount I've worn the same shirt to the gym/haven't washed my wraps because I've forgotten to do laundry...scary stuff. Stay far, far away.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I love being with my friends and family, especially my cousins! I also love to eat charcuterie boards (RIP until October), drink tequila (also RIP until October), dance, be in and around any body of water, go to concerts, be with my dogs, ride Pan-Mass Challenge as a pregame to Belles, and I really love to sleep but because I can't do that I really love coffee more than ever.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Ooooh...unclear. Definitely NOT my family, definitely my friends, and DEFINITELY Laura StokesBe sure to check out her fundraising page and wish her luck! Best of luck, Jillian!
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Monday Aug 27, 2018
Hope NYC VII: Adam Berke
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 Adam Berke, fighting out of Church Street Boxing Gym in New York City.Where are you from? I was born in the Philippines but moved to the US when I was 3 or 4 and grew up in San Francisco!Where did you go to college? UC Santa BarbaraDid you play any sports growing up? I played just about everything, but Baseball was my favorite and most serious sport.What do you do for work? I'm a residential real estate agent on the Serhant Team, you might've seen me on Bravo's TV show, "Million Dollar Listing NY"!Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I've loved boxing ever since I was a little kid watching the big fights with my dad and rooting for fighters like Mike Tyson, Roy Jones Jr., and Manny Pacquiao. Not to mention, Stallone's "Rocky" movies were some of my favorites growing up! I used to imagine myself in the ring and fighting in the Golden Gloves or the Olympics, but I'll settle for one night with Haymakers 4 Hope!Why on earth did you sign up to fight? I enjoy a challenge and I enjoy supporting a good cause. I think training for four months to fight a total stranger in front of thousands of people in NYC while raising money to battle cancer is a great way to accomplish both.You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure – where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? Members of my extended family and my friends are currently battling or have battled cancer. I'm drawing inspiration from them, knowing that any pain or stress I'll be going through with my training is nothing compared to what they are dealing with or have dealt with.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? I LOVE FOOD. I won't be able to give up all of my bad eating habits entirely, but I'll definitely be cutting back on the desserts, pizzas, and specialty burgers (Bar Sardine, Emily's, and Minetta are a few of my favorites) to maybe just once every other week :)When you’re not throwing punches and training - what other hobbies/interests do you have? When I'm not closing real estate deals, I'm taking acting classes, catching improv and comedy shows, and exploring new places to eat in the city.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Ryan Serhant. I drive him crazy sometimes, so he's probably going to be living vicariously through my opponent.Be sure to check out his fundraising page and wish him luck! Best of luck, Adam!
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