When I was 10 years old, I lost two very important people in my life to cancer - my best friend Susanna DeLaurentis from neuroblastoma and my aunt Laurie Beechman from ovarian cancer. Susanna was the bravest (and most adventurous!) little girl who never let cancer define her or limit her happiness. My Aunt Laurie, as some of you know, was a Tony Nominated Broadway superstar, who’s highlights include singing for President Clinton and Margaret Thatcher, and playing Grizabella in Cats for almost a decade - all accomplished AFTER her ovarian cancer diagnosis ( This 60 min doc shines a light on her life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipZBAS15TpU). These two formidable women have made and continue to make a positive impact on my life and all the lives they touched in their brief, but shining time here on earth. 

On April 27th, I will be stepping into the ring to box on behalf of the wonderful organization called Haymakers for Hope. This non-profit has been helping “knock out” cancer for the past 10 years by raising over $20m to defeat this deadly disease that has likely touched your life one way or another. 

Over the next 4 months, I will be training at Maleek Jackson gym learning from the best fighters and trainers Philly has to offer. As hard as I will be training, I will also be doing my very best to hit my fundraising goal of $10,000. But to do that I need your help!

If you would like to donate, attend the event, and/or follow my journey, please contribute below and certainly to reach out if you have any questions. Tickets and VIP boxes for Fight Night will also be available for purchase and the proceeds will contribute to our $10k goal.

With Susanna and Auntie Laurie’s spirit, I know that no matter what happens in the ring, we will all be victorious when we come together to knock out cancer once and for all.

Thank you for reading and considering donating/participating. I hope to see all of you on fight night!

With love,

Brett