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Monday Jun 17, 2019

The Beltway Brawl: Adam Baxter

During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Beltway Brawl in DC on September 19th. 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 Adam Baxter, fighting out of Urban Boxing Arlington.Where are you from? Severna Park, MDWhere’d you go to college? Towson University Did you play any sports growing up? Lacrosse, Football, BasketballWhat do you do for work? Self-employed General Contractor Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I grew up watching some of the great heavyweight champs (Tyson, Holyfield, Lewis, Holmes), wondering what it must have been like to be in the ring fighting an opponent of equal strength and discipline. I was always curious and in awe of boxers, but didn't think I would ever feel it firsthand. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? When the Baltimore Brawler (Rich Beecher) suggested I sign up for H4H, I knew I had the chance to take that curiosity of my childhood, and turn it into a reality. And to be able to do it for such a good cause was an even bigger incentive- there was no hesitation in signing on to fight in honor of those that are fighting real battles against a much worse opponent. 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 recently learned that a guy in my circle of friends was diagnosed with testicular cancer and required surgery and nine weeks of chemotherapy. He has a young family like I do. And being a dad is tough job- I can't imagine what it must be like to fight cancer while also raising young children, but I know people have to do it everyday. So I decided to fight for all the parents out there that are literally fighting for their lives, so that they can have the opportunity to watch their children grow, just as I am so blessed to be doing.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) I have a serious sweet tooth, so keeping the candy and cookies away will be tough!When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I love shooting sporting clays on the Eastern Shore, hanging out with my family, all things old cars and taking my daughter to ballet.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Every single one of my 15 groomsmen...and maybe a few others.Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Adam!

Monday Jun 17, 2019

The Beltway Brawl: Sean McCumiskey

During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Beltway Brawl in DC on September 19th. 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 Sean McCumiskey, fighting out of Urban Boxing DC.Where are you from? Vienna, VirginiaWhere’d you go to college? George Mason University Did you play any sports growing up? Baseball, Basketball, FootballWhat do you do for work? I work for Medtronic in the Spine Marketing division Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? Honestly no! My best friend Erik fought in Haymakers last year, and it was very inspirational. But I never thought I would actually do it. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? After being bombarded over the past year with e-mails, links, and pictures from my friend Erik regarding Haymakers, I reluctantly looked into the organization. What I saw was both inspiring, and to be honest, slightly terrifying. But the fundraising potential for this amazing organization was just to good to pass up. And after a little more thought, (and a good shadow boxing session in my living room), I signed 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? Hands down beer. Although giving up Anita's Breakfast Burritos is a close second.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Beer, pasta, and fries.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? Hanging out with my wife and two little boys takes up most of my time (but that's a good thing). Other than that I enjoy hanging out at Lake Anna, entertaining friends at night, and listening to music.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Probably not my mother...she's not excited at all! And oddly enough all my friends seem delighted at the prospect of me getting punched in the face. That either says a lot about the people I choose to be friends with or me. Jury's still out.Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Sean!

Monday Jun 10, 2019

Belles of the Brawl VII: Rachel Gianatasio

During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Belles of the Brawl VII on October 9th. 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 Rachel Gianatasio, fighting out of EverybodyFights.Where are you from? Marblehead, MA. Little sailing town on the North Shore. About 16 miles north of Boston.Where’d you go to college? Northeastern University in Boston. Go Huskies! Did you play any sports growing up? I danced my whole life up until a few years ago. I also played basket ball, tennis and I ice skated.What do you do for work? I'm a photographer and photo editor! I work part time in a studio where I am the editor and then I freelance part time as well. Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I was one of the least aggressive human beings on the planet before I started boxing. I started to box for fun and just fitness purposes on and off in 2015. I started to become super into it about a year later and it became part of my day-to-day life. It gave me a sense of mental and physical strength and satisfaction that I never really found in any other sport. I still never really saw myself actually fighting though until probably a little over a year ago. And even now it's hard to believe! Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? I've been lucky enough to follow along through my photography as many of the alumni have participated in this incredible event. Inspiring doesn't even begin to cover it. I want to do my part to help fight cancer. I also wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone in honor of those who don't get the choice. 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 grandmother passed away from skin cancer when I was very young. She was a wonderful woman who I did not get a chance to know very well aside from distant memories and stories from my mother. My aunt is a breast cancer survivor. My cousin is currently battling multiple myeloma. These are just a few examples.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Oh boy. All the above? Probably just over-indulging in food. I love food.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I'm either taking/editing photos or playing with my dogs. I have 3 dogs and I absolutely love taking them for walks and taking them to the park.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Well not my mom, I can promise you that! Maybe my fiancé?Check out her fundraising page and be sure to wish her luck! Best of luck, Rachel!

