Why They Fight: Rumble in the Rockies II

Tuesday Jun 4, 2019

With 32 different men and women stepping into the ring for the first time on June 6th, 2019 you can imagine there must be a lot of nerves and emotions swirling around. Excitement, fear, anticipation, hope, dread, the list goes on. They all have someone they are fighting for, they all have individual things driving them. Their lives have all been touched by cancer in some way. As fight night is approaching get an inside look as to what motivates these brave men and women who are stepping in the ring to literally knock out cancer.

Rumble in the Rockies II

I’m fighting in memory of my grandparents, in memory of Deacon Gray, and most of all in memory of Katie Jerome. Katie was my best friend, my first love, and my world. She fought cancer for nearly half her life before succumbing to soft-tissue sarcoma at just 21. Her strength and her character have long been my inspiration. Her memory above all else is driving me to put it all on the line in the ring in Haymakers for Hope’s Rumble in the Rockies. 
-Logan Davis

I lost my mom and both grandfathers to cancer. I hated seeing them struggle as they got weaker, but felt inspired by their determination to continue to live out their lives as normal possible and never let cancer dictate their lives. They will definitely be on my mind when I am training.
-Ben Speicher

Cancer sucks, man. So many of my friends and immediate family members have been affected by it and it hurts me that there's nothing I can really do except support them. It has put some of my friends lives completely on hold and has challenged them in ways they didn't imagine. I wanted to give back in the slightest way by letting them know they aren't alone in this fight and will hopefully get their minds off of treatments and doctor appointments by watching my progress in boxing over the next couple months.
-Colleen Hartigan

I'm boxing for three people. My stepfather Bruce who lost his fight with cancer (first melanoma then brain tumors). My girlfriend Mirka who was diagnosed and beat breast cancer last year, ironically finding her cancer on the same day I will be boxing (June 6th). And Shane Matthes, one of my Broker Associates in my office who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer. Shane doesn't get to choose to fight cancer - so I will fight with him.
-Ryan Penn

My entire life I have been inspired by those who have fought. Not just in the boxing ring, but for their lives. I've watched family beat breast cancer, leukemia, or my brother who was paralyzed from the neck down fight. They all fought for their lives and fought with passion. Not all of them are here today. I've always kept my body moving and tried to lead others to do the same in the name of those who can't wiggle their toes, feet, hands and head. I want to conquer this journey with passion and discipline. My family is proud and excited which makes me fight and train harder. This is an amazing cause and I can't wait! 
-Alex Champan

My friends - so much suffering and loss in my friends lives because of cancer. It just sucks. I'm pooling together a list of loved ones from my friends and family. That's who I'm fighting for.
-Kyle Chiasson

I have seen so many people suffer through this horrifying disease, and many haven't made it. People I love have been broken because of it. Cancer doesn't have a preference - it comes for the young and the innocent, even those who haven't learned to walk yet. Simply put, it's not fair. I am fighting for the people who didn't have a chance to fight themselves.
-Nikki Chernick

I have been fortunate to find family all over the world. I have had family suffer from lack of funding for their disease or a broken medical model that treats symptoms and not the actual disease. These days are done for me and frankly, I will do whatever the hell I have to find funding and educate the general public on what is happening all over the world.
-Sean Crotty

My inspiration are the children of the Shining Stars. I have been fortunate enough to work with the Shining Stars regularly on the mountain and the optimism I see in those kids is truly something to aspire to. Instead of using their circumstances as an excuse to be bitter, these kids are living each day to the fullest and are so grateful for what they have. If we were all able to do a little bit more of that I think the world would be a better place. They are my inspiration.
-Kristi Gray

I'm fighting to raise funds to support the ChadTough Fund at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The ChadTough Fund was established after Chad Carr lost his battle to Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) at age 5 in 2015. DIPG is a rare, inoperable form of pediatric brain cancer that currently has a 0% survival rate. I was a student at the University of Michigan when Chad was first diagnosed with DIPG in 2014. Our community rallied around him and his cause. Everyone on campus (and at our rival universities) was #ChadTough. I was in the Michigan Marching Band at the time, and we wore orange ribbons on our uniforms and joined forces with the Spartan Marching Band to spell ChadTough on the field in support of Chad. When he lost his fight to DIPG in 2015, we were all so devastated. The Ann Arbor community was heartbroken. This special little boy had touched the lives of so many people, and we were certain that he'd prevail in his battle against DIPG. When I was accepted to fight with Haymakers for Hope, I knew that I wanted my fundraising efforts to go towards the ChadTough Fund at Mott. I want to help make sure that no more families get the devastating news that they don't have any hope. I want to help knock out DIPG for good, once and for all.
-Madison Garver

It's funny looking back - when I signed up, I really hadn't thought about what was motivating me to try an step in the ring. Once I got my selection e-mail, I started thinking hard about the disease and how it affects so many people. My mom lost her mother when she was 25 to ovarian cancer and a good family friend was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Luekemia when he was 26 (which he faught and subsequently beat).
-Kevin Funk

I fight because I don't believe cancer must dictate life or death.  Instead, I believe we, together, can change what some people call impossible:  finding a cure.  My goal in life is to push the human race forward.  I began my mission serving 6 years in Special Operations with the Navy before jumping into the technology and startup worlds at Airbnb and now CEO of Wishlist Rewards in Denver.  I am a lifelong learner and adventurer who has no respect for the status quo.  Every punch I throw is a moving meditation for those on my team who have been, or known someone, affected by cancer.
-Daniel Kasper

When I discovered this organization, I decided to make the last year of my 30’s about something bigger than myself. I applied to be a fighter and was surprisingly accepted. Little did I know that the 16 weeks of training would shape up to be the most grueling and intense workouