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Thursday Jul 26, 2018
Hope NYC VII: Gabrielle Cramer
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 Gabrielle Cramer, fighting out of Mendez Boxing in New York City.Where are you from? Manhasset (Long Island)Where did you go to college? Cornell UniversityDid you play any sports growing up? Tennis, TrackWhat do you do for work? Sales at PelotonWhy boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I used to do it for conditioning - know it is one of the most physically and mentally challenging forms of exercise.Why on earth did you sign up to fight? After losing my grandfather to Pancreatic cancer and watching both my father and grandmother suffer from Melanoma I really aligned with the cause. Also I wanted to both challenge me and push me and knew the experience would be worthwhile and one of a kind.You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure – where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? Father, Grandfather, Grandmother.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? Not nec. giving anything up - just being really mindful of how my eating and my lifestyle habits impact me and staying committed and motivated.When you’re not throwing punches and training - what other hobbies/interests do you have? Tennis, Dogs, Horseback riding, hanging out with my friends, "trolling" aka exploring NYC aimlessly with friends, pilatesWho do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? LOL. Deff my former rooomates. Maybe Jessie Smith & Amanda D'Amico for always being a smart ass. Be sure to check out his fundraising page and wish her luck! Best of luck, Gabrielle!
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Thursday Jul 26, 2018
Hope NYC VII: Shaun Rose
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 Shaun Rose, fighting out of Gotham Gym in New York City.Where are you from? New YorkWhere did you go to college? Many placesDid you play any sports growing up? Yes. Almost any but baseball the mostWhat do you do for work? I own a bar and a nightclubWhy boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I have always been a fan of boxing, from the time I was a kid. It was a sport I always wanted to learn but never did. About a year and a half ago, a good friend started boxing. He said he always wanted to do it and it’s never too late to try. I figured why not me.Why on earth did you sign up to fight? A friend of mine participated last year and inspired me to give it a shot.You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure – where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? Unfortunately, like most, I have had far too many people in my life who have battled this disease. Some have won but too many have lost. This fight took on new meaning for me when I found out that my friend Rocky was battling pancreatic cancer. I found this out just as I was accepted.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? Booze. I work in the nightlife business. That will be tough..When you’re not throwing punches and training - what other hobbies/interests do you have? Music is what gets me through training and it what gets me through most days.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? The support I have received from friends and family thus far has been overwhelming. I’m excited to have them all attend. However, I’m hoping that my friend can be there on November 15thBe sure to check out his fundraising page and wish him luck! Best of luck, Shaun!
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Tuesday Jul 24, 2018
Hope NYC VII: Ian Carow
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 Ian Carow, fighting out of Mendez Boxing in New York City.Where are you from? New JerseyWhere did you go to college? VanderbiltDid you play any sports growing up? FootballWhat do you do for work? I work at Cerberus Capital in the Residebtial mortgage fund doing trading and analytics.Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? It's such a great test of will power both leading up to the fight being disciplined in your training and then obviously stepping in the ring as well. I've always enjoyed watching fights and felt like this would be a great challenge for me.Why on earth did you sign up to fight? Mainly to raise money for great causes in The Valerie Fund and Haymakers (and I get too bored running to do a marathon).You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure – where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? In my personal life, my father just recently finished his treatment for CLL and my maternal grandmother passed away from breast cancer so I have both of them in my mind. And through my past involvement with The Valerie Fund I've also had a chance to meet some of these amazing kids who have overcome so much, so it is a huge motivation do be able to do a little something for them as well.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? Beer. Definitely beer.When you’re not throwing punches and training - what other hobbies/interests do you have? Fly fishing, cyclingWho do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Literally every person I work with.Be sure to check out his fundraising page and wish him luck! Best of luck, Ian!
