I am humbled that Haymakers for Hope has given me a second opportunity to fight cancer.  In April it will be 20 years since I ran my first and only Boston Marathon. The memories I cherish most from the 2000 Boston Marathon are from training alongside my father.

In December of 2016 despite a courageous battle, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a Cancer of the blood and bone marrow, took my father. 5 months later, Haymakers for Hope gave me the opportunity to fight back in his honor and step into the ring at Rockn’ Rumble VII.  I was one of 32 fighters that raised close to $600,000 for that event. These funds are essential, and I’m proud to say that since 2017, the FDA has approved 5 new drugs for the treatment of AML.

While training for my fight, I noticed the similarities in the preparation for the marathon. I can’t recall how many times I relied on the advice and words of wisdom shared by my father during our long training runs. Race day and fight night are only part of the reward for the countless hours of preparation.  Knowing that I’m a part of an organization that has raised over $14 million (and counting!) for cancer research, care, awareness and survivorship is the ultimate reward.

I can think of no better way to honor my father and continue the fight for those who have battled and continue to battle, than to run the 2020 Boston Marathon as part of the inaugural Haymakers for Hope Boston Marathon Team.