The latest
Monday Feb 3, 2020
Rock 'N Rumble X: Neil Cohen
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble X in Boston on May 14th. 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 Neil Cohen, fighting out of BoxSmith.Where are you from? Canton, MAWhere’d you go to college? Rollins College, Winter Park, FL Did you play any sports growing up? H.S. Soccer, Basketball, Track & Field. College Div.II SoccerWhat do you do for work? Real Estate Attorney Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? Any one can run a marathon to raise money. NEVER Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? To make a difference 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 fight is personal on many levels. Cancer has affected everyone in some form. Six degrees of separation are not needed for anyone to connect to the dreaded disease. I am fighting in memory of those that have not won their fight. Juliana "JuJu" Greenfield, gained her wings in June of 2019 at the young age of 5, after a fearless and courageous battle with Neuroblastoma Pediatric Cancer. The niece of one my oldest friends was a fighter and battled to the end. I am fighting to give strength and support to those that continue to fight.I fight for my Father, who is battling prostate cancer. He will battle and win HIS fight.I am fighting to honor those that have won their fight. I fight for Carly. She is the 10 year old daughter of one of my dearest friends. She has recently succeeded in her battle with WILMS stage 3 kidney Cancer by getting a clear diagnosis of clinical remission. Her journey and the way she has handled it are inspiring to so many. Her strong, organic and completely head on manner that she took on HER fight can be seen during this interview. It was at this point that I knew I wanted to do something more. Not just to honor my family and friends, but to really make my mark against this insidious disease. What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) French Fries and AlcoholWhen you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? Golf, Skiing and Family Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? My FamilyCheck out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Neil!
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Monday Jan 27, 2020
Rock 'N Rumble X: Michael Kinahan
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble X in Boston on May 14th. 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 Michael Kinahan, fighting out of EverybodyFights.Where are you from? Scituate MA via Roslindale (back when it was "Rossi Square", not "Roslindale Village")Where’d you go to college? University of Southern California Did you play any sports growing up? Yes, not particularly wellWhat do you do for work? Portfolio Manager and CLO Analyst at Eaton Vance Management (I'm just killing time until the male modeling contract comes in - "short, fat and bald" is the new black) Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I love the art of it. It is not just throwing punches, but rather an extremely complex series of interconnected movements and a full body workout. I never really pictured myself fighting, but figured very few people could hit as hard as the nuns I had in second grade (admittedly I probably deserved some/most of it). I lived through that, so why not give it a shot for a good cause. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? This disease has adversely affected everybody in some way. Like other teammates at H4H, I have lost close friends and relatives to it. In the past week alone, both a relative and close friend informed me that they are awaiting test results related to suspected cancer diagnoses. I'm not smart enough to do the needed scientific research, but figure my many sarcastic comments over the years have given me the valuable experience of taking a punch. Time to play to my strengths...…. You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? Where do I start? Fall of my junior year in high school driving my mother to chemo appointments for breast cancer (thank God she survived). Working as an orderly at the Faulkner Hospital during high school and summers during college. So many people arrived seemingly healthy, but I witnessed the slow and painful deterioration. Aunts and uncles. Jackie, one of my closest friends growing up, recently died of colon cancer - he was far, far too young and the world is worse off without him. But people can and do beat this disease too, so let's focus on the Hope.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Wait, I have to give up stuff? Apple pie, chocolate chip cookies and whole milk are health food, right?When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? Hanging out my wife and kids (even if it does annoy them). Most outdoor activities including dirt bikes, ocean swimming, shooting sports, and bee keeping. I love going for long walks with my two Australian Cattle Dogs, even if they'd rather hang out with my wife.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? How much space do I have? Definitely my kids, most likely my wife Mary, several co-workers (especially Ed and Liz), most of my neighbors (did I mention I like dirt bikes and bees?), and loads of investment bankers from NYC!Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Michael!
