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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Belles of the Brawl V: Stephanie Jandrys
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Belles of the Brawl V in Boston on October 5th. 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 Jandrys, fighting out of The Way in Wouburn, MA. Where are you from? Revere, Massachusetts. You know, 'Severe Revere' with the big hair.Did you play any sports growing up? I've played soccer and basketball since the first grade and danced for thirteen years! I've also never shied away from a competitive game of dodgeball ... or two.What do you do for work? I am the Assistant General Manager of TITLE Boxing Club in Saugus. It's true that when you choose a job you love, you never have to work a day in your life!Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? During chemo treatments, I was prescribed to prednisone. I had gained a significant amount of weight as a side effect of that medication. I was introduced to TITLE Boxing Club to get back into shape after treatments and after my days of competitive sports were over. Not only did TITLE become a place of positivity and my home away from home, I discovered a new found love ... boxing. You asked if I had ever pictured myself fighting? I already was ... Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? I have been fighting to stay positive and to remain in remission for years. Fighting to live a stress-free life. Fighting and advocating for the cancers that people know very little about. I didn't get the choice of signing up for my first two fights. While I'm around boxing a lot, I've never actually been in the ring and fought. This fight and opportunity seemed like a natural progression of conquering a new battle inside the ring, rather than on the outside. 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 every strand of hair that I lost. From every sore on my scalp. From every family member that has been affected by this unforgiving disease and from every scar that has made me the woman I am today. I could have allowed my diagnosis to harden me or make me angry with the world, but I found a little glimpse of light through all the darkness. We cannot always control what life throws our way, we can only control our reaction to it. If you don't climb that mountain, you'll never see the view!What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Myself and a close friend came up with a little thing we like to call 'Deep-Fry Fridays.' You know, after a long week of work you take every item in the kitchen that isn't nailed down and toss it in a Frialator? Chicken, Oreos, bacon, ice cream, cheese. Just a few reasons why finding my bottom two abs has become increasingly more difficult over the years. Yea, I'll miss that.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? Between my job at TITLE and training, it seems like I'm always throwing punches! BUT myself and my friends LOVE fight night. Watching fights, going to fights. We support every one of our teammates that step into that ring.There are no timeouts in boxing! This sport takes heart and takes courage and I genuinely enjoy watching each of my friends take that walk up those stairs. I cannot wait until it's my turn! I'm also a HUGE food lover. Any chance I get to try a new restaurant, I'm there! In fact, I'll take one of each on the menu ... then most likely eat some of your plate too!Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? I'm sure my opponent. I hope I'm staring them right in the eyes as that punch connects too ... just like I've stared cancer in the face. Truth is, I've been hit far harder than any punch will ever hit me. There's one hell of a fire that burns inside me and I have so much I'm fighting for. I've learned in all aspects of my life that you only lose when you don't swing back. I'm going to keep swinging!Be sure to check out her fundraising page here and wish her luck! Best of luck, Stephanie!