Monday Jun 10, 2019

Belles of the Brawl VII: Allison Picott

During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Belles of the Brawl VII in Boston on October 9th. 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 Allison Picott, fighting out of EverybodyFights.Where are you from? Currently live in Boston (The South End), but grew up in Harvard, MAWhere’d you go to college? Trinity College (Hartford, CT) Did you play any sports growing up? Tennis, JV basketball, Varsity softball, roller skating (competitively), Varsity trackWhat do you do for work? Director of Development at the Social Innovation Forum Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I enjoy competitive sports and a couple of years ago began occasionally incorporating boxing into some of my workouts with my personal trainer. After watching my cousin, Jillian Gundersheim, box in Belles of the Brawl VI, I've been thinking about boxing more. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 at age 40, just days before my wedding. I want to fight in celebration of me turning 50 and being 10 years cancer free next year. You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? Being diagnosed with breast cancer literally days before my 2010 wedding, made my wedding vows - in sickness and in health -- all that more real. I was fortunate that it was caught early. Over the past 9 years, I've helped so many acquaintances, friends, and friends of friends through their respective breast cancer journeys. I fight for myself - in celebration of being cancer free - and in support of others.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Probably time with my husband and our 2 dogs.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? Spending time with my dogs - Penny (a Boston Terrier) and Maya (a Boxer), cooking, going to the movies/sporting events with my husband.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Not sure that there is any particular person who is "excited" to see me be punched in the face, but there are certainly a few people - my husband and sister among them - who are nervous/anxious.Check out her fundraising page and be sure to wish her luck! Best of luck, Allison!

Monday Jun 10, 2019

The Beltway Brawl: Harrison Slater

During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Beltway Brawl in DC on September 19th. 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 Harrison Slater, fighting out of Urban Boxing DC.Where are you from? Westfield, NJWhere’d you go to college? Penn State Did you play any sports growing up? A little of almost every sport, but not very wellWhat do you do for work? I'm a consultant at Deloitte in our Government Advisory practice. I help Federal clients manage risks. Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I've followed boxing for a while and am fascinated by it. Fighting is about as raw and stripped down of a sport as you can get. It's been a part of mankind and in nature pretty much for years.It's brutal, but there's something about it that draws people in. I never pictured myself fighting when I was younger, but as I've gotten older I feel more comfortable with it. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? To raise money to fight cancer, to get in great shape, to refine my boxing skills, and to put on a show! 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 fairly lucky as far as how much cancer has affected me. I've lost a few loved ones from it and some people I know or friends of friends have been diagnosed. My inspiration more so comes from the stories I've heard of others who it has affected on a deeper level and who it is affecting currently. I'm also inspired to help fight cancer in the future, because as far as I know, it doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon. If my fortunate run of having my life unaffected by cancer profoundly were to end, I would want to know that there are others fighting for a cure, too.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Beer, pasta, and fries.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I've gotten into golfing recently which I'm enjoying and struggling at. I love snowboarding in the winter, watching TV, listening to podcasts, and reading. I'm currently also spending most of my time studying for the CFA Level 2 Exam on June 15th.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Other than whoever I'm fighting of course, I think all my friends will get a kick out of me taking a few good shots.Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Harrison!

