Over the next few months, I’ll be dedicating myself to intense training in preparation for a boxing match. The physical challenge will be demanding—but nothing compared to the battle faced by those who are diagnosed with cancer. They don’t get the option to prepare. They don’t get to choose. They’re simply forced to fight.

When I was in college, I took part in my fraternity’s philanthropic work with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. As part of our fundraising efforts, we were always reminded by St. Jude’s founder, Danny Thomas: “No child should die in the dawn of life.” His quote is a sentiment that cancer doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t pick a time, nor an age. It affects people of all types, and in every case, it was never their choice.

This fight became personal for me when my best friend’s father, someone I would call a second dad, was diagnosed with cancer. It was a moment that changed my perspective. I had always been aware of cancer’s effects and hardship, but I didn’t imagine it would hit so close to home. Even in my everyday life, there are countless people I know who take on their own hardship, as their loved ones too battle against cancer.

This is why I am fighting. To stand with those who are fighting day in and day out. In partnership with Haymakers for Hope, I've selected St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as a beneficiary of the straight donations I raise throughout this journey. Together, let’s step into the ring—and fight to knock out cancer