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Monday Jan 27, 2020
Rock 'N Rumble X: Kirill Bensonoff
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble X in Boston on May 14th. 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 Kirill Bensonoff, fighting out of Nonantum Boxing Club.Where are you from? I live in Brookline, but was born in Belarus.Where’d you go to college? Connecticut State Did you play any sports growing up? Martial ArtsWhat do you do for work? I build technology. This is my 3rd startup, and we are building a tech-enabled private lender. Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I loved martial arts as a kid, and did a little boxing before. This is for a great cause, so totally worth it. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? My son Sam was diagnosed with leukemia a little over a year ago, this is how I learned about it. He is now in remission thanks to immunotherapy and the great care team at Boston Childrens and Jimmy Fund Clinic, doing what I can to give back. 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 youngest son Sam was diagnosed with leukemia over a year ago, and I have since met lots of kids and adults that were affected by cancer. We are close to curing some forms of cancer and I want to do what I can to help.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) I hate running, will have to run more.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I love news and politics, somewhat of a politics nerd. I love technology and innovation, spend a lot of time thinking about how tech can improve the world. And of course I love spending time with my family - we travel locally and further out, cook together, play outside.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? My sons.Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Kirill!
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Tuesday Jan 21, 2020
Rock 'N Rumble X: Mark Costello
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble X in Boston on May 14th. 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 Mark Costello, fighting out of BoxSmith.Where are you from? West Roxbury, MADid you play any sports growing up? Hockey & Basketball What do you do for work? I’m a Carpenter Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I chose boxing because I recently got custody of my two nephews and I was trying to find a way to relate with the 14 year old so we both signed up for a class at BoxSmith and we fell in love with the sport. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? I signed up to fight to raise as much money as I possibly can for the people that didn’t choose their battle, but are stuck fighting through it with everything they have and more.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 get my inspiration from my wife mostly, she has beaten cancer once and shortly after that she was diagnosed with a blood cancer called essential thrombositosis. I watch her get up go to work and be a mother regardless of how tough it is for her to muster up the strength to get out of bed and lace up her shoes.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) The toughest thing for me is going to be the time I spend away from my family and friends due to the extensive training I’ll be putting in, but at the end of the day I’m doing this for my family and anyone who has suffered from cancer, so in the end I know it’s going to be worth all the blood sweat and tearsWhen you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I enjoy hockey, hiking, woodworking, spending time with my loved ones and hanging with my dogWho do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? My brother and sisterCheck out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Mark!
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Tuesday Jan 21, 2020
Rock 'N Rumble X: Ken Pickering
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble X in Boston on May 14th. 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 Ken Pickering, fighting out of EverybodyFights.Where are you from? Medfield, MAWhere’d you go to college? University of Virginia Did you play any sports growing up? Soccer, Track were the primary ones. What do you do for work? CTO @ Hopper. Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I started boxing to do something more interesting than strength and conditioning... And, it just sort of stuck. I generally did not think I'd turn 40 and be prepping for a fight in front of a lot of people, though. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? To honor those who I've lost to cancer, and to feel like I'm doing something real to help those still struggling/surviving. 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 got a long narrative to answer this one. It's complicated. But, I'm drawing my inspiration from someone we lost recently, taken from the world far, far too soon.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) I'm going to miss craft beer the most. I'll miss french fries and a really large burger, but craft beer is my achilles.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I have two daughters who I love to spend time with, when I'm not training or working. My job and training schedule are demanding, but if I'm not there, I try to be a good dad. Sometimes, I bring my mitts and work with them in the gym after my workout or bring them to watch me spar... share what you love, right?Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? There are a huge amount of people who are really eager to see me get punched. I can tell you who's least excited: My mom. She'll be there, but she's upset I'm doing this.Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Ken!
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Tuesday Dec 10, 2019
Why Should I Sign Up to Fight?