Monday Jun 10, 2019

The Beltway Brawl: Chris Tipler

Thursday Jun 6, 2019

You have people in your corner. I’m in your corner

If boxing’s the loneliest sport, you’d think the lone Haymakers for Hope fighter at a gym might feel uncharted depths of solitude. Not if you’re Rumble in the Rockies boxer Kevin Rosser. In the lead up to his first fight, he’s found a supportive network of friends, family, and Haymakers alumni across the country. “I’m in a unique situation as the only Haymakers fighter at my gym for this year,” Kevin says. “But I wouldn’t change it, I’m so happy with the gym I ended up choosing. House of Pain is a smaller mom and pop place. We have the old, gritty, grungy bags, and people work so hard there. I’ve been alone in terms of Haymakers for Hope, but the gym has such an incredible community. My coach runs classes twice a day for at-risk youth. This gym represents so much and it has really kept me motivated, to be able to see the impact boxing can make.”Training without fellow Haymakers fighters hasn’t kept him from tapping to the alumni network, though. He spars with one of last year’s Denver boxers, and on a recent vacation to New York City, Kevin trained for a week at Mendez Boxing Gym. Former Haymakers alumni were quick to jump in the ring with Kevin. “I was so grateful they were so willing to train with me on a day’s notice, and they were so happy to help. That team mentality is something I’m excited to continue to support through Haymakers.” Kevin’s made a good head start as an engaged H4H alumnus; he’s already spreading the word about next year’s Denver signups and convinced a friend to join the inaugural Beltway Brawl later this year in Washington, DC. Still, Kevin says this array of coaches and sparring partners aren’t his most important training support system: that’s his team at home. Kevin, his wife Rachel, and their toddler son Gareth welcomed a new baby to the family… right in the middle of training. “We just had our second son Kameron. He was born March 11, just one month after my Haymakers orientation. Signing up, knowing I had a newborn on the way was a big task, and I had to modify training based on responsibilities that come with being a new parent, and it was a lot to ask of my wife while I was out training. I have such a great partner and she’s been a huge reason why I’ve been able to get fit and drop weight.” Rachel’s been a one-woman chef-slash-alarm-clock-slash-cheerleader, and the entire Rosser family’s work has paid off; with just a month to go until fight night, Kevin hit his fundraising goal. When he first signed up, Kevin’s biggest concern was the fundraising. “I’ve done marathons in the past, and I know it’s so hard to get people to donate. However, you find out quickly that fighting cancer is something that unites everyone. When people find out what the Haymakers money goes to, they think of their loved ones. I’ve been blown away by the generosity and support I’ve received from family and near and distant friends.”One of Kevin’s most memorable donations came from a friend from a former fellow serviceman. “He commented ‘This impacts everyone,’ and it was just unexpected and some really great motivation to keep spreading the word for more donations.” The donations have pushed Kevin’s training in a way he didn’t expect, too. “My donors keep commenting with the names of their loved ones they’ve lost that they want me to fight for. I feel like I’ve added to my list of people I’ll be focusing on when I get in the ring on June 6.”The first name on that list? Kevin’s Uncle Steve who lost his battle with cancer two years ago. “It was really private, I only found out he was sick a month before he died. With Haymakers for Hope, I saw a parallel between someone battling cancer, feeling alone, one-on-one, just you versus. cancer. Once I made that connection that it was just like a boxing fight, I knew I had to sign up. I love being able to honor my loved ones who have died, and to look at the people in my life currently fighting and say ‘You have people in your corner, I’m in your corner.’”To join the crowded corner on Team Kevin, donate in his final 24 hours of fundraising.

