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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Rock 'N Rumble VIII: Anthony Fortunato
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble VIII in Boston on May 17th. 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 Anthony Fortunato, fighting out of the Nonantum Boxing Club.Where are you from? I grew up in Medford, MA and went to Malden Catholic High SchoolWhere’d you go to college? MIT Did you play any sports growing up? I played many sports, all sports, on an intramural or JV level, but nothing at a high level.What do you do for work? I work in sales for a large global institutional equity business. Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I turned 50 a little over a year ago and made several life changes including losing 40 pounds. As I got into better and better shape I needed a goal. I had no interest in running a marathon so I told my trainer I wanted to be able to do 10 pullups within a year. Then after speaking to several people that had previously fought in Haymakers I decided that would be my challenge. Short answer, I have never been hit in the face and have never been in a fight, so no, I never pictured myself boxing. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? The challenge. The top notch organization. The stories from former fighters, especially Jess Marino.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) SugarWhen you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? New England Patriots and travel with familyWho do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Kyle D'Arcy..... but I am sure there is a loooonnng list.Be sure to check out his fundraising page here and wish him luck! Best of luck, Anthony!
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Rumble in the Rockies: Jessie Blake
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rumble in the Rockies in Denver on June 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 Jessie Blake, fighting out of the Bodies by Perseverance.Where are you from? Roslindale, MassachusettsWhere’d you go to college? Salve Regina University - Newport, RI Did you play any sports growing up? Basketball, cheerleading and runningWhat do you do for work? I work for an advertising agency managing accounts and integrated production for health and wellness brands. Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? Honestly, yes. I've always seen boxing as a great outlet for me. I love high-intensity workouts because they're an outlet for my energy and frustration aka "the east coast edge." Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? I've wanted to fight in Haymakers for Hope since May 2015 when I attended my first event to watch my boss fight. I was so inspired watching him train and raise money for Dana Farber - his transformation was amazing. I've been mentally preparing for 3 years and feel so grateful to finally have the opportunity to get my ass kicked!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 affected me at an early age. My dad was treated for prostate cancer with radiation when I was in the second grade. His treatment and recovery was so scary. I vividly remember standing outside his bedroom, unable to hug him because the residual radiation was too strong for children exposure. I am constantly inspired by the hope that a cure is near. Living in Boston exposed me to the seriously excellent and talented researchers and doctors at a young age. I am so confident in Dana Farber's capabilities and am thrilled to participate in an event that gives SO much.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Sauvignon Blanc. All of it.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I love to hike and camp which is why I moved to Colorado! I am constantly reading - I love business and self help books. I am also constantly consuming media and new ideas for work. I am training for my first marathon in November in New York!Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? A handful of girls from high school. Okay, maybe more than a handful.Be sure to check out her fundraising page here and wish her luck on Instagram! Best of luck, Jessie!
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Rumble in the Rockies: Greg Preston
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rumble in the Rockies in Denver on June 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 Greg Preston, fighting out of the Blunt Force Training.Where are you from? Taylor Mill, KYWhere’d you go to college? Winona State University Did you play any sports growing up? Growing up I played football, basketball, baseball and swimming, but once I reached high school I focused solely on football.What do you do for work? I'm the owner of the OsteoStrong location opening in Denver this spring. OsteoStrong is "The Ultimate BioHack" which helps you strengthen the foundation of your body - the skeletal system. The term "biohack" is used because the latest science and technology was utilized to develop new patented equipment that allows people of all ages to get insane results in only 60 seconds of effort once per week. I've been an athlete my entire life and I've never seen anything that can substantially increase strength, balance and posture in such little time and effort like what we do at OsteoStrong. It's going to change the world and I'm excited to be a part of it. Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? After my college football career ended, I struggled like many athletes to fill the void that was created. Boxing helped fill that void because not only is it an incredible workout, but there is so much technique and skill involved that there is always something to work on. I'd be lying if I didn't say I also like the physicality of it. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? I lived in Boston for a few years and knew about Haymakers but never signed up. I made excuses about not having enough time to commit to the training, and wasn't sure if I was good enough to step into the ring. I remember leaving Boston to move to Denver and thinking the only thing I left on the table in Boston was not doing Haymaker's. I knew it was an opportunity to push myself way outside of my comfort zone while supporting a cause that hits home for me. Fate would have it that a few months after moving, Haymaker's announced they were expanding to Denver. I signed up immediately.You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? Reading the word "cancer" makes me cringe. About 3 years ago my dad slipped and fell on ice while shoveling the driveway and snapped his quadratic tendon. During his pre-surgery physical, doctor's noticed some blood levels were off and after further investigation diagnosed him with stage IV colon cancer. He died 10 months later at age 65. I'm grateful my dad fell that day because it gave me and my family an opportunity to come to terms with what was happening, although anyone who has been through it will tell you that it goes faster than expected and still feels sudden. That experience, as traumatizing as it was, has changed my life in so many incredible ways. I'm closer with my family than I've ever been, and I find myself less fearful and less stressed about things that don't actually matter. My amazing mother is also a breast cancer survivor. I'm motivated to fight for cancer because I know first hand the standard care options we offer today are an embarrassment to modern medicine. The good news is there's a lot of exciting research that is showing promising results, so I'm 100% in for helping raise funds for those companies.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Sleep. Giving up sweets, beer, and TV is no problem for me, but getting up early to train has never been something I've enjoyed. My girlfriend will attest to me being hardly human at 6:00am.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? During the winter I am snowboarding with family and friends almost every weekend. I'm passionate about staying active and healthy, being an entrepreneur, spending time with my family and girlfriend Tiffany, and beating my younger brother in ping pong.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Definitely not my mom. Probably my younger brother Brent. I'm sure I deserve at least a few to the schnauz.Be sure to check out his fundraising page here and wish him luck! Best of luck, Greg!
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Rumble in the Rockies: Stephanie Mernick
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rumble in the Rockies in Denver on June 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 Tessie (Stephanie) Mernick, fighting out of the Corner Boxing Club.Where are you from? BostonWhere’d you go to college? Northeastern University for undergrad, currently at CU Boulder getting my Masters! Go Buffs! Did you play any sports growing up? Soccer, Basketball, SoftballWhat do you do for work? Full-time grad student right now, studying environmental policy. Before I started school in August 2017, I was working in Boston at a utility tracking software company to improve the energy efficiency of multifamily and commercial buildings. Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? Never! A few years ago I accidentally killed a bee, and held a funeral for it...this sums up my day-to-day life pretty accurately. I think I would rather be punched than punch someone because I can't imagine ever hurting someone else, but hopefully this will change or else I will end up, as they say, seeing stars. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? I was with my friends Brian and Erin in January talking about how I needed to get back into shape. Brian suggested that I sign up for Haymakers for Hope because not only would I get into shape, but I would also be supporting an amazing cause. I signed up to challenge myself with something I've never thought I could do, to raise money and awareness for a disease that has caused so many people pain, and to support my friend in his new role as the regional fight manager for H4H in Denver. 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 don't get mad very often, when I do, it's typically for a good reason. It angers me when bad things happen to good people. Two of my grandparents passed away from cancer, my uncle is being treated for cancer, one of my very best friends had cancer, his mom passed away from cancer, my friend's dad lost the battle to cancer...and sadly, I could go on and on. Just spelling out the word cancer makes me angry. This is where I get my inspiration. The more we fight cancer now, the less pain it will bring to everyone later.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Probably cheese. I just used up the last of my cheese this evening...which means I won't be buying anymore cheese for myself until June! Of course, if a friend brings cheese over, I may eat some. I also recently finished my trusty box of wine, and I'm going to (try my best to) give that up as well.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? Studying, studying, studying! I love driving up to the mountains and hiking towards a body of water (I miss the ocean!), having game nights with friends, painting, petting dogs, sending people letters, and I just love being outside. I also like helping people become more green!Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? That bee that I accidentally killed a few years ago. And my sister.Be sure to check out her fundraising page here and wish her luck on Instagram! Best of luck, Tessie!