Need a new challenge? Looking to lose weight and get in incredible shape? Been impacted by Cancer in some way and want to help fight for a cure? If you answered yes to any or all of this questions, have you considered throwing your name in the hat for a chance to participate in Haymakers for Hope? Answered yes to all of these questions but still not sure if you’ve got what it takes? We could tell you about all of the benefits to participating, but rather than write out a list, we figured we’d let the Alumni (those who have participated in past events) speak for themselves. They might just have the little boost of confidence that you need to click submit on that application form! You will never regret it. No matter the outcome in the ring, to be able to contribute to help KO cancer is the main goal. -Andrew Fuller, Rock ‘N Rumble IX It's not easy. It's a lot of hard work and it tests you physically and mentally, but it's also extremely rewarding and can be a ton of fun. It's a truly unique experience that you can't find anywhere else and 1000% worth the blood, sweat and tears. Literally. -Rachel Gianatasio, Belles of the Brawl VII Honestly, I had a few people that said I was stupid for signing up for a boxing match. They didn't think I could fundraise enough money and that I would probably break my nose. As I got closer to the event and reached my goal, all of that chatter had ended and people around me were impressed by my commitment through this entire experience. I even impressed myself and have found greater confidence in who I am. The sweet messages, notes and social media shout-outs from both friends, family and acquaintances were mind-blowing and now when I see/chat with people, they always bring up how cool it was that I did this. So in short - lots of street cred! -Kristin Menconi, Belles of the Brawl VII Anyone can do this if you're willing to put I the time and be honest with yourself along the way. It will help you find out what you're made of. - Jesse Nandhavan, Rock ‘N Rumble IX It challenged me and tested me in new ways, which built toughness and character. It also made me so thankful for the things and people I have, and made me proud to be able to help those fighting for their lives. -Harrison Slater, The Beltway Brawl I was most surprised by the overwhelming amount of support I received from friends, family members and even strangers! I was nervous about the fundraising, but so many people were excited to be able to contribute and loved following my journey. It was really incredible to see how many people were inspired by the experience. -Annie Dragolich, The Beltway Brawl What surprised me the most about Haymakers was how great it felt to give back and prove to yourself you could handle something you didn’t think you could. -Jessica Schmelzer, Rumble in the Rockies II I was really surprised by how supportive the people at my gym were of me throughout my training. I also got very close with the four other Belles I trained with, which I wasn't at all expecting and probably what surprised me the most about my H4H experience, that and being a part of such an amazing H4H alumni community! -Allison Picott, Belles of the Brawl VII What surprised me the most about participating in Haymakers was how much I miss it now that it’s over! -Colleen Shouldice, Rock ‘N Rumble IX If I could do it again, I'd do it in a heartbeat! Sign up! -Brittany Soucar, Belles of the Brawl VII This experience was hands down the best thing I've ever done in my entire life. Fighting is so more than throwing punches at someone. Fighting forces us to face who we are at our core, figure out what we want to become, and to decide whether we'll retreat when faced with adversity or bite down on our mouthpiece and move forward. Fighting is truth. So, to those thinking of signing up - do it, even if only to find out what it is you truly fight for. -Adam Moulter, Rock ‘N Rumble IX It most definitely is a big commitment, but the commitment is worth it. It is four months of your life to do something most people would never do. Yes, it can be tough to say 'no' to social plans, drinks, and the foods you love; but in the end it is all worth it. The feeling you have stepping into the ring on fight night, knowing all that you have worked for and already accomplished is the best feeling in the world. Knowing that you raised money to K.O. Cancer and worked so hard for yourself is worth every second of dedication you put towards training. -Megan Walsh, Belles of the Brawl VII I was shocked by the impact the