Tuesday Jun 4, 2019

Why They Fight: Rumble in the Rockies II

With 32 different men and women stepping into the ring for the first time on June 6th, 2019 you can imagine there must be a lot of nerves and emotions swirling around. Excitement, fear, anticipation, hope, dread, the list goes on. They all have someone they are fighting for, they all have individual things driving them. Their lives have all been touched by cancer in some way. As fight night is approaching get an inside look as to what motivates these brave men and women who are stepping in the ring to literally knock out cancer.I’m fighting in memory of my grandparents, in memory of Deacon Gray, and most of all in memory of Katie Jerome. Katie was my best friend, my first love, and my world. She fought cancer for nearly half her life before succumbing to soft-tissue sarcoma at just 21. Her strength and her character have long been my inspiration. Her memory above all else is driving me to put it all on the line in the ring in Haymakers for Hope’s Rumble in the Rockies. -Logan DavisI lost my mom and both grandfathers to cancer. I hated seeing them struggle as they got weaker, but felt inspired by their determination to continue to live out their lives as normal possible and never let cancer dictate their lives. They will definitely be on my mind when I am training. -Ben SpeicherCancer sucks, man. So many of my friends and immediate family members have been affected by it and it hurts me that there's nothing I can really do except support them. It has put some of my friends lives completely on hold and has challenged them in ways they didn't imagine. I wanted to give back in the slightest way by letting them know they aren't alone in this fight and will hopefully get their minds off of treatments and doctor appointments by watching my progress in boxing over the next couple months. -Colleen HartiganI'm boxing for three people. My stepfather Bruce who lost his fight with cancer (first melanoma then brain tumors). My girlfriend Mirka who was diagnosed and beat breast cancer last year, ironically finding her cancer on the same day I will be boxing (June 6th). And Shane Matthes, one of my Broker Associates in my office who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer. Shane doesn't get to choose to fight cancer - so I will fight with him. -Ryan PennMy entire life I have been inspired by those who have fought. Not just in the boxing ring, but for their lives. I've watched family beat breast cancer, leukemia, or my brother who was paralyzed from the neck down fight. They all fought for their lives and fought with passion. Not all of them are here today. I've always kept my body moving and tried to lead others to do the same in the name of those who can't wiggle their toes, feet, hands and head. I want to conquer this journey with passion and discipline. My family is proud and excited which makes me fight and train harder. This is an amazing cause and I can't wait! -Alex ChampanMy friends - so much suffering and loss in my friends lives because of cancer. It just sucks. I'm pooling together a list of loved ones from my friends and family. That's who I'm fighting for. -Kyle ChiassonI have seen so many people suffer through this horrifying disease, and many haven't made it. People I love have been broken because of it. Cancer doesn't have a preference - it comes for the young and the innocent, even those who haven't learned to walk yet. Simply put, it's not fair. I am fighting for the people who didn't have a chance to fight themselves. -Nikki ChernickI have been fortunate to find family all over the world. I have had family suffer from lack of funding for their disease or a broken medical model that treats symptoms and not the actual disease. These days are done for me and frankly, I will do whatever the hell I have to find funding and educate the general public on what is happening all over the world. -Sean CrottyMy inspiration are the children of the Shining Stars. I have been fortunate enough to work with the Shining Stars regularly on the mountain and the optimism I see in those kids is truly something to aspire to. Instead of using their circumstances as an excuse to be bitter, these kids are living each day to the fullest and are so grateful for what they have. If we were all able to do a little bit more of that I think the world would be a better place. They are my inspiration. -Kristi GrayI'm fighting to raise funds to support the ChadTough Fund at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The ChadTough Fund was established after Chad Carr lost his battle to Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) at age 5 in 2015. DIPG is a rare, inoperable form of pediatric brain cancer that currently has a 0% survival rate. I was a student at the University of Michigan when Chad was first diagnosed with DIPG in 2014. Our community rallied around him and his cause. Everyone on campus (and at our rival universities) was #ChadTough. I was in the Michigan Marching Band at the time, and we wore orange ribbons on our uniforms and joined forces with the Spartan Marching Band to spell ChadTough on the field in support of Chad. When he lost his fight to DIPG in 2015, we were all so devastated. The Ann Arbor community was heartbroken. This special little boy had touched the lives of so many people, and we were certain that he'd prevail in his battle against DIPG. When I was accepted to fight with Haymakers for Hope, I knew that I wanted my fundraising efforts to go towards the ChadTough Fund at Mott. I want to help make sure that no more families get the devastating news that they don't have any hope. I want to help knock out DIPG for good, once and for all. -Madison GarverIt's funny looking back - when I signed up, I really hadn't thought about what was motivating me to try an step in the ring. Once I got my selection e-mail, I started thinking hard about the disease and how it affects so many people. My mom lost her mother when she was 25 to ovarian cancer and a good family friend was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Luekemia when he was 26 (which he faught and subsequently beat). -Kevin FunkI fight because I don't believe cancer must dictate life or death. Instead, I believe we, together, can change what some people call impossible: finding a cure. My goal in life is to push the human race forward. I began my mission serving 6 years in Special Operations with the Navy before jumping into the technology and startup worlds at Airbnb and now CEO of Wishlist Rewards in Denver. I am a lifelong learner and adventurer who has no respect for the status quo. Every punch I throw is a moving meditation for those on my team who have been, or known someone, affected