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Rumble in the Rockies: Andrew Nemechek
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rumble in the Rockies in Denver on June 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 Andrew Nemechek, fighting out of the ToS Boxing.Where are you from? Colorado Springs, COWhere’d you go to college? UCCS Did you play any sports growing up? Soccer and BasketballWhat do you do for work? Financial Analyst Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I had been thinking about joining a boxing gym for a few months before I became aware of Haymakers. I had grown bored of the same gym routine and thought boxing would be different- it's definitely different! To be clear, these were thoughts of joining a boxing gym to work out, not actually fight! I never pictured myself stepping in a boxing ring, but that's part of the greatness of this event! Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? I signed up to fight as a challenge to myself. Everything about the training will challenge me mentally and physically. Almost everything about Haymakers -asking for donations, performing in front of people, doing cardio- is outside of my comfort zone. I am excited to push myself to new limits and learn a lot about myself! Haymakers also provides an incredible opportunity to raise money and awareness in the fight for a cure for cancer which was too great to pass up! You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? One of the main reasons that I decided to literally fight for a cure is that I have been fortunate enough that cancer has not had a profound impact on my life. I am fighting, in part, to keep it that way! I also realize how lucky I am to be in this position, and would like to stand-up in support with all those that have been impact by this terrible disease. I hope through my fundraising and participation in Haymakers for Hope to have a role (albeit a small one) in helping with the ultimate goal of beating cancer for good!What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Dessert and sleepWhen you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? Playing sports, watching TV, readingWho do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? My little brotherBe sure to check out his fundraising page here and wish him luck! Best of luck, Andrew
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Rock 'N Rumble VIII: Kori Brown
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble VIII in Boston on May 17th. 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 Kori Brown, fighting out of Nonantum Boxing Club.Where are you from? Buffalo, NYWhere’d you go to college? Hamilton College Did you play any sports growing up? At a very young age I was drawn to sports. I played every sport I could growing up. In high school I was a 3 sport athlete. Soccer, Basketball and either Track or Baseball in the Spring. I went on to play basketball in college at Hamilton. Upon moving to Boston in '99-00, I picked up semi-pro football which I played for 16 seasons. The majority of which was spent with the Charlestown Townies of the Eastern Football League. I try to remain as active as possible and sports is a great way to fuel my competitive drive.What do you do for work? I'm a Senior Manager for Global Technical Talent Acquisition for SharkNinja based in Needham. We make the Shark vacuums/robot vacs, Ninja blenders/coffee bar, etc. Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I've always enjoyed watching boxing matches and thought it would be cool to give a try but never thought it would happen. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? Honestly, I wanted to challenge myself. I've heard how grueling the training and the preparation can be so it seems like the ideal way to push the limits of what I'm capable of. Besides, if nothing else, I'll probably be in the best shape of my life. 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 will be fighting in honor of my cousin Bud or Major General AJ Stewart as he was known in the US Air Force, who passed away at the age of 55 from brain cancer. When told he had 3 months he said they haven’t invented anything that can kill me in 3 months and went on to live another 27 months. If he can do that, I can conquer this! I also hope to honor my family members, friends, co-workers, past and present who have either dealt with this horrible disease personally or have seen it's effect on someone they love. Cancer is an awful awful disease. If I can have a small hand in helping someone battle to simply see another day or somehow someway make a contribution to fund a cure, I'm all in. God has blessed me with the ability to do something for someone else and I'm going to do it to the best of my ability.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Ice cream is my weakness. Giving up Coffee-flavored Haagen Dazs will be tough. I may have to build in a cheat day or two if allowed.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I enjoy spending time with family and friends, working out, listening to music and simply relaxing.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Ha ha. Great question. No clue but hopefully I don't get punched too many times.Be sure to check out his fundraising page here and wish him luck on Instagram! Best of luck, Kori!