other fighters had on me. Their stories, their support, their hugs, their encouragement. I fought with 31 INCREDIBLE women and their support throughout the process, even though I really didn't get to see them face to face all that often, is something that I will hold dear to my heart for the rest of my life. I love those women and I thank them for everything they gave me. -Julia Cocca, Belles of the Brawl VII Don't entertain the thought of losing, and you won't! People with cancer will suffer less and recover faster because of your involvement. -Derek Skapars, Rock ‘N Rumble IX Don’t think you have the time to train? Think again. There were mothers of 3, lawyers at the top firms in the state, and plenty more women who made it work because it was important to them! I travel extensively for work and I just made this a priority for those few months. -Erin O’Neil, Belles of the Brawl VII If you’re on the fence, you should just jump in head first and do it. Like the Red Hot Chili Peppers once said, “it’s better to regret something you did, than something you didn’t do.” And regardless of what happens fight night, I can guarantee you will be glad you did it. It’s not about the 8 minutes in the ring. It’s about the 120 days of training, getting in shape, feeling good, developing a skill, raising money, meeting new people, comradery, and doing something to help others. -Kevin Reppucci, Rock ‘N Rumble IX
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Monday Dec 2, 2019
I Don’t Do Anything Halfway
When Mike Zabik climbed into the ring for his bout in the 2019 New York City Haymakers for Hope Fight Night, he wore the phrase “Hundo P” on his outfit. He pointed me to UrbanDictionary.com for the definition: “One hundred percent.” The idea’s a fitting one for Mike, both in and out of his life as a boxer. Zabik’ has a successful career in private equity he travels the world for his work but still makes a point of being home for most bedtimes with his wife and their 5-year-old twins. He’s a former triathlete, and when his father passed away several years ago, used his athleticism to raise money for causes he believes in. “When my Dad died, I was looking for a way to give back, so I tried Cycle for Survival. They’ve raised millions of dollars for Memorial Sloan Kettering. I started boxing a few years back and saw people wearing Haymakers for Hope shirts around Mendez Gym. When I heard it was boxing for cancer I was really interested in getting involved. Once I found out you get to pick the charity you donate to, I was all in.”Mike knew right away he wanted to give back to Memorial Sloan Kettering. “I have a bunch of friends who have been sick or treated there. Some who didn’t make it some that survived. It has such a special place in my heart. Watching firsthand what they do, it’s a no-brainer to donate there. I love that I’ll get to donate to a specific program because I want to know where the money is going. They have a program that helps you pick a specific doctor or research program. You can go to events and really talk to the people who’ll receive the money and see the impact it can make.”Mike and his donors will be making a huge difference; as of Fight Night they raised over $128,000 to KOCancer. Most fighters at the New York City event set a goal to raise $10,000, but Mike knew immediately that he’d aim higher. “I never do anything half-assed, so I set a really crazy goal. I’m only going to do this once, so I emailed my friends and family and colleagues asking them to help me reach $100,000 for cancer research.”A hundo p indeed. WRITTEN BY STEPHANIE KENT
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Monday Nov 11, 2019
Why They Fight: Hope NYC VIII
With 32 different men & women stepping in the ring for the first time on November 14th you can imagine there must be a lot of nerves and emotions swirling around. Excitement, fear, anticipation, hope, dread, the list goes on. They all have someone they're fighting for, they all have individual things driving them. Their lives have all been touched by cancer in some way. As fight night is approaching get an inside look as to what motivates these brave men and women who are stepping in the ring to literally knock out cancer. When I think about the tools needed over the next 4 months of training, fundraising, and on fight night- I don’t need to look much further than the grit, endurance, commitment, determination, courage, persistence, support, and love that surrounds the cancer battles I’ve seen and continue to see. Thank you