by cancer. -Daniel KasperWhen I discovered this organization, I decided to make the last year of my 30’s about something bigger than myself. I applied to be a fighter and was surprisingly accepted. Little did I know that the 16 weeks of training would shape up to be the most grueling and intense workouts of my life. The organization I have selected to fight and raise money for is called First Descents. Their mission is to provide life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer. My goal for this event is to raise $5,000 in order to send several young-adults impacted by cancer on a trip of their lifetime. This organization facilitate adventure trips across the country in order to create a sense of community among a population that suffers from higher rates of anxiety, depression, and isolation after a cancer diagnosis. As I work in the mental health field for a firm that delivers adventure and wilderness therapy, First Descents aligns perfectly with my own values and profession. -Jordan LeffelWe are constantly surrounded by friends, colleagues, and family who have been affected by cancer in some form. For me, the most painful is witnessing or hearing about pediatric cancer and the child's inability to live a normal life. For that reason, I am designating my training and fundraising to all those affected by pediatric cancer. As I embark on this journey, please consider donating or even attending the event. -Jonathan NarlockWe all know someone who has been effected by cancer; be it a family member, friend, colleague, or loved one. And I am no different. I am fighting for my uncle Steve Wiest (deceased), my grandpa Edward McKinney (deceased), my grandpa Cliff Rosser (deceased), Marty Buckley (deceased), my college classmate Carson Bird (deceased), my high school classmate JW Knapen (deceased), my aunt Jean McKinney (survivor), my family friend Beverly Bowman (survivor) and the list of friends and family members who have battled cancer goes on. -Kevin Rosser I'm fighting to #kocancer as I've seen first hand what these disease does. Losing a special man in my life (we'll call him JD, as he'd never agree to publicize his fight with cancer) to pancreatic cancer in 2017 was one of the saddest, most frustrating and disheartening things I've ever been through. Being a self made man that was raised to believe I could do ANYTHING I set my mind to, it was early impossible for me to grasp the fact there was little to nothing I could do to save JD or even increase his quality of life in those final months. Even worse was the timing. From diagnosis to his passing was roughly six months. As sad as it was, I was happy he didn't have to extend the torture that he experienced in those six months. For a strong man that had beaten addiction (drugs at a young age and alcohol throughout his life), divorce, a failed business and the natural health consequences that come with addiction, to receive a terminal diagnosis shortly after making these immense life changes was just unfair. Beyond my experience with JD, I also have two amazing children, Rowan is a 7 year old ninja and Alanna, a 2.5 year old princes. Having to explain to them what cancer was, and how/why their papa was so thin and frail, or how and why he's no longer with us was heart wrenching. To hear that 4 in 10 people (or 38%) will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their life , if something isn't done those numbers will only grow. To think about that in perspective of your family, it's the single most identifiable risk of loss known to man. -Danny Schaefer I'll be fighting in memory of those lost as well as those still fighting this universal enemy. Cancer tried twice to take my own mother while I was still a boy. I'll bring all of my contempt and rage for the disease into the ring come June; and just like mom, will fight with everything I have. -Brock StephensIt's an honor to stand up and fight for this great cause alongside a number of soon-to-be great fighters. Like many others cancer has affected a number of my family and friends. It's something that I am happy to be a part of and able to give my time to help end this disease. -Scott HansonThis year (and every year), I'm fighting for my family and family friends who have either passed away from this terrible disease, are cancer survivors and those who are currently undergoing treatment. While they are fighting, I'm fighting. I'm fighting for my 2-time breast cancer survivor grandmother (she's 97 years young!). I'm fighting for my Aunt Debbie, currently undergoing treatment for colon cancer. I'm fighting for our family friend, Darren who just beat cancer last year. I'm fighting for my grandad who unexpectedly passed away from a rare strain of leukemia. I'm fighting for one of my best friend's moms, Marilyn Fishman who passed away from small cell, non-smoking lung cancer. I'm fighting for my cousin, Claudia who is also a breast cancer survivor. Lastly, I'd like to name a few others that passed who were a huge part of my boyfriend, Josh's life: Ray Kudysch, Sheldon Kule and Thomas Bidell ("Bissle"). It's people like these who make us stronger and help us fight for a cure. -Erica WheelerI am fighting in the upcoming Haymakers for Hope charity boxing event to show support for all of those who have lost loved ones to Cancer and to raise funds for cancer research, care and to promote awareness and survivor-ship. Fighting the battle against Cancer requires bravery and strength. I hope that I can embody the strength and bravery of those who have fought, those who are currently fighting and those who have supported their loved ones fighting Cancer. My boyfriend Tom and his family recently lost their Uncle, Richard Reittinger, to Glioblastoma (GBM). GBM is the most aggressive form of Cancer that starts in the brain. I have watched Tom and his family support Richard in his fight against GBM until the very end. Richard never gave up hope, never gave up the fight and had a smile on his face until the day he died. Tom and his family stood by his side caring for his daughter and supporting him in every way they could. After Richard past, the sadness rippled through their family and friends but Richard's memory lives on, we talk about him at every gathering. We tell his stories, laugh at his jokes and try to live our lives the way he lived his, enjoying every moment and filling it with laughter with the ones we love. There are too many people in our lives that have to suffer through terrible loss of parents, grand parents, siblings, spouses, family, friends and for some, their own children. I am fighting to raise funds and promote awareness so that one day we can find a cure for Cancer and end the suffering experienced by all. -Jessica Schmelzer