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Rumble in the Rockies: Alex Frank
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rumble in the Rockies in Denver on June 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 Alex Frank, fighting out of the Corner Boxing Club.Where are you from? Boulder, COWhere’d you go to college? Northwestern University Did you play any sports growing up? Soccer, Basketball, Lacrosse (played lacrosse in college)What do you do for work? Associate Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach at University of Colorado Boulder Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? We boxed in college once a week as cross training for our sport. I loved the intensity of the class and doing something I had never done before. I am not sure I ever pictured myself fighting. We only focused on fundamentals in college so the idea of fighting someone is exciting but also intimidating. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? My friend and her husband participated in the Haymakers event in Boston and I had the opportunity to attend the event. It was inspiring to watch the fighters and listen to their stories. The intensity and enjoyment of all the fighters was infectious and I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of if I had the chance. When I saw it was going to be in Denver, I jumped at the opportunity to participate.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 drawing my inspiration from a lot of different people. Even though we are fighting to knock out cancer I always keep in mind those fighting all types of illnesses. When I was in school we had the opportunity to build a relationship with a young lady, Jaclyn Murphy, who had battled a brain tumor. To hear what Jaclyn had gone through and to see her to continue to grow into the young woman she is today has always been an inspiration. I also draw inspiration from my good family friend, Paula Evans. She was a second mother to me and helped me get to where I am today. It was tough watching her battle cancer for numerous years and eventually losing her fight. However seeing her at every lacrosse tournament, coaching young ladies and being a huge support system while she was sick has been something I have always looked up to. I admired her strength, courage, and love and hope to honor the legacy she has left.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Not exactly sure but probably time spent watching TV.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I love to be outdoors. Hiking, skiing, fishing, etc. I try to take advantage of any time I get to spend with my dog enjoying what Colorado has to offer.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Players on my team.Be sure to check out her fundraising page here and wish her luck! Best of luck, Alex!
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Rock 'N Rumble VIII: John George
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble VIII in Boston on May 17th. 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 John George, fighting out of Redline Fight Sports.Where are you from? PittsburghWhere’d you go to college? Bentley University Did you play any sports growing up? Wrestling What do you do for work? Research Associate Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I’ve been interested in boxing for a long time but never pursued it. Haymakers seemed like a great opportunity to get involved with the sport and make a difference. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? I know my friends will be motivated to donate when they find out I’m getting punched 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? Watching family and friends battle cancer has been a constant throughout my life. Their strength and courage always leads me to question, how can I help?What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Giving up beers and burgers will be tough!When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I love watching movies and running along the Charles River.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Tim Casaletto Be sure to check out his fundraising page here and wish him luck! Best of luck, John!
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Rock 'N Rumble VIII: Eric Sonis
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble VIII in Boston on May 17th. 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 Eric Sonis, fighting out of the EverybodyFights.Where are you from? Boston, MAWhere’d you go to college? Dartmouth College Did you play any sports growing up? Wrestling/soccer What do you do for work? Equity derivatives sales Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I have been to several haymakers events and every time I have left thinking “I should do that”. I picked up Boxing over the summer and I loved the physical and mental challenge it provided me and the next logical step was to put all this training to the test. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? Besides being an outstanding cause and event I was looking for a personal goal outside of my normal life. I felt like I wanted to challenge and push myself and reawaken some of the competitiveness I used to have. 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 been unbelievably lucky in life but someone once told me that all it takes to turn things around is a dr saying “hmmmm.....I don’t like the look of that”. I’m fighting for all of the (too many people) that have heard that.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Time with my two boys Max (5) and Caden (3)When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? Being the best dad and husband I can be.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? My little (bigger) brotherBe sure to check out his fundraising page here and wish him luck! Best of luck, Eric!
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Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Rumble in the Rockies: Josh Siegel
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rumble in the Rockies in Denver on June 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 Josh Siegel, fighting out of Bodies by Perseverance.Where are you from? Denver, ColoradoWhere’d you go to college? University of Colorado Did you play any sports growing up? YesWhat do you do for work? Commercial Real Estate Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I've always admired the boxing lifestyle and commitment boxers have to train, compete, and win. Being given the opportunity to fight in a sport that is not considered mainstream is a challenge I am excited to take on. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? To win.You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? Cancer affects just about everyone in one way or another but my family has been touched by cancer on both sides since as long as I can remember. I lost my Uncle Larry Silver to Leukemia in 2005 and my Aunt Sondra Rose to Pancreatic cancer in 2015 - they were some of the strongest and most inspirational people I knew. I am fighting in their memory. Every year, since 2006, my family has hosted the LSMGT, a golf tournament that raises money for families with children undergoing cancer treatment.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Probably the time spent on other activities with friends, playing softball, going out, etc. I think focusing my weekends on boxing and a healthy lifestyle will help prepare me for fight night. I'm not giving up coffee.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I love spending time in the Rocky Mountains and exploring, playing softball, basketball, golf, cooking with my Mom, or hanging out driving the 48' Studebaker with my dad. During the week, I am busy working in commercial real estate which is my other passion!Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Too many to count....Be sure to check out his fundraising page here and wish him luck! Best of luck, Josh!
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