When I first heard about Haymakers for Hope, I was so moved by the idea of fighting for those who are fighting for their life. As someone who has witnessed cancer take the life of someone very special to me, I knew I wanted to be a part of the organization however I could.

My story, unfortunately, is not uncommon. I’ve come across many people in my life who have lost a parent to cancer at a young age. My dad was diagnosed with liver cancer for the first time when I was 5 years old. He was fortunate enough to receive a liver transplant that prolonged his life for another 8 years, and I’ll forever be grateful to have received that extra time with him. But to say my mom and I were devastated when he was diagnosed for the second time is an understatement. This diagnosis was terminal, and all we could do was watch, wait, and support him. While this was the most difficult time in my life, I never expected the experience to actually teach me something. For my dad himself to teach me something while suffering so much. But as I grew from a teenager to an adult, and now into a parent, I realize what my dad taught me in those 13 short years I had with him. He taught me courage. He taught me strength. And he taught me how to fight.

My dad was a fighter his entire life. He had a rough childhood, and turned to boxing when he was a teenager as an outlet. He trained as an amateur, won the Golden Gloves at 18 years old, and considered a professional career. When you hear that, it’s not at all surprising that fighting was instinctual for him. 

I’ve been without my dad for 17 years, and not a day goes by where I don’t wish he was here. As time goes on, the pain of losing him so young has begun to fade, but the lessons he taught me have only become more profound each time I face adversity. I could never thank him enough for teaching me what a real fighter looks like. So I’ll be taking his courage, strength, and will to fight into the ring and trying my own hand at boxing for this amazing cause. 

Like I said, my story isn’t unique, and too many  people are losing loved ones from this cruel disease. I hope you’ll join me on my journey to knock out cancer and consider making a gift to my fundraising page! All donations will go towards cancer research. I have my choice of nonprofit that all proceeds go to, so check back on this page for updates on the organization I choose. 

I hope I make you proud, Dad! This one’s for you. 

More about Haymakers for Hope: 

We give everyday men and women the opportunity to fight back against this terrible disease by training for, and competing in charity boxing events to raise money and awareness. To prepare for each event, we combine the efforts of the first time amateur boxing participants, local boxing gyms and volunteers. We hope to help give life saving researchers the resources needed to fully focus their efforts on finding a cure.