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Monday Jul 23, 2018
Belles of the Brawl VI: Kim Holman
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 Kim Holman, fighting out of BoxSmith.Where are you from? Merrimack, NH, though I’ve resided in Boston for the last decade.Where’d you go to college? I went to Mount Holyoke for undergrad, and just obtained my MFA from Goddard College a few months ago!Did you play any sports growing up? I was the kid that scored a basket for the wrong basketball team and panicked when everyone chased me because I had the ball. Despite being tall and having my dad as a coach, I ended up benched halfway through the second-grade season. My limited sports career also spanned picking daisies while spending a day as an outfielder and quitting tennis camp two days in. Luckily I found success in dance classes, which I started as a young child, and I’ve been at it ever since, even making it my career!What do you do for work? I run Luminarium Dance Company, a contemporary dance company based in Boston, where I make new performance for our seven incredible company members. We’ve performed everywhere from the Boston Opera House to inside a fountain in a park—always unexpected adventures in the land of art. The company is a 501c3, so my job consists of both nonprofit administration and being an artist. I also take a lot of freelance gigs, choreographing for the concert stage, film, tv, theatre, you name it.Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? Honestly, I’m still trying to figure that out. Last December I tried a boxing conditioning class at BoxSmith (with coach extraordinaire Jess Smith) and LOVED it. I was on the cusp of graduating from grad school, my uncle was in the midst of six weeks in the ICU after being hit by a car, and I had endured two hip injuries and gained a lot of weight since undergrad… at that moment in time boxing was definitely a way to take back control of my life. I still can’t explain that subconscious urge to step into the boxing gym, however, and shocked myself even further when I decided to try sparring. Now I can’t stop! I am loving boxing and its similarities to dance in how you utilize your entire body and brain.Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? Do one thing that scares you every day, right? I had been watching Parker Willard and Chip Rives around BoxSmith as they trained for last May’s fight and was really impressed with their commitment to training and their constantly improving boxing technique. At some point mid-Spring, Jess (BoxSmith’s badass owner) asked me if I was going to throw my name in the hat for Belles, and I hadn’t really considered that it was something I could do. I’d been awful at sports and avoided conflict like a champ for my entire life, but here was a chance to seriously challenge myself and the idea of ‘impossible’ while raising money for a great cause. I spent a weekend freaking out about taking training to the next level, bombarding Jess and a handful of family and friends with questions and panicky illogical thoughts, before deciding there was really nothing to lose and everything to gain by signing up. What’s the worst thing that could happen—a punch in the face?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 currently drawing my inspiration from “Mighty Max” Mendez—an eight-year-old boy from my hometown in NH. Max has not only been fighting leukemia, making frequent trips to Boston for grueling treatments, but also doing a crazy amount of fundraising for Dana Farber/Jimmy Fund so eventually, there might be a cure and no more kids have to deal with cancer. I am so impressed by how relentless he is in the face of something really scary, that I couldn’t NOT do my part. In terms of a personal connection to the awfulness of cancer, I've had friends and classmates fight cancer, sometimes unsuccessfully, and it is never a fair fight. I had a front-row seat watching my Grampa get slowly devoured by prostate cancer a few years ago—going from a healthy mainstay of our family to a progressively smaller, less coherent shade of himself before an untimely death. It was awful to stand by helplessly and watch his demise in progress, and I wish no one else had to go through that.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) I think the most difficult thing to give up isn’t one specific item, but more the spontaneous way I live my life. Summer usually means extreme flexibility with my schedule and hijinks, not sticking to a training diet, not drinking, and planning my days around my (many) workouts.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I’ve got art on the brain most of the time and try to check out exhibits, performances, and lectures to keep my own work fresh. It’s also summer so I’m all about outdoor things—kayaking, taking my dog on fun adventures, perfecting the art of reading in a hammock. My husband and I are also new owners of a beehive, so I’m learning how to keep bees!Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? I think my husband, Russell, will be the most excited person in the crowd watching me show off my new skills. When I tentatively brought up the idea of participating in Haymakers he responded with “you have to do it” even before I shared the details. I’ve also got a great group of close friends (who are still a little bit in disbelief) that will be coming to cheer me on and watch the action unfold.Be sure to check out her fundraising page and wish her luck! Best of luck, Kim!
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Thursday Jul 19, 2018
Hope NYC VII: Max Padrid
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 Max Padrid, fighting out of Mendez Boxing in New York City.Where are you from? Chicago (SOUTHSIDE STAND UP)Where did you go to college? University of KansasDid you play any sports growing up? Basketball and soccer(v average at both)What do you do for work? Investment bankingWhy boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? Great way to look good in my bathing suit and the idea of actually fighting another human made my physically ill until like 9 days ago (jk still goes)Why on earth did you sign up to fight? The honest answer is I thought I was filling out an entry to win free Olive Garden for a year but somehow wound up here.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 a pretty elaborate backstory but the condensed version is my mom was diagnosed with a brain tumor ten years ago and Is still fighting to recover a decade later. On top of raising money for research, I’m fighting to show her that I got her back for life.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? My manageable anxiety levels, sleep, general happiness, friendships, family, regular breathing habits, my adorable dad bod, any chance at a girlfriend, buffalo wings, ranch dressing.When you’re not throwing punches and training - what other hobbies/interests do you have? Thinking about all of the things I’m not doing for 4 months(see above). Also Traveling.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Every person who’s ever gotten to know me. Also my friend CelineBe sure to check out his fundraising page and wish him luck! Best of luck, Max!
