My name is Zach Tamen. I am a DC native. I grew up playing soccer in the DC area at Maret school before attending Colgate University where I played for the men’s soccer team. It feels extremely special for me to participate in an event like this in the city I grew up in and share the cause with my family and friends.



I was lucky enough to attend the Haymakers Beltway Brawl in 2019, and was inspired by the competitors’ drive, determination, and motivation for fighting. I left the event thinking about how great it would be to go through a months-long training regimen that would push me out of my comfort zone and raise money for a good cause; however, it wasn’t a personal fight.



Unfortunately, in the next 2 ½ years, this changed. After witnessing battles with mental health, drug addiction, and cancer, I wanted to be a part of the fight myself. In my sadness, I wanted a space that would allow me to help in some way, and the Haymakers fight came to mind. From the chaos of Covid, to the tragedies of sudden loss of both family and friends, the Haymaker fight against cancer became personal.

Cancer has impacted my family at various stages. Both of my maternal grandparents were cancer victims. My father thankfully has benefitted from early colon cancer detection and treatment. Most recently, my 1st cousin, a young mother of 3, was diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer. It has been incredible to see family members who actively fight it still become a beacon of hope and positivity. I hope you all will join me in my fight against cancer as well as my own journey as a member of Haymakers for hope!



I dedicate this fight to those that have fought and are still fighting:  My Dad, my Grandparents, Amber and my dear friends:  Noah Marcus and Charlie Vallee.