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Belles of the Brawl V: Samantha Ory
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Belles of the Brawl V in Boston on October 5th. 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 Samantha Ory, fighting out of UFC Gym in Boston, MA.Where are you from? I grew up in Andover Massachusetts, home to Andover Phillips Academy, but let’s be clear… I went to the public school! : )Where did you go to college? I went to Parsons School of Design in New York City – one of the most amazing experiences thus far that had such an impact in shaping who I am today.Did you play any sports growing up? I was (and still am) a runner! I was captain of the Cross Country team in high school, and ran the varsity mile and two mile. I would have continued in college, but let’s be honest – art school clearly has no sports teams. I also dance hip hop and golf (yes …golf is a sport people!!)What do you do for work? I am in finance, more specifically – Private EquityWhy boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I used to do Mixed Martial Arts to stay in shape, and was always interested in pushing the limits to see how strong and agile I could be (given my 5 foot 1 inch stature) It was clear I had to protect myself out there!! After getting pretty banged up after a Krav Maga class (my arms were literally black and blue) I decided to tone it down a notch to avoid further injury. I realized I needed a real motivation to fight hard for in order to train on an intense level and feel like I was approaching an end goal – Haymakers was just the ticket!Why on Earth did you sign up to fight?? I have had friends, family, my husband’s family and my friends family all battle cancer. I am also lucky enough to be on the other side and have friends working towards a cure – the strides that they have made and countless hours dedicated to researching for a cure with fruitful results has been incredibly inspirational to me. It’s very expensive to conduct these trials and every penny raised goes towards the end result of curing a particular type of cancer. Looking back from the early 1900’s up until present day, the magnitude of our efforts have clearly paid off thus far.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (Beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching tv?) Comfort foods….don’t get me wrong, I am a pretty healthy eater, but man some super cheesy mac and cheese will be difficult for me to not gobble up!When you’re not throwing punches and training – what other hobbies/interests do you have? I have played the guitar since I was a kid and also like to sing and rock out as if a talent scout will be showing up at my door to sign me to Capital Records. I also love to draw and paint (special shout out to my art school friends!), dance hip hop with all of the super awesome 19 year olds at my dance studio, and have recently taken up Scuba Diving, which is somehow feeling a lot less scary now that I could be punched in the face at any given time in the next several months…Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Probably my high school friends – I was very girly in high school, and used to dodge the plastic bouncy ball (remember those?) in gym class. This is for all of those times I lost a game of soccer, dodge ball, or soft ball for us because I was scared of getting hit.Be sure to check out her fundraising page here and wish her luck! Best of luck, Samantha!
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Belles of the Brawl V: Cara Early
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Belles of the Brawl V in Boston on October 5th. 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 Cara Early, fighting out of EverybodyFights in South Boston.Where are you from? I grew up in Worcester, but now live in Beacon Hill.Where’d you go to college? I went to Union College for undergrad and Boston University for grad school.Did you play any sports growing up? Growing up I swam, played softball, and ran cross-country.What do you do for work? I work in relationship management at a fixed income manager, which allows me to combine two of my strengths: being a total nerd and a social butterfly. The company I work for is pretty great and the team I’m on is a lot of fun.Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I don’t think I ever pictured myself fighting, other than for the remote control. I am beyond excited to box, the opportunity to learn a new sport, from the basics in your 20s doesn’t present itself very often, and I can’t wait!Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? It may have been that second (or third) beer during Rock N’ Rumble VII this past May that brought me to the sign up page on the website. All jokes aside, the mission of Haymakers is inspiring, cancer impacts so many and I’m so excited to fight for a cure.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 was diagnosed with Leukemia about a month after my 4th birthday and spent the following years going through chemotherapy at UMASS Hospital. Over the years, my nana and my aunt Kathy courageously fought and lost their battles with cancer. Although my own fight with cancer is decades in the past, the doctors and nurses that treated me are still helping other little kids through their fights, and that is a huge source of inspiration.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) No question about it, ice cream! I have a mean sweet tooth, and I don’t think there is anything more refreshing than an ice cream cone on a warm summer day.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? This is always the toughest question to answer without sounding incredibly basic. Outside of throwing punches, I can be found hanging out with friends, sampling new restaurants, maybe jogging along the esplanade or shopping (really trying to support the local economy).Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? I would definitely say my older siblings. I’m the baby of the family, so they were never allowed to clock me, and growing up I provided them both with plenty of reasons to want to.Be sure to check out her fundraising page here and wish her luck! Best of luck, Cara!