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Thursday Jul 19, 2018
From the Corner: Kevin O’Leary
Throughout the four months of training, we often give you a behind the scenes look at the fight journey. Weekly routines, daily sacrifices, and the underlying motivation that drives each fighter to step into the ring. What you don’t often see or hear about are the people behind them - their trainers. From former pro boxers, to seasoned instructors who have grown up around the sport – these dedicated coaches are part of the lifeblood of Haymakers. They teach their students the art of the sweet science...how to punch, slip, move around the ring, and achieve an optimal fitness level. Their passion for boxing and Haymakers mission to KO cancer is the real reason our fighters come fully prepared for their first amateur bout on fight night and we wanted to share a bit more about those who are in our fighters' corners.Below you’ll hear from Kevin O’Leary, a coach at EverybodyFights in Boston who has trained fighters for Rock ‘N Rumble and Belles of the Brawl.How long have you been coaching Haymakers fighters? Since 2014How did you get involved in boxing? I got involved in boxing during my junior year of college. I was at the South Boston parade and saw a man in his 40's sitting on his stoop with a puppy. Being a dog lover and a little tipsy at the time, I approached and started playing with the dog. At the time, I had a cast on my hand from an unfortunate decision made some weeks before. The man told me his name was Joey DeGrandis, a former professional boxer from Southie. He asked me if I wanted to learn to box for real instead of making stupid decisions and breaking my hand. A month or so later when my hand was healed I called up Joey and had my first boxing lesson at the L Street Bath House. I've been boxing ever since.What was it that inspired you to become a coach? I love the sport and love to teach it to people. It instills discipline and teaches people to find another level that they didn't know they had. The lessons they learn preparing for a fight stays with them for the rest of their lives. For people who don't want to fight, it is an excellent tool to get in shape.How did you first get involved with Haymakers for Hope? George Foreman III took a couple boxers at his gym for Haymakers in 2014. I started off sparring with them and getting them ready for their fights. I found I really enjoyed teaching the sport and George provided me with the opportunity to train them.What’s it like training a Haymaker participant? As they are new to the sport with little to no previous experience It's fun. Most go through the same stages. It starts with a nervous excitement where we try to drill the fundamentals into them. They then progress to sparring where they usually start by getting their butts kicked and humbled. Once they get over the humbling experience they really start to learn and blossom.As a coach, what is the most rewarding part of training? Seeing them grow from where they started to where they finish. Each boxer improves their boxing skills but they also become mentally tougher and show themselves their true capabilities.Who is your favorite fighter? Vasyl LomachenkoAny words of advice for current or future Haymakers fighters? Don't be a wimp (kidding, but not really)....don't put that. Have fun with it and enjoy the months of training. It will be difficult during your camp but you will miss it after the fight.
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Wednesday Jul 18, 2018
Belles of the Brawl VI: Allie Lawler
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 Allie Lawler, fighting out of Lucky Punch Boxing.Where are you from? Lexington, MAWhere’d you go to college? Tufts (go Jumbos!)Did you play any sports growing up? I didn’t do any sports until I got to college where I decided to join the crew team. I also played Ultimate frisbee at Tufts and with Lady Godiva, a Boston women’s club team. After college, I competed in triathlons and got my black belt in Kempo karate.What do you do for work? I’m a librarianWhy boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I started boxing shortly after my husband began working from home. Never in a million years did I think would step into the ring.Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? To raise money for cancer research.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 am fighting to honor my mom, Trish Courant, and my teammate, Judy Layzer, who lost their battles with cancer.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Ice cream, Dunkin coffee rolls, and beer.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? Gardening, knitting, and reading.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Probably my boys.Be sure to check out her fundraising page and wish her luck! Best of luck, Allie!