so much to those who have already poured out their support for me and this cause and let’s keep it going up until and after November 14, 2019, so we can KO the real opponent, cancer. -Callie SimpkinsI have watched too many family members and friends struggle through cancer and the devastation left in its wake.I have watched many friends participate in Haymakers for Hope to fight back against this horrible disease.I'm fighting this year because I don't want to keep watching. -Logan LoweIn 2015, my father and grandfather died in a 2 week period. It was a tough time, but I fought through it. Sports helped a lot. I started with triathlons, but picked up boxing last year and fell in love with it. Since 2016, I have raised money for cancer research in sports-related activities. I am proud to be a fighter for Haymakers 2019 and continue those efforts. -Mike ZabikI signed up to fight to show myself that sometimes being uncomfortable and vulnerable can be a good thing. Who amongst us is in a family that has not been stricken by this horrific disease. No one I know anymore can say that their life hasn’t been affected in some way by it. I will be fighting for everyone who is battling, has battled or will battle this disease. Please join and support me in this fight to #KOCancer -Megan BatesPerhaps because of my own experience, I feel a deep sense of outrage and frustration every time I learn that someone close to me has to fight cancer themselves or that they've lost someone they love to the disease. But along with that frustration is a feeling of determination that we can always do something. We can be there to listen, to learn, to offer a welcome distraction or sometimes just to bring a box of tissues and give a hug. Or, in this instance, we can get in the ring and have a fight to raise money to build awareness, to treat patients and to look for a cure. -JC UvaIn November of 2016, five days after my 40th birthday, my oldest child and only daughter was diagnosed with AML Leukemia. She was nine years old. Today, I am 43 and my daughter is a healthy, active 12-year old. This is the next step of our journey and why we are going to be winners against cancer as part of Haymakers for Hope – NYC VIII. -Greg Feig I am fighting for everyone who has lost a loved one or has been effected by this hideous disease CANCER. In particular I am fighting for my Mother who lost her Mother to cancer at a young age of 65 and I am fighting for the legend and memory of Barry Bremen and the BREMEN family to help find a cure for this devastating disease and all the pain and suffering it leaves in its wake. -Josh TaekmanWhen my mom was battling cancer, she would tell me that she focused on the positive and never let herself believe for one second that she couldn't beat this disease. She said "I would tell myself, little by little, I'm beating this disease and I'm focused on getting better every day."Through the journey with Haymakers for Hope, and in my life in general, I've taken those words to heart and I just try to get a little bit better, each and every day.-Dave MagstadtFar too often, someone that I know, or a friend of a friend, is diagnosed with cancer. It is the word we all fear, and it continues to affect the innocent lives of so many people near to us. -TJ Cholnoky Ten years ago, I returned home from my freshman year at the University of Michigan with no summer plan. I applied to work as a counselor at Sunrise Day Camp, the world’s only full summer day camp for children with cancer and their siblings, completely free of charge (www.sunrisedaycamp-longisland.org). Pediatric cancer was not personal to me; it just seemed like something nice to do with my summer before moving on with the rest of my life.Ten years later…I’m still here. At 24 years old, to the confusion of many, I left a very normal CPA career at Deloitte and became Sunrise's assistant camp director.Over the last decade, I have met hundreds and hundreds of resilient families devastated by a cancer diagnosis that have mustered the strength to hold it all together. I have hired hundreds and hundreds of the best people I’ve ever met who work their butts off every summer to give our kids an amazing, normal summer camp experience that every child deserves, but our children truly need. I have attended more funerals than I ever thought I would in a lifetime. I have given approximately 100,000 hugs. I have cried. I have watched kids learn how to swim who never thought they would. I have had the most unique summers any twenty-something guy