The latest
Monday Jul 29, 2019
Hope NYC VIII: Greg Feig
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Hope NYC VIII in NYC on November 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 Feig, fighting out of Mendez Boxing.Where are you from? Allentown PAWhere’d you go to college? University of Delaware Did you play any sports growing up? Nothing serious…What do you do for work? Director of Finance at CCMP Capital Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? Started to Box to get into shape after putting on 25 pounds caring for my daughter. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? While taking a cardio class I met a trainer who was involved with the 2017 event 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 daughter was diagnosed and beat AML Leukemia in 2017.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) At 42 years old I am hoping that my body holds upWhen you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I am lucky to have a tight nit group of 15 college friends that physically still hang out as much as possible.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? My friends have really come together to make this night unforgettable.Check out her fundraising page and be sure to wish her luck! Best of luck, Greg!
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Monday Jul 29, 2019
Hope NYC VIII: Matt Gralen
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Hope NYC VIII in NYC on November 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 Matt Gralen, fighting out of Mendez Boxing.Where are you from? Suburbs of ChicagoWhere’d you go to college? Vanderbilt Did you play any sports growing up? Football, lacrosseWhat do you do for work? Strategy & operations at an entertainment company Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I feel like I've always had it in me. Always loved contact sports - started playing football in 2nd grade and would have started in 1st if they would have let me! I took my first bags class about 2 years ago and was hooked on the spot. And beyond the sport itself, boxing has an incredible culture around it. Such a great community to be a part of. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? Got to do it on the biggest stage!! And make some good happen in the world at the same time. You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December 2013, had successful surgery soon thereafter and has remained cancer-free ever since. My family and I could not be more grateful for the medical advancements that made his shockingly smooth recovery possible. But it might not have been this way a generation earlier. The experience helped me realize that research and awareness is critical to make this type of experience possible for as many cancer patients and families as possible.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) All of the above!! Sleep, food, drink, the list goes on...When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? Music, food, reading, travel and plenty of others. Got to keep things interesting!!Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Friends, family, co-workers - I think it's equal opportunity!Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Matt!
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Monday Jul 29, 2019
Boxer in Training: Erinn Cahill
You’ve heard who they are and why they’re fighting. But now that we’re over the halfway mark until the big night on October 9th, 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. Erinn Cahill has been putting in work at TKO BoxFit and below you’ll hear about her first time sparring and more about his experience with Haymakers thus far.We’re halfway to fight night, how is your training coming along? Some days you feel good, the next day you don’t which completely screws with your head. Feel like I should be farther along although understand it is a marathon and not a sprint. I have to remind myself I am not training to be a pro-fighter although it has crossed my mind.What is your weekly routine? Technique/cardio 3/4 x a week Sparring 1 a week; if able Running 1/2 x a weekHow has your diet changed since training began? Pretty dramatically. Getting more energy requires cutting out certain foods and being super disciplined on having the right options around you. Snacks especially.Tell us about your first-time sparring, different than expected? How much I wanted to get back in and do better; and how it is waaaaayyyy harder and more draining than it looks. Moving seems simple when someone throws a punch but mind does not think quick enough. ?What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far? Being awake passed 8:30 p.m. and appreciating the mental game of the sport equally as much as the physical. ?What does your family think of your participation? Super supportive and know how hard training has been with everything going on. They always thought I was a little ? so this just re-affirmed it.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? How so many people are affected by cancer; how many caregivers, doctors, nurses, researchers, fighters, survivors, etc. are out there. When I go to my mothers appointments, I see a room full of people. All are fighting, all have their own story, all there for the hope of one more day. It is about the courage of the people who support, fight, work toward the cure, take the time to listen to each person and treat every unique one - it is about the courage and person over cancer. I wish I could scream in that room and let them all know how strong they all are. How I too wish for another day, and another and another....Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training? Yes. We recently found out my father has been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer; which is extremely rare. He is also battling dementia. I now fight for my mother and father.Donate to Erinn or purchase a ticket to Belles of the Brawl on October 9th here!