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Belles of the Brawl V: Deja Cairns
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Belles of the Brawl V in Boston on October 5th. 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 Deja Cairns, fighting out of Elite Boxing & Fitness in North Attleborough, MA. Where are you from? Attleboro, MA but grew up in little Rhody!Where’d you go to college? Rhode Island College for undergrad and Simmons College for my Master’s degree.Did you play any sports growing up? Nope…I didn’t start working out and getting fit until my early twenties.What do you do for work? I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. I work with children with special needs. I absolutely love what I do and the children teach me as much as I teach them! The best feeling in the world is helping a child discover their voice and hearing them talk for the first time. My job is extremely rewarding and I couldn’t picture myself doing anything else.Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? No way did I ever picture myself doing this! In fact, when one of the members of the gym was training for Haymakers last October she asked me if I would ever do it…and I just laughed at her…guess who is laughing now?I started boxing after my second daughter to change up my workout routine and to help lose that baby weight. In the process, I learned to love it. I look forward to working out and hitting a bag/pads!Why did you sign up to fight? Wait I signed up to fight?! (Lol) I signed up because cancer has affected me, my family and even friends. I watched as people I love fight cancer and I thought why not take my love of boxing to knock out cancer!In addition, all my life I have been told: “I can’t do something”. That has always fueled me and I have done and surpassed even my biggest expectations! I once trained for a mini triathlon in 6 weeks just to prove to myself I can do it. I actually had to teach myself to swim the proper way apparently the doggy paddle isn’t the most effective way to swim…lolSo I guess I have always been a fighter, pushing myself past my comfort zone. I have two little girls that look up to me and I want them to learn they can do anything they put their mind to and to fight for something they believe in!You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure-Where are you drawing your inspiration from how has cancer affected you? Wow, this is getting deep…Cancer affects millions of people and their families. Cancer has hit my family and hit it hard. Some have survived and unfortunately, some succumbed to this disease. I am fighting for every person that cancer has affected!What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during the training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Hold on a minute…I have to give up things?!I am a pretty disciplined person when it comes to what I eat but I am sure I will miss indulging on the weekends and at summer parties. I will definitely miss going down to Philly with my husband to cheer on the Eagles! This is an annual trip we try and go on just to get away from it all and enjoy each other…Sorry, Jamie but we can do that next year! I’m training ;)However, what I am going to miss the MOST would be time away from my family especially my husband and two adorable little girls. Training for this has already taken some time from them so I will make every moment I spend with them count. The same goes for when I am training and in that ring!When you’re not throwing punches and training—what other hobbies/interest do you have? I LOVE working out and the way I feel after. Whether it is at the gym, boxing, going for a walk, etc. doesn’t matter I love it! I also LOVE spending time with family and just enjoying life!Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? I would have to say my brother Jay. He laughed when I told him I was doing this and then said “Dej you have never even been in a fight before, what are you thinking?”. I think my parents especially my dad will be the ones that don’t want to watch their “baby girl” get hit. So I guess I better move my head!!!Be sure to check out her fundraising page here and wish her luck! Best of luck, Deja!
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Hope NYC VI: Joe Cervasio
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Hope NYC in New York City on November 16th. 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 Joe Cervasio, fighting out of Gleason's Boxing Gym in Brooklyn, NY.Where are you from? Locust Valley, Long IslandWhere’d you go to college? Richmond, The American International University in LondonDid you play any sports growing up? Is Mathletes and Science Olympiads considered "sports"? Just kidding, obviously I know they are!! Along with those two activities I did play sports my entire life. You name it and I was on a team for it.What do you do for work? I am now the Director of Event Operations for Tao Group at Dream Hotels and have always been in F&B throughout my life. Essentially I run big parties for a living....and conferences. Regardless of what the event is, I'm a part of it and I can't LOVE it more than I already do.Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? Why not?! It such a disciplined and technical sport that really requires every ounce of commitment from the fighter to excel. I know most people will say yes to this or something along the lines of "I was born for this"....but I've honestly always wanted to try my luck with boxing because I've always thought that I've had a sincere connection with the sport.Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? Is this a real question?? You mean that I can step into a ring...in front of over 1800 people...fight someone legally AND raise money to help people who are fighting a much bigger fight than me?!? I'm in!!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 inspired everyday by the trainers and people I'm surrounded by. The support system I have now is the same support system I want to be for those children that are fighting for their lives as they battle cancer. Like most, I unfortunately have lost many family members and close friends to various types of cancer. My Grandfather, Aunt, Uncle and few more have all lost their battle; while others dear to my heart are still battling or have battled in the past.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) I honestly don't see my training as having to "give up" anything. I see this as my gaining so much more then I'd have to give up and I am in no position to reflect on losing anything when we are all fighting for people that could potentially lose themselves. This is a journey that isn't to be taken for granted and I won't do so!!When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? Thinking of throwing punches and training....Boxing is life now!!!!Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Lol, hopefully NOBODY!!! But hopefully everybody and they show that excitement by supporting, donating and coming to the fight! Also, if there's anyone out there that wants to come see me just get punched in the face, I invite you to step in the ring with me and try it yourself!!Be sure to check out his fundraising page here and wish him luck! Best of luck, Joe!