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Wednesday Jul 18, 2018
Belles of the Brawl VI: Stephanie Rokitowski
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 Stephanie Rokitowski, fighting out of Haverhill Downtown Boxing.Where are you from? Georgetown, MAWhere’d you go to college? Northeastern UniversityDid you play any sports growing up? If soccer until I was 8 counts then yesWhat do you do for work? Information SecurityWhy boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? While I've always been interested in boxing I never thought I would actually fight, but I'm always up for a new way to challenge myself physically and mentally so here we are!Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? First, I love that the mission of Haymakers is to help fund cancer research and patient care. We all know someone who has been touched by this horrible disease. No one chooses to have cancer, they can't choose their fight. But we can choose to fight for them. Beyond that, I want to prove to myself that I can do this. I've watched the Belles before and just remember walking away feeling that they were totally bad ass and so inspired.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 is a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed early on so we consider her one of the lucky ones, but as a teenager watching her go through treatment was tough. 15+ years later I still see how her body was affected by the disease. She's only incredibly strong woman! I'm fighting for women like her and anyone else tackling this disease.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Honestly, I'm a weight training junkie. Making that mindset shift in training has been the biggest so far.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I volunteer with a local animal rescue.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Probably the person throwing the punches.Be sure to check out her fundraising page and wish her luck! Best of luck, Stephanie!
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Wednesday Jul 18, 2018
Belles of the Brawl VI: Tracy Walsh Deforge
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 Tracy Walsh Deforge, fighting out of Elite Boxing & Fitness.Where are you from? Originally from Fitchburg, MA – but live in Franklin now.Where’d you go to college? Wagner College undergrad and Seton Hall Law for my JDDid you play any sports growing up? Track & Field, volleyball and cheerleading.What do you do for work? Entrepreneur/Investor. I am the co-founder and managing partner of The Players' Impact.Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? Boxing is for bad asses! I’ve been a fighter my whole life - just not with my fists.Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? I can correlate the training to the fight that those I loved had (and lost) against cancer. I know it isn't really a close analogy but I'm know how tough they were so it gives me inspiration to be tough too.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 had a horrible presence in my life for as long as I can remember. At 5yrs old I lost my grandmother, had my own scare with stage 2 melanoma, went on to lose my Dad, my grandfather and a boyfriend, along with many others. It feels good to fight in their memory.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Ice cream for sure – how can you not eat ice cream all summer?When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? Throwing kicks! I’ve been in Tae Kwon Do for 7yrs. I’ve also got two very active kids so they keep me busy.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Probably the most excited is my friend Chris Lavery. He's been a big supporter and is now helping me train. He's been trying to get me to box for years.Be sure to check out her fundraising page and wish her luck! Best of luck, Tracy!
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Wednesday Jul 18, 2018
Belles of the Brawl VI: Kayla Shea
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 Kayla Shea, fighting out of EverybodyFights.Where are you from? Shrewsbury, MAWhere’d you go to college? University of MarylandDid you play any sports growing up? I played basketball and soccer growing up and continued on to play soccer in college.What do you do for work? Account Executive at Outfront Media - an out-of-home advertising sales companyWhy boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I picked up boxing after college soccer ended as a way to stay in shape and stay motivated and I fell in love with it. It gives me the ability to still be competitive and work hard towards a physical goal. I never pictured myself actually stepping into a ring, I always just thought I’d take the classes to stay in shape.Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? The atmosphere and the foundation. After having been to a few Haymakers events, all I wanted to do was be a part of the amazing atmosphere that’s there on fight night. My family has also been affected by cancer, so to me it was a perfect pair.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. In 2007 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and this June she was able to celebrate her tenth-year cancer free. To be able to raise awareness for this awful disease and hopefully raise enough money to maybe prevent just one person from having to go through what my mom did, that would be a success to me. She’s the strongest person I know and I’m inspired to find that strength within myself during this journey.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) French fries and sleeping in. Hands down two of my favorite things.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I’m a big fan of spending time with my family and friends, no matter what I’m doing. I’ve also picked up the sport of golf recently so you can probably find me there during the summer.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Probably my sister. I’m sure she’s wanted to punch me in the face a few times. Or maybe my coaches for having to deal with my early morning self.Be sure to check out her fundraising page and wish her luck! Best of luck, Kayla!
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