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Monday Jul 29, 2019
Boxer in Training: Nikki Joyal
You’ve heard who they are and why they’re fighting. But now that we’re over the halfway mark until the big night on October 9th, 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. Nikki Joyal has been putting in work at Lucky Punch Boxing and below you’ll hear about her first time sparring and more about his experience with Haymakers thus far.We’re halfway to fight night, how is your training coming along? Training is good. It’s so much harder than I thought it would be but I feel like I’m progressing! It’s so mentally and physically challenging.... I had no idea how much it takes! When I signed up I thought I can do anything for 6mins. I thought I was physically in good shape.... I soon found out that it’s a big difference to be in fighter shape! That boxing for 6mins feels like hours. It’s definitely a humbling experience for me and I’m enjoying the push. I want to be better and I like working on my weaknesses. I’m finding a whole new me through the experience.What is your weekly routine? I pretty much spend my days sweaty and smelly! Hahaha I teach hot yoga. So it’s teaching and training as much as possible. Then I toss in caring for my two kids, the dog, and running a business with my husband. I start my days early and I end them late. It’s a lot but it’s been manageable so far.How has your diet changed since training began? I’m actually so much hungrier! I wasn’t changing much in what I was eating but I was eating more. Trying to keep up with all the workouts. That didn’t seem to be working since the weight starting creeping on, so I’m switching it up going forward! I’ve also started drinking a lot more water.Tell us about your first-time sparring, different than expected? I had never boxed before this all started so sparring was/is eye-opening for me. I definitely have a lot of work to do... it’s harder than expected but less scary than I expected.What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far? Just missing out on time with my family and friends. Training takes up a lot of time... even on off days. I know how important it is to really push myself but that can be hard to do with so much else going on. Trying to balance it all is a little crazy.What does your family think of your participation? They think I’m crazy. They are so proud and supportive but they don’t fully get it. They don’t understand why I have to do this. Why I can’t raise money without getting hit in the face!It’s amazing how many people’s lives have been touched by cancer in some way - has there been anyone that has surprised you by their story? Unfortunately I’m never surprised by stories. A lot of us never think about cancer until a loved one or ourselves is diagnosed. Even then it’s not always talked about. I’m always sad to hear about people dealing with cancer in their lives. That’s part of the reason I’m doing this. So hopefully someday I’ll hear less stories.Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training? No. I went into this to help raise awareness and funding for much needed research that will always drive me.Donate to Rachel or purchase a ticket to Belles of the Brawl on October 9th here!
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Monday Jul 29, 2019
Boxer in Training: Rachel Frankel
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 September 19th, 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. Rachel Frankel has been putting in work at Urban Boxing DC and below you’ll hear about her first time sparring and more about his experience with Haymakers thus far.We’re halfway to fight night, how is your training coming along? Training has been coming along pretty well though I could stand to improve my conditioning.What is your weekly routine? I am in the gym about 5 days a week either after work or on weekend mornings. One of those 5 days is dedicated to sparring.How has your diet changed since training began? The biggest change is that I have been snacking after dinner far less than normal. I suspect this is because I am exhausted by the time I get home from work and the gym!Tell us about your first-time sparring, different than expected? The biggest surprise my first time sparring was how exhausting only a few minutes of effort can be.What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far? The most challenging part of training is not eating candy during the work day. A colleague keeps fully stocked candy bowls in the office; she is both my favorite and most hated person right now!What does your family think of your participation? My family is supportive, but they don't want to see me get hurt.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? Annie Dragolich's story is amazing. Of course, she's my opponent, so after reading her story, you should go to my fighter page and donate!Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training? I am not sure that my inspiration has changed. I'm still very excited to be fighting for a great cause while pursuing a goal and working to overcome a long-time fear.Donate to Rachel or purchase a ticket to The Beltway Brawl on September 19th!
