I've had the good fortune of participating in a couple of Haymakers For Hope fundraising efforts - boxing in 2021 and running the Boston Marathon in 2023. Becoming a part of the Haymakers community has been special in a number of ways including getting to know and hear about some amazing people and stories.
 
Because of H4H, I was able to learn about Malia Jusczyk and her amazing story of bravery and tenacity. Her fight against neuroblastoma started at the age of 4. She became a Haymakers legend by attending a number of the Boston events and firing up the crowds while holding the ring cards. I happen to live the town over from the Jusczyk’s so I became very familiar with the “MJ” heart signs in the area that are in front of many homes. Malia most definitely inspired many.

Tragically, on June 14 2023, Malia passed away at the age of 14 after a 26 month fight against relapsed neuroblastoma. Eleven days later the Jusczyk’s and the town of Plainville came together for a long planned fundraising race for their nonprofit For Kids Sake foundation. I went to run and was inspired by all the support from the community and by the strength of Malia’s family.
 
I received an email from Haymakers asking Alumni, for the first time ever, to sign up for their inaugural boxing card in Miami next March 6th. Long story short, I'm on the card and getting back in the fight!
 
The support I’ve received in these previous fundraising endeavors has blown me away each time. I would greatly appreciate any support once again. All donations go to the For Kids Sake foundation which Malia’s parents started to support a mission to improve the lives of children with pediatric cancer.