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Hope NYC VI: Ekin Oflazer
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Hope NYC in New York City on November 16th. 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 Ekin Oflazer, fighting out of Mendez Boxing in New York City.Where are you from? I'm from Turkey originally. Came to the states for college and ended up staying.Where did you go to college? I went to college at the University of Chicago.Did you play any sports growing up? I played soccer, basketball and volleyball growing up.What do you do for work? I work in venture capital, investing in startups to lead the next generation of innovation.Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I chose to help the cause through boxing because it's a sport that requires both mental and physical discipline and strength, and both of those are necessary when fighting cancer. Never pictured myself fighting.Why on earth did you sign up to fight? Cancer has taken a toll on my family and friends over the past year. Lost a friend at a very young age two months ago and had a very close family member battle stage 4 lymphoma by getting chemo treatment for almost 9 months.You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure – where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? The answer to this question is sort of answered in the answer for (6). I saw the pain the people around me had to endure, whether they were the patient or a loved one and I wanted to make sure that I supported a cause that will one day make sure no one else has to go through that pain.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? Most difficult thing to give up during training is probably sleep, having to wake up early to train.When you’re not throwing punches and training - what other hobbies/interests do you have? When I'm not training for boxing, I generally play soccer, cook a lot and enjoy the outdoors.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? I'm hoping that I don't closely know the person who is excited to watch me get punched in the face come fight night. If I do know them closely, I probably need to re-asses my relationship with them. :)Be sure to check out his fundraising page here and wish him luck! Best of luck, Ekin!
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Boxer in Training: Dante Leone
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 May 17th, 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. Dante Leone has been putting in work at Nolan Bros. Boxing and below you’ll hear about his first time sparring and more about his experience with Haymakers thus far.We’re halfway to fight night, how is your training coming along? Getting better! I was off to a slow start, but I've recently been putting more time in and it's paying off. The overall time from orientation to fight night seems quick, but the day-to-day can be long. I have to keep reminding myself to be stay consistent and keep my eye on the prize!What is your weekly routine? In the gym training at usually three or four times each week, which is a mix of cardio and technique. I try to find time outside of dedicated gym sessions to stay active on my own. It varies, but every little bit counts.How has your diet changed since training began? I haven't cut anything out entirely, but much more moderation. Fewer sandwiches at lunch, less pasta and pizza on the weekends, and much less beer in general (obviously all the good stuff). The weekdays are generally filled with some form of dry chicken mixed with bland vegetables (yum!). If I feel like treating myself, I’ll indulge in a nice, chalky protein shake that leaves me feeling bloated and gross before bed.Tell us about your first time sparring, different than expected? Everything was going well until I was facing the corner and my opponent was looking at my back. It was a great reminder that bags don't hit back and that your cardio is never good enough. I love having the opportunity to see how I operate under stress and if I can remember what I learn outside of the ring and put it into practice.What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far? Old habits and work have made it hard to stick to a routine. Long hours, travel, and the vices that come from those are hard to avoid. For me, this training season has been much less about a standard routine, and more about being adaptive to find the time.What does your family think of your participation? They’re cautiously supportive. Given my accident last year while training, they’re quick to remind me that there are probably less violent ways of raising awareness and fundraising for cancer research. However, it’s for a good cause and, at the end of the day, they support my decision to do it again.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? Not one story in particular, but rather the validation that everyone does have a story and has felt the impact of cancer in one way or another.Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training? Not so much. Still sticking to the cause and pushing forward until Fight Night!Donate to Dante or purchase a ticket to Rock 'N Rumble VIII on May 17th here!
