When I first heard about Haymakers for Hope, I immediately thought it was something I had to do. I’m not sure I can even name one person whose life has not been touched by cancer. Whether it’s a friend, family member, coworker, or even one’s personal experience, most people seem to know someone who has either fought and won their fight with cancer, is currently fighting cancer, or has fought and lost their fight with cancer. I believe that being part of this fundraising event to raise money for cancer research so that others may have a better opportunity to win their bout with cancer is a great cause. It’s a cause that makes me want to challenge myself both physically and mentally. Furthermore, whenever I have encountered a friend or family member who was diagnosed with cancer I’ve always felt helpless and I guess in a somewhat selfish way, this fight allows me to not have that helpless feeling anymore.

I am pushing and challenging myself to prepare for this physically and mentally tough endeavor by training hard to prepare my body. As important and completely new to me, is the mental challenge of being outside my comfort zone by being in front of many people focusing on my capabilities. This, however, is in no way comparable to what people face when they have just received the news that they have been diagnosed with cancer and what I have learned is that you can’t win unless you try hard, have great support, and fight with everything you’ve got. In some ways, being in the ring can send a message to others that they are not alone when fighting their battle with cancer. Even though I’m by myself when I’m in the ring, many help and support me daily to prepare for this fight and it’s that support that keeps me going everyday.

I’m hoping that this activity can bring enough money to contribute to the efforts to cure cancer in our lifetime. As such, I am asking you to please support me, as well as those affected by cancer, and donate to this worthy cause. No donation is too small and every dollar adds to the fight to cure cancer. For those of you who have been affected by this disease, my thoughts will be with you when I’m in the ring.