I’m stepping into the ring for everyone who has battled cancer and for the family’s and friends who have known someone with cancer. But specifically, I’m fighting for my good friends Julia Warren & Steve Pisani. Julia was always happy. She had a large infectious smile from ear to ear and laughed harder than anyone I know. It didn’t take much to please Julia and she was always excited and exuberant with joy when doing the simplest things. Like going bowling on New Years Eve, watching the Patriots play, texting about the latest series she was binging, or just staying in over dinner and a movie. Julia was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in January 2022. Julia didn’t skip a beat when she was battling cancer and going through chemo. She was her normal, upbeat and joyful self. So much so that I never thought of her as being sick. I always thought she would get better and there’s no way she could die. Julia passed away in January 2024 at the early age of 40. It was heartbreaking and devastating to lose Julia. Stepping into the ring is going to be even more special to me because it’s something that Julia & I discussed before she passed. It was something that she really wanted me to do and was so excited about. I only wish she was here so I could see her big smile when I stepped into the ring for her.
My friend Steve Pisani is one of the greatest guys I know. He is a member of Iron Workers Local 7 and the owner of Badd Bros. Inc. Steve and his family are very well known and thought of in Franklin. Steve is a large and imposing man with a heart to match. He is always willing to help someone when they’re down and appreciates the value of hard work. Steve’s always up for a good practical joke whether he’s giving it or the recipient of it. Steve loves to hear a humorous story told about someone’s crazy weekend adventures. Steve was recently diagnosed with brain cancer and going through chemotherapy. Steve has a hard battle ahead of him and I know he’ll be fighting his hardest. I figure the least I can do is jump in a ring and take a few blows to the head in support of him.