When I was 14 years old I was diagnosed with Burkitt's Leukemia, a rare fast growing type of blood cancer that requires extensive chemotherapy for multiple months, rather than the normal lower dose over longer time chemo that is usually protocol for Leukemia. During my treatment, I spent nearly 7 months straight in the hospital only being allowed to come home one day every seven to sleep in my bed. Just to wake up and return to the hospital the next morning for another six days of around the clock chemotherapy.

Without a doubt this was the hardest time in not only my life but my families as well. To me cancer was not an individual disease but something that everyone close to you fights with you. Throughout my journey, I heard stories, made friends, attended events and lost people that I had become close with. Those 7-8 months showed how cancer impacts nearly every person in this world in one shape or another. 

I signed up for Haymakers 4 Hope to not only push myself and my limits but to fight for everyone who has suffered through this disease. Not only for the survivors but for everyone effected by it.