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Boxer in Training: Christian Carballo
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 May 17th, 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. Christian Carballo has been putting in work at Corebox Training Center and below you’ll hear about his first time sparring and more about his experience with Haymakers thus far.We’re halfway to fight night, how is your training coming along? Training is awesome. When I’m not training, I’m thinking about training. I’ve already fought my fight in my mind about a hundred times. It’s an addiction.What is your weekly routine? I train Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and run every other day.How has your diet changed since training began? I eat healthy and don’t drink any alcohol at all. The weight has just melted off now 22 pounds since January 1st. High protein diet and tons of water. I feel fantastic.Tell us about your first time sparring, different than expected? I was both excited and had some butterflies but, I felt prepared and confident. The guy I fought was 16 years younger, bigger and had been training 3 months longer than me. I wasn’t happy with how tired I was after the first round but his nose was leaking pretty good so, I’ll take that trade off. I got my wind back fairly quickly and my opponent was gassed before the end of round 2. I handled him fairly easily for all three rounds and was on cloud nine afterwards. All the work up to that point definitely felt like it paid off.What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far? Time away from my kids has been hard. Instead of being with them 6-7 nights a week, I’m away from them 4 nights a week. I just hug and kiss them a little extra when I can now. When it comes to training, I get frustrated with myself when I don’t pick up on a technique or movement quickly. It’s my competitive nature with myself and it happens in every sport. It pushes me to do better. Not eating crap or drinking has been going on for over two months so, that aspect has become so much easier.What does your family think of your participation? “Proud” is the word most commonly used and any variation of “crazy” is second. My family has lost so many loved ones to cancer so, they understand why I’m doing this. I’m pretty much the nut job of the family too, so, this isn’t too shocking to a lot of them.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? Unfortunately, the way people have been affected by cancer hasn’t surprised me at all. It’s a brutal disease and I’ve heard so many awful stories that not much surprised me when it comes to it. I am, however, surprised by the number of people who have never really fought before who signed up to be in a punch in the face contest. That takes a lot of guts and I applaud you.Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training? I still fight for my family and friends who have either lost the battle or are currently fighting against this ruthless disease. Specifically, my Mom who is going through chemo now. I have also found inspiration through a woman, Alissa, who I train with. She is a tiny, little spark plug who works her ass off in the gym every day and seeing how hard she trains has pushed me to take it to the next level.Donate to Christian or purchase a ticket to Rock 'N Rumble VIII on May 17th here!