could ever have. Ten years later…pediatric cancer is now very very personal to me.I am fighting and raising money because I love the 700+ kids of Sunrise Day Camp- Long Island. For the next 4 months, I am not only going to train as hard as I can to win my fight, but I am going to raise as much money as I possibly can to help Sunrise continue to fight against the horrible effects of a cancer diagnosis on a child. We will continue to give our kids and their families the life-changing summers they truly need. -Dan SilverI'm going to be honest...the idea of stepping into the ring was (and still is) petrifying. I'm training like hell, pushing myself to physical limits I didn't think my 34yr old body could manage and retesting what it means to be dedicated. I say all this to say something that's very obvious: this is nothing to those battling cancer.My family, like millions of others, has been afflicted with this brutal disease. I've lost both of my grandparents on my fathers side (Charlotte and William Henry Davis) and my grandmother on my mother's side to cancer. Recently, I watched my first cousin overcome a double mastectomy with grace, determination, and spirit. I'm not alone in hoping we find a cure to cancer and this is one small contribution to the work being done by many others. -Toussaint DavisIn May 2017, I lost my cousin and mentor to cancer. I had been boxing casually for the last few years and continually asked myself, "What am I fighting for?" While I was searching for meaning and purpose after losing my mentor, I learned of a charity fight to raise awareness and money for cancer. -Stephanie SollersI'm fighting for my brother, Scott. He's no longer with us, but if he were he would be my biggest fan in the audience come fight night! Scott died a little over five years ago after an 18 year battle with an incurable form of brain cancer. He is my inspiration for this fight and he is also responsible for any other crazy undertakings I might get involved with! -Ashley McNeilWhen I first heard about the organization and its 8th annual NYC event (shout out @ Colleen Hartigan), I immediately knew I wanted to be involved. To my late grandfather Louis Gartz, close friend Jane D'Agostino, and countless others who have been impacted by cancer - I will give everything I have to training and fighting in your honor. I've faced adversity in my life, and I will surely face adversity learning how to box in 4 months time, but the will to overcome inherent in any fight vs. cancer is a spirit well worth fighting for. -Ryan SnyderI've always wanted to participate in a fitness fundraiser, but running and marathons were never my forte. (Ironically, I'll have sprinted more in preparation for this fight than I probably have my whole life.) It wasn't until my uncle was diagnosed with salivary gland cancer that I found my purpose for fighting. Seeing him suffer made me feel powerless but I used that motivation to set a 2018 New Year’s resolution to pick up boxing and haven’t looked back since. My second encounter with cancer was with my dragon boat team when we lost our steerer, Andy; that was when I realized how fast the disease can attack and how wide its reach can be. -Cat Wang 5 years ago I welcomed my first child into this world. Blessed, full of joy, and completely ignorant I starred at the most beautiful thing I had ever seen...my baby girl. And in that moment of pure joy, I was struck with an equally forceful emotion of fear. How could I protect her, shield her from the tragedy of our world and ensure that she live a whole and full life? I have carried this fear with me everyday for the past 5 years and it has only grown as we welcomed our 2nd daughter to the world.We have come so far, yet still have so far to go to extinguish this horrible disease. My fight is for the future. My fight is for continued success. My fight is for perseverance. My fight is for every parent - so that they can sleep more soundly and let go of a sliver of that fear. -Jay RossF*ck cancer. I've lost cousins to cancer, my aunt, family friends and more. Cancer affects just about everyone, Whether it puts you in the hospital bed or sitting in the chair beside it saying you can beat this. My grandma is fighting cancer for the 4th time. She is 87 and undefeated. I was just a kid when my my mom looked cancer in the face and knocked it into remission. Like I said, F*uck cancer. Now I get to fight for all of them. -Zack Perl
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Wednesday Nov 6, 2019
Cancer Offends Me.
