I chose to fight for my grandparents (Nina and David Packman) and my aunt (Elizabeth Davidson). My grandmother, grandfather, and Liz, of blessed memory, were my biggest supporters and champions. My grandfather was affected by lymphoma, my grandmother by multiple-myeloma, and my aunt by leukemia. 

I am incredibly grateful for the team at Memorial Sloan Kettering, and the care they provided to my grandparents that gave us years of extra time, and for the research they will do that will positively impact the lives of other wonderful family members.

My grandfather was known for his spirit of adventure and curiosity about the world and the ways it manifested in our time we spent together. The small things like his vast jelly collection, knowledge of random presidential facts, our trip to Pointe Piele to see birds when I was 11, and his baffling lack of fear when it came to approaching wild animals (I have many memories of shouting “No Grandpa” as he chased after the wild bird or stray cat trying to pet it). I fight for him, and know he would have been so excited by this event and all the incredible work being done. 

When it comes to my grandmother, I thought she would live forever and I kind of think she did too. When she told me she was going to Botswana in 2022 I was nervous for her, but not at all surprised. She always said she wanted to wear out and not rust out. She leaves a giant hole in my heart and a void that I will never fill. I hope we can all take the best from her. Her generosity, kindness, care, and fierce love for those around her, that allowed her to live a life that left her with nothing unsaid, no loose ends, and no regrets. I fight for her, so I have no regrets and for others who thought they would live forever too. 

I fight for my Aunt Elizabeth because she brought so much joy and warmth into our lives. Her love of theater and the arts was infectious, and I will always remember her endless patience and enthusiasm she showed me as a child as I performed number after number in our living room. She was a true source of inspiration, and I am committed to honoring her memory by supporting this cause and making a positive impact in the fight against cancer.

Thank you for supporting me and all my fellow boxers. #kocancer