As humans we simply want to live full and abundant lives. Cancer wants to take this opportunity from us. I do not accept this. 

I fight for my grandparents. My grandfather passed away due to stomach cancer when I was 4 years old. I still remember visiting him in the hospital. According to my parents he did not look well. I do not remember this. All I remember is his face...the way it always was. Children have an uncanny ability to see beauty in painful situations.

I fight for my mother, who survived breast cancer at 42 years old. She navigated surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation, while making sure my brother and I experienced comfort and love that only a mother can provider. She taught me to persevere through all things and through this taught me about unconditional love.

I fight for Matthew "Mattie" Brown who passed away due to a unique form of Osteosarcoma at the age of 7 years old. And I fight for the families (parents, siblings, relatives) standing alongside their loved ones as they fight.

Mattie's family maintains his legacy through the "Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation" which is dedicated to increasing childhood cancer awareness, education, advocacy, research and psychosocial support services to children, their families and medical personal.

Everyone I have ever known to be diagnosed with cancer has fought fervently.

But even the strongest sometimes grow weak.

When this happens, I am compelled to fight for them.

Participating in Haymakers for Hope allows me to both tangibly and symbolically fight for those who need it most.

I am raising funds for Haymakers for Hope through my participation in the Beltway Brawl. I have chosen the Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation as the beneficiary of the straight donations raised.