My name is Colleen Casey and I am from Braintree, Massachusetts. I am motivated to help Haymakers for Hope knockout cancer because I have seen what this organization does for those in need and it is truly inspiring. Belles of the Brawl 2021 was the first Haymakers event I attended and I was blown away! Since then I have been at the Boston events as a volunteer and a spectator. This past January I participated in the Sucker Punch Plunge at Peggotty Beach with Haymakers for Hope. I think a flip switched in my brain on that frigid day and since then, fighting in Belles of the Brawl has become my goal.

This disease has touched everyone’s life in one way or another. It does not discriminate based on age, race, religion, or socio-economic status. No one is above it. Everyday, people who are diagnosed with cancer wake up and are literally fighting for their lives. There are too many friends, family members and so many others in the world who are fighting cancer. I am motivated to be a part of a community that shows people they are not fighting alone. We have their back.

I fight in loving memory of my grandfather Thomas Casey, Paula Connolly, Debbie Steele and Paul Huling.

I fight in honor of Liz Bohan who won her battle against Hodgkin's Lymphoma and has been in remission for nineteen years. I also fight in honor of Catherine O'Sullivan who is currently fighting her battle against lung cancer. Catherine told me, "Colleen- I am a stubborn Irish woman and I’m not gonna let this beat me.. I’m gonna fight!” I know that she will and I plan to do the same in the ring.

Over the next few months, I will have a grueling training regime, a fundraising challenge, and an incredibly difficult fight in the ring; however, it is nothing compared to the people who are fighting for their lives against cancer. The true heroes who are motivating me to fight have a harder battle than I can imagine.

My ultimate goal throughout this experience is to make a difference in the fight against cancer because not every fight ends at the bell!

Please consider donating to help this amazing cause. Thank you for your support!