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Monday Jul 29, 2019
Boxer in Training: Jesse Stephens
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 September 19th, 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. Jesse Stephens has been putting in work at Urban Boxing DC and below you’ll hear about her first time sparring and more about his experience with Haymakers thus far.We’re halfway to fight night, how is your training coming along? It's coming along extremely well. I have complete trust in my coach and he's done a great job preparing meWhat is your weekly routine? road work and boxing 3x a week, strength training and footwork 3x a week, one day of "rest" with some cryotherapy sprinkled inHow has your diet changed since training began? The hard part for me has been eating more, but the right stuff. It's easy to justify bad food choices when you're boxing several hours a week and running 15+ miles a week, plus time in the gym. My happy medium has been a diet of Thai and Mediterranean food, that way I get the carbs and protein I need but it tastes good too.Tell us about your first-time sparring, different than expected? I wasn't sure what to expect to be honest. It's obviously much easier to punch things that don't hit back (bags, pads, etc.), but sparring is where you can really start to see how much you're improvingWhat has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far? Timing my rest has definitely been a huge challenge What does your family think of your participation? My wife actually asked me if there's a way I can fight without punching anyone in the head...I don't think anyone in my family is particularly thrilled about me trading head blows with someone. They'll just have to get over it. It's worth it for the cause.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? Annie Dragolich's story is incredible. There are no words to describe how impressive it is to see a cancer survivor dedicate themselves to train for a boxing match. If Haymakers ever goes to Philly, I have a good friend with a similar story who'd make one hell of a Haymakers competitor.Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training? Not exactly. Since I signed up for Haymakers, my wife's aunt passed away. Her son, my wife's cousin, put it best at the funeral: "Her battle with cancer is now over, and she won. Even though her time ran out, cancer wasn't able to take any life away from her while she was here". Being at that funeral opened a lot of old wounds for me, it brought me right back to the days I lost my parents. There's an even greater sense of urgency in my training - I have to do try and do something about this.Donate to Jesse or purchase a ticket to The Beltway Brawl on September 19th here!
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Monday Jul 22, 2019
Hope NYC VIII: Logan Lowe
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Hope NYC VIII in NYC on November 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 Logan Lowe, fighting out of Mendez Boxing.Where are you from? New York CityWhere’d you go to college? Princeton University Did you play any sports growing up? Wrestling, soccer, rugby, baseball, martial artsWhat do you do for work? Portfolio manager at a structured credit hedge fund. Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? Contact sports have always been like a religion for me, but I thought my days of competing were behind me. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? I wanted to support an incredible cause and prove to myself that I could still compete. You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? Everyone has loved ones who have suffered from cancer. When I was a pre-med in college, I envisioned myself helping people through medicine and medical research. Although I went another direction with my career, H4H has provided me an opportunity to contribute to this vital cause.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Time with my wife.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? Spending time with my family and friends, traveling, podcasts, and TV bingesWho do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? My younger (and much smaller) brother.Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Logan!
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Monday Jul 22, 2019
Hope NYC VIII: Dan Silver
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Hope NYC VIII in NYC on November 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 Dan Silver, fighting out of Mendez Boxing.Where are you from? Dix Hills, NY originally...now NYCWhere’d you go to college? University of Michigan Did you play any sports growing up? Baseball and soccerWhat do you do for work? An unusual answer- I'm the founder and CEO of Clothes On, a custom apparel company that primarily serves college organizations and events on over 100 campuses nationally. I also am the assistant director of Sunrise Day Camp, the world's only full summer day camp for children with cancer and their siblings, completely free of charge. Before these things, I was a tax and technology consultant for Deloitte (my degrees from Michigan are a Bachelors in industrial engineering and Masters in accounting) but happily gave the CPA life up to grow my business and run Sunrise. Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I love competing, and I love challenges. I compete in anything and everything, which bothers the hell out of everyone I know. By all accounts, there is no sport more difficult and challenging to train for and progress in than boxing. I've never been in a real fight in my life, and I wanted to try something completely out of my comfort zone. The idea of competing 1 on 1 knowing that whoever worked harder up to that point has the advantage to win is exactly what I'm looking for in my next challenge. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? Like I said, I wanted to try something out of my usual comfort zone. If not now, then when? I'm getting married in December, so my fiance is not thrilled with the idea of me getting my nose broken 5 weeks before our wedding, but that's even more inspiration to avoid getting a clean shot to the face. But winning this fight would be another great achievement in a special year for me. I attended the 2017 Haymakers event and was so impressed by the atmosphere and the production, that I've wanted to be a part of it ever since. 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 been a part of Sunrise for 10 years, serving as the assistant camp director for the last 5. We have 700+ kids, from ages 3 to 18, who have been affected by cancer, whether it was a cancer diagnosis for them or their sibling. Over the last 10 years, I have seen it all. We have hundreds and hundreds of kids who have survived their fight with cancer. We have dozens of kids who have unfortunately passed away. We have kids who have lost their hair, their ability to walk, or their ability to see. We have seen triumphs, tragedies, and milestones. And through it all, I have been beyond blessed to be inspired by their bravery and their resiliency. Cancer is incredibly personal to me. I have relationships with hundreds of families who have had their lives turned upside down by their child's cancer diagnosis. I love these kids and their families more than anything. And Haymakers is giving me another opportunity to make a difference for them- whether it's by the money I raise to support an amazing and crucially important camp for them, or by inspiring them through my training.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Outside of camp season, I am completely unable to wake up early...but I'm going to have to wake up early for training. So giving up a late wakeup time will probably be my biggest sacrifice.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I'm incredibly lucky that my job(s) are also my hobbies. Continuing to grow and build my business after 8 years is still a ton of fun, and building our camp each summer (I hire 200+ staff members, we have year-round events, etc) is also a thrill for me. Beyond that, I have a dog that I love, I love the NY Yankees, NY Giants, and Michigan Football/Basketball, and I love weightlifting.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? There's a whole group of people who work for/with me at Sunrise that will pay any amount of money to watch me get punched in the face. I am a very demanding camp director during camp season (need it to be great for the kids), so they'll be rooting for me to get knocked out for sure.Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Dan!
