Boxing and sunshine are two of my favorite things and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to step into the ring at the Haymakers for Hope Miami Beach event to raise money and awareness for this terrible disease while honoring my family members who’ve battled cancer.

I am dedicating this experience to my brother, Mike, my grandmother, Nana, and my mother, Diane.

It was a cold gray day in January when my brother Mike stopped in at my house from Boston. Living in the city it was unlike him to just show up in Hingham on a Saturday afternoon. Something was up. At 31 years old, Mike delivered the devastating news to our family that he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. We were overcome with disbelief and sadness while trying to be positive and supportive.

The next 4 months for him were spent at Dana Farber with a routine of 4 hours a day of intense chemotherapy. Despite his inner strength and brave attitude, the stress and body changing side effects were physically and emotionally draining.

Having it no other way, my mom was right by Mike’s side and his #1 caregiver around the clock. It was a roller coaster ride for them both each day.

At this time in my life I was working full time, had a six-month-old infant and a five-year-old. Even on my most overwhelming days of being a mom and working full time, I would think to myself that this is nothing compared to what my brother and mother are dealing with right now.

Following my July 2006 wedding celebration, my 83 year old Nana was diagnosed with cancer for the 2nd time in her life. Having survived breast cancer in 1985, she was now facing treatment for pelvic bone cancer. Hard to comprehend having just watched her “live it up” dancing the Jitterbug with my grandfather on that fun July night just a few months prior. Knowing my grandfather would need help going forward for these next 6 months, my mom took charge with day in and day out chemo/radiation appointments and home care for Nana. With her age being a concern, mom made every effort to keep her immune system strong to prevent any hospitalization and to keep her in good spirits.

I’m so grateful to be able to say that my brother and Nana both got through it and survived the challenge that cancer presented to them in their lives. However there is no doubt that their lives and the lives of all our family members have been changed forever.

Today, I am just thrilled to have the chance to participate in this event and play a role in the fight against cancer.