Monday Jun 3, 2019

The Beltway Brawl: Rachel Frankel

During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Beltway Brawl on Thursday, September 19th at The Anthem. 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 Rachel Frankel, fighting out of Urban Boxing DC.Where are you from? Hershey, PA, but now I consider Washington, D.C. home.Where’d you go to college? Penn State Did you play any sports growing up? SoccerWhat do you do for work? Attorney Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I started training with the boxing team in college and always wanted to step into the ring but was too afraid to do so. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? Since college, a number of my immediate and extended family members have had to battle cancer, and I've realized that there are bigger things to be afraid of in this world. Haymakers will allow me to overcome my fear while fighting for a great cause. You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? Unfortunately, a number of my immediate and extended family members have had to battle or currently are battling cancer. Not all of them have been successful. I also was involved in the Penn State Dance Marathon in college to raise money for the fight against childhood cancer. Nothing I will go through on this journey even remotely will approach the fight those battling cancer have to face.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) I don't think I can choose just one thing--candy, chips, pizza, TV, sleep...When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? Board games, golf, snowboarding, reading.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Anyone I've recently beaten at a board game!Check out her fundraising page and be sure to wish her luck! Best of luck, Rachel!

Monday Jun 3, 2019

The Beltway Brawl: Erika Nelson

During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Beltway Brawl on Thursday, September 19th at The Anthem. 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 Erika Nelson, fighting out of Baltimore Boxing Club.Where are you from? Albuquerque, NMWhere’d you go to college? University of Maryland and University of Florida Did you play any sports growing up? Soccer mostly was life, but I also ran track and dabbled with the Equestrian sport of DressageWhat do you do for work? Currently I am a Tech on an Oncology ICU, but I just finished nursing school and will be starting as a PICU nurse in a couple months! Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I have always had an affinity for the boxing/wrestling/fighting movies...they always got me so pumped up! Haha so I guess I have always been very intrigued by the sport, but I can't say I ever pictured myself doing it (and Lord knows my mom certainly never wanted to picture me fighting hehe) Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? One of my college teammates (and first ever roommate and dear friend) fought in the Boston match. She inspired me throughout her journey, and ultimately pushed me to sign up (thanks Kay)! Also life is too short, so there is no time like the present! You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? I have a long list of friends and family members who have fought valiantly against cancer, some who were victorious, and others whose memories I will simply treasure for the rest of my life. One of the dearest memories I carry with me is my grandma, Thora, who lost her physical fight with leukemia. I have also had the privilege to work with and care for the patients at the Oncology ICU at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Listening to my patient's stories has emphasized that cancer doesn't care where you came from, who you are, or what you have/haven't done in your life. Cancer doesn't discriminate. So, if cancer doesn't rest, then neither should we in our fight for a cure.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Absolutely, 100% it will be taming my sweet toothWhen you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? Petting all the dogs of Baltimore, eating, thinking about eating, recreational sports, biking, and adventuring outside in the sunshine!Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? At this point I'm not sure...but I know that it is NOT my sweet motherCheck out her fundraising page and be sure to wish her luck! Best of luck, Kayla!

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