Sorry this is long....

About a year ago I was going through one of the toughest periods of my life. Even though I had always considered myself a strong and composed person, stress had gotten the better of me. I was about to turn 40, I was 260 lbs, out of shape and things were spiraling a bit.

My wife had urged me to take better care of myself and do something to change my life. She was getting concerned. She had been taking boxing classes at Gotham Gym and was really enjoying it. She suggested I try it.

From the time I was a kid I had always loved boxing. When I was about 10 and dealing with some "anger management" issues, My Mom trekked through a snowstorm to buy me a small everlast heavy bag, which we placed in closet in the basement. I would hit it when I got angry.

At the same time my friend Tim Cooper had begun his quest to Box. He talked about always wanting to do it and how you are never to old to start. I thought, why not me?

I started going to Gotham and exercising / pounding the bag. I had no clue what I was doing BUT, I began to feel a bit better. I started going more frequently. I started feeling a lot better.

In August while traveling to a friends wedding I met Joe Cervasio. Joe and I hit it off on the bus to the hotel. We became friends and he later joined the Goldbar family. Our initial conversation was about boxing and how he was training for a charity boxing match called Haymakers for Hope. Haymakers took ordinary guys, with no real boxing training, trained them up and put them in the ring to fight in a sanctioned amateur boxing match. In the process they raised millions for Cancer Related Charities. Joe would go on to fight last November and win. It piqued my interest.

Although I was feeling great from my time spent in the gym, I wasn't really learning anything about boxing. So, just before the new year I took the jump and started working with a trainer. I told the guys Gotham this wasn't about fitness, I wanted to learn to box and I wanted someone who would teach me and push me. I had seen one trainer who stood out. I asked for Luis Ortiz to be my guy. After a couple of weeks of working together, I told Luis that we were going to do it, I put my name on the waitlist for Haymakers.

I began taking my boxing serious. I have never worked out regularly in my life but with Luis' guidance and the support from Simeon, Mike, Rob, Randy and the rest of the Gotham Team, I found my place. I am down almost 30 lbs and I feel the best I have in my life. Luis has pushed me and will probably push me harder than I have ever been as we prepare for this. He's also punched me in the face......A lot.

Now I just needed to apply to Haymakers and get accepted.

When I got the alert that Haymakers was accepting applications for the 2018 NYC event, I immediately sent in mine.  My initial reason for applying was to push myself and prove that I could do it. The fundraising aspect was also appealing to me. I have had so many in my life effected by this horrible disease. If I can do my part and raise some money, even better.

Right around the time I received my acceptance letter from Haymakers, I got a call that changed everything; I found out that my dear friend Rolan Shnayder was battling pancreatic cancer. When I saw Rolan for the first time after finding out that he was sick, I couldn't believe it.  He was approaching his fight in the most positive and courageous manner. He's the Champ. He's always been Rocky to me and what better way to support him in his fight than to get in the ring.  Knowing how personal this can be, I asked Rolan and if I can fight in his honor. They said, let's to it.

On November 15th, I will fight for Rocky and all those in my life who have or are battling this disease. In the memory of My Aunt Ellen Epstein, My Friend JP Frosina, Tim's mom Lynda. Those who have beat it and those battling now (who I will not mention until I speak to).

The fight is only a small part. The fundraising is the important part.

I ask very little of most but, I must ask for your help on this.  PLEASE support me by making a donation.

Sponsorships are available for those with the means to do so. Hit me up if you are interested.

Tickets and tables go on sale shortly. I will notify you when that happens. Come and see me get punched in the face and hopefully do the same to the other guy. It will be a lot of fun. DONATIONS AND TICKET SALES ARE SEPARATE. Feel free to wait to purchase tickets.

Make a donation. See if your employer will match.

Let's do this. Let's KO Cancer