One year ago my dad was diagnosed with cancer. Despite a poor prognosis and the rareness of his disease, he was wholly unfazed. Through two surgeries, countless radiation, chemo, and immunotherapy treatments, he never faltered. Dad faced cancer head on; defiant of mounting adversity, always beating back with his laugh and unending optimism. Months later even with the news of a second cancer in his leg, he remained grounded, unshakeable.

Although he passed away two months ago, my dad did not succumb. To me, his fight is not lost. This year alongside 31 of the city's toughest, I carry his indomitable spirit into the ring with me in search for the cure. I fight to honor the fighter in my father, and for everyone who has been touched by cancer--to remind us that for as long as we are alive we will not lie down, we will never quit.

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Haymakers for Hope’s mission is to knockout cancer the only way we know how, by literally fighting for a cure. We give everyday men and women the opportunity to fight back against this terrible disease by training for, and competing in charity boxing events to raise money and awareness. To prepare for each event, we combine the efforts of the first time amateur boxing participants, local boxing gyms and volunteers. We hope to help give life saving researchers the resources needed to fully focus their efforts on finding a cure.