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Belles of the Brawl V: Maria Scippa
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Belles of the Brawl V in Boston on October 5th. 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 Maria Scippa, fighting out of Firicano Boxing & Fitness in Stoneham, MA.Where are you from? Wakefield, MA. I have moved around a lot. All I know is New England is my home. I love the seasons, the people and the heart of it!Where did you go to college? I graduated this past May with a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Salem State University and I will be graduating in May 2018 from Salem State University with a Graduate Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Children and Families. I found my passion for this field 3 years ago and I haven’t looked back.Did you play any sports growing up? I was the young girl wearing a baseball hat and sports team gear. I loved basketball because I could be aggressive and it was fast paced. I also played soccer and softball. I tried being a cheerleader at one point and I am still not sure why!What do you do for work? I have packed a lot of experience into my life. My background is mostly in sales and hospitality. I love to work with my hands and see the results of my work. Since finding my passion, my career will be as a clinical social worker working with Children and Families. I am currently a full time student working part time at my family’s business.Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I was looking for something new and challenging. A friend suggested to check out Firicano Boxing in Stoneham. I looked up the website, watched a video clip of the trainer and what he did, and I knew right then this was going to be for me! I was so right and I haven’t stopped since. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? I have wanted to get in the ring for a long time and Haymakers was my chance to do that while fighting for a good cause! I think Boxing is one of the greatest sports around. The conditioning, the mental toughness and the parallels to life lessons is unmatched. And really, with all that life has thrown at me and I have thrown at it- I’m a fighter!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 papa is by far my greatest inspiration. I miss him every day. He was a fighter until the end. He was a kind man with the deepest sense of integrity I have known. He lost his battle to Multiple Myeloma 3 years ago. The medical staff that treated my grandfather and supported my family, went above and beyond to ensure my grandfather was treated with dignity and respect and that we all understood what was happening throughout his treatment. Because of that experience, my inspiration exceeds so much further to all the stories that I have shared with people and their battles and to all those who dedicate their life to treating, caring and fighting this disease.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) I would say the hardest thing to give up during training is going to be sleep! 4am comes pretty quickly! This type of commitment means I have to be willing to sacrifice something. So unless I hit the lottery or pay someone to complete my graduate degree, It will have to be sleep for now. I am told it will all be worth it- and I believe it!When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I really do enjoy fitness and nutrition. My commitment and passion for a healthy lifestyle continues to evolve and keeps my mind right no matter what is going on in my life. When I am not throwing punches or training, I like to give as much energy to my family and friends. I try to spend as much time with the children in my life. Whether that is as a mentor or as Aunite Maria..it is the best! Some of my favorite things are writing, comedy shows, and jamming out to some old school R&B. Oh yeah and something a little quirky…I love to clean and organize!Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? I would say my Dad even though he is all talk! The truth is he would probably cry and try to jump in the ring to make sure I was okay. He is a big teddy bear and I am daddy’s little girl forever- even if I’m in the ring playing the tough girl!Be sure to check out her fundraising page here and wish her luck! Best of luck, Maria!
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Belles of the Brawl V: Payal Patel
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Belles of the Brawl V in Boston on October 5th. 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 Payal Patel, fighting out of EverybodyFights in South Boston, MA.Where are you from? I was born and raised a NJ/NY girl!!!Where did you go to college? Saint John’s University School of PharmacyDid you play any sports growing up? No, but I learned and taught years of classical dancingWhat do you do for work? I head up the US advertising and promotions team at a start-up biotech company called Bioverativ Inc. We are rare disease company committed to research and development for patients with unmet needs.Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? Hek no! Growing up, I think people always saw me as that girl that wasn’t going to make it. It felt like every day I was giving up piece of who Payal was just to prove people I was going to. I allowed people to do that to me. And the reality is we all go through tough situations in life that are never going to go away. But what remains is our ability to control how we let that impact us and what we do with those experiences. The only thing that taught me that was Boxing. Boxing has given me the one thing I learned very late in life and that is my Freedom. Freedom to follow my heart and intuition. Freedom to love, live, connect, influence and help. Freedom to be Payal.Why on Earth did you sign up to fight?? To be someone’s hero. To remind myself and others that it’s not who we are underneath but what we do that defines us. I signed up to take a hit, get up, move and breathe. Because that’s what heroes do to influence, help, change the world. That’s what I will be doing until that last bell rings to knock out cancer!You’re stepping into the ring to literally fight for a cure. Where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has Cancer affected you? My grandfather who lost his fight but was one unstoppable man and my hero. And my aunt who is still in the fight, but a bad ass survivor, I am fighting for them!What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (Beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching tv?) Tacos and Pinkberry!!!!When you’re not throwing punches and training – what other hobbies/interests do you have? NASA/Space, Harry Potter and anything DC/Marvel comics! Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Hopefully no one, lol. But probably my big brother Manoj. He already told me if I don’t punch back he’s going to punch me after. I was like, “Yup this defines our relationship to the tee.” It’s probably the marine in him.Be sure to check out her fundraising page here and wish her luck! Best of luck, Payal!
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