When athletes sign up for Haymakers for Hope, they’re quick to spot boxing’s similarities to the disease they’re fighting against. The sport can be lonely and relentless, exhausting and scary. New York-based consultant and 2019 fighter JC Uva is one of the few people who has fought cancer from both sides. At age 17, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. “I was a high school athlete, so I always had a fighting mindset. I remember cancer felt like a fight at the time.” JC won his battle with cancer, and on November 14, he’s getting ready for another go-around with the disease, this time to support other patients. JC’s in a unique position to raise awareness for the fight against cancer. “Having been through chemo and surgery, training for a fight is a decent proxy because so much of it is having things you have to do but don’t necessarily want to do. You have to go to the doctor, you have to get treatments. When you’re boxing you have to condition, you watch what you eat.”When he talks about his own cancer battle, though, he’s noticeably void of any negativity or complaining; he’s actually full of gratitude. “I was treated by an organization called The Valerie Fund in New Jersey. My parents supported it when I became sick, and in 2009 I founded their Junior Board, which brings in money and awareness from younger professionals. We’ve raised hundreds of thousands of dollars.” Now, JC’s the Vice Chairman of the Fund and the first patient to ever join their Board of Trustees. Many of JC’s fellow board members will be ringside for his fight, and knowing that he’s fighting to help other patients has only intensified his fight training. “When I hear about someone having to deal with cancer, I get so mad. It offends me that people and their families have to go through that.” JC’s making productive use of his outrage: He’s in great shape for his fight (down over 30 pounds since he started training), and will be donating his funds raised Haymakers for Hope funds to the organization (over $43,000 the week before fight night!).“That pressure of the fight has been really important in my training,” JC says. “It honors the challenge of people who are fighting cancer. You’re choosing to undertake something hard and scary and requires commitment way past your comfort zone.” To join JC’s fight to KO cancer and support the work at The Valerie Fund, visit his fundraising page. WRITTEN BY STEPH KENT
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Tuesday Oct 29, 2019
I’m Going To Be Your Highest Fundraiser Ever
28-year-old Callie Simpkins doesn’t do anything halfway. As a child, she didn’t play a sport; she played every sport. When she signed up to compete in Haymakers for Hope’s 2019 Fight Night in New York City, she doesn’t train on the side; she trains six days a week. And she didn’t relax her fundraising efforts to KO cancer when she broke the highest female fundraising record; she kept going until she broke the most money pledged in the history of the organization. With just a month to go until Fight Night, Callie’s supporters have donated over $192,000. The record she broke? 2018 fighter Bobby Grogan’s, a close friend of Callie’s who convinced her to sign up to fight in the first place. Simpkins, who works in leveraged finance sales at Goldman Sachs, grew up in Maryland in an active, athletic family. She and her sister (a competitive Cross Fitter) tried everything from basketball to ballet and both went on to play soccer in college. Her predisposition for sports made Haymakers for Hope initially interesting, but she has a more personal reason to fight, too.“The first experience I ever had with cancer was when my dad got diagnosed when I was ten. Our whole family was really active and healthy, but he got Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Thankfully, he got great treatment, was able to focus on getting chemo and radiation. They just attacked it. I remember my dad took our family down to his barber the day before he started chemotherapy, and said ‘I’m going to get my head shaved bc I’m going to be the one that makes the decision that my hair’s gone, not cancer, not chemo.’ He has this attitude of I’m-going-to-fight. That sticks in my head from when I was ten. He displayed a fighter’s mentality to me.”Sadly, that wasn’t Callie’s only encounter with the disease. Her close family friend Gail Lazenby lost her battle with cancer. “Everyone has been affected by cancer in some part of their life and I have these two glaring examples of how it has hit close to home for me. It’s something I wanted to raise money for.”Callie says she didn’t have a fundraising goal when she first started training. “In the first few days, I saw the outpouring of support and it became clear I could crush it with this if I tried. I decided I was going to put everything I could into this, both on the training and fundraising side. After the first week, I reached out to the org and said ‘What’s the most money anyone has ever raised?’ and they said it was my friend Bobby [who raised $116,075 in 2018]. In the first month and a half the Haymakers team reached out and told me I was the highest female fundraiser they’ve ever had. I said, ‘That’s not what I want. I’m going to be your highest fundraiser ever.’”Two months into training, Callie had raised over a hundred thousand dollars. She doesn’t have a new stretch goal in mind, but she says she’s not slowing in the final weeks until Fight Night. How did she do it? Callie credits her professional network for a lot of her fundraising success. “Thankfully I work in a really generous place. I’ve had the benefit of being able to build relationships with the people I work with for six years. They’re not just showing up for this one thing, they’re showing up to support someone they’ve known for years and developed a relationship with.” The newly-crowned fundraising champ says future Haymakers fighters can go all in on fundraising, too. “Just having a passion for the training and the fight comes off so naturally when you really care about it. Asking people to support you becomes second nature when you believe in what you’re doing. If you know you’re putting your all into it, that’s going to be felt by people who support you.”WRITTEN BY: STEPHANIE KENT
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