NIH statistics show that nearly 40% of us will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during our lifetimes, impacting our friends, our families, or perhaps even you or me directly. Because of cancer, I never had the chance to know my grandfather, and my grandmother – the matriarch of my family – eventually succumbed to cancer after beating it the first time around.

Cancer touched my world again when - just as we were emerging from two long years of the pandemic - a good friend, former colleague, and mentor unexpectedly passed away from an aggressive form of cancer within just months of his diagnosis. This man was the epitome of good health; didn’t smoke or drink, and was a world-class track athlete (literally). He loved to run, and despite a demanding work and travel schedule, he always found time to train, rain or shine. If there was ever a track in a city we'd visit for a conference or a meeting, he'd find it (and maybe even get kicked off it …).

I never ran with him, but it was his example that motivated me to renew my own commitment to being more active in my life. In fact, it is this commitment that helps keep me focused through stressful times in life, kept me (mostly) sane during the pandemic, and later led me to the boxing gym that has continued to push this commitment further as well as push me outside of my comfort zone.

I'm thankful for the opportunity with Haymakers for Hope to fight for my friend Bob, my grandparents, and for the countless others who must deal with this unforgiving disease. I'm raising funds specifically for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Colorectal Cancer Alliance, and Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Though cancer may touch each of our lives, cancer survivorship continues to grow thanks to the charities supported by Haymakers for Hope.  Please join me to help knock out cancer!