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Monday Jul 22, 2019
Boxer in Training: Martin Sanchez
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 September 19th, 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. Martin Sanchez has been putting in work at Urban Boxing DC and below you’ll hear about her first time sparring and more about his experience with Haymakers thus far.We’re halfway to fight night, how is your training coming along? I feel like I am progressing but still have a lot to learn.What is your weekly routine? Running 3-5 times a week with going to the UFC Arlington gym 3 times a week due to work.How has your diet changed since training began? I am currently not on any specific diet. Trying to eat a little cleaner but nothing drastic yet.Tell us about your first-time sparring, different than expected? There's nothing like getting punched right in the beak.What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far? Getting out of work in time to make the training sessions is the toughest part.What does your family think of your participation? They're all excited for sure.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? There have been several. I've been very surprised and touched by how many people thanked me for doing this and told me the story about how their dad or grandparent or sibling or friend or even themselves were affected. It's been very inspiring and a little overwhelming when you realize just how many people this impacts.Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training? I recently found out that a Chief I worked with, Brian Love, passed away from cancer less than a month ago. I worked with him on a daily basis for about 18 months which included a deployment overseas and he was just a great mentor, husband, father, and friend to so many people. I obviously signed up before hearing of his passing but this is just more reason for me to try and make as big of a contribution as I can.Donate to Liz or purchase a ticket to The Beltway Brawl on September 19th here!
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Monday Jul 22, 2019
Boxer in Training: Liz Abbott-Beaumont
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 September 19th, 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. Liz Abbott-Beaumont has been putting in work at Urban Boxing DC and below you’ll hear about her first time sparring and more about his experience with Haymakers thus far.We’re halfway to fight night, how is your training coming along? It was going great! Unfortunately, I fractured my rib in a sparring round two weeks ago so I've been slightly stunted. However, I've been doing what I can to retain the strength until I'm ready to jump in again!What is your weekly routine? On average, I do 4-5 days at the boxing gym depending on when the classes fall, and then I would run 3 times a week. Currently while injured, I'm able to walk long distances, I've been trying to do arm weight exercises, and I can do the sitting bike without further aggravating my rib.How has your diet changed since training began? SO MUCH. I downloaded a calorie counting app and it has truly forced me to think about what I put in my body. Because I love food, it's almost like playing a game with myself where I see how much food I can consume within my daily limit in order to hit my target weight.Tell us about your first-time sparring, different than expected? Intense... I thought I knew what I was doing until I took a glove to the face. It's really hard to be prepared for your first experience when your opponent (the bag) hasn't been hitting you back.What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far? The rib fracture... definitely the rib fracture.What does your family think of your participation? They are of course supportive of the cause, but I think are concerned about overall safety, like a parent would :)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? There have been several. I've been very surprised and touched by how many people thanked me for doing this and told me the story about how their dad or grandparent or sibling or friend or even themselves were affected. It's been very inspiring and a little overwhelming when you realize just how many people this impacts.Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training? I wouldn't say it has changed, but it has definitely widened. I joined this campaign because I wanted to see true change and true impact. Watching everyone's fundraising numbers climb and seeing the excitement this is generating among my friends and coworkers is pretty phenomenal. I can't wait to see where everything is on media day!Donate to Liz or purchase a ticket to The Beltway Brawl on September 19th here!
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