My family and I immigrated from the former USSR in the early 90s. Like most immigrant families, life was about hard work and surviving in a new country. We didn’t have much money for the non- necessities and I didn’t get to participate in sports until I was able to pay for my own hobbies.

Sometime around my senior year of High School, I stumbled on a Kung Fu school down the street from my house and instantly fell in love. Kung Fu was more than a sport—it was mental and physical agility, precision, discipline, skill, focus, determination and hard work. It became an extremely important part of my life for many years and eventually led me to the Sweet Science…. Boxing.

Fast forward to a bunch of years later when I moved to Southie in 2012 -- the first thing on my agenda was to scope out a good boxing club; I joined Peter Welch’s Gym that week.

Over the course of several years, PWG has become an integral part of my daily routine. Besides amazing training, it is my community and a source for learning and friendship. I met incredible female fighters that led the ranks in the Golden Gloves, Marciano and Haymaker for Hope wins. It is a truly amazing line-up of smart, strong women that have inspired me to do something that I’ve always wanted to do--- to fight.

But this is more than my personal journey to become a boxer. This is about those that are fighting or have fought a battle with cancer. This is about raising money for research, technology and treatment—to increase the odds of surviving—to step in and fight back. To KO Cancer!

In addition to fundraising, I would like to dedicate each week of my training to those that have fought a battle with cancer by sharing their story. I want them to know that they are not alone, and that we are right there in their corner, fighting for hope.

Lastly, this journey is dedicated to a member of my family who has fought and lost the battle. The wound is still too fresh to share his story, but I hope that in some way I am able to bring a little bit of closure and healing through helping others…

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support and donations!

Let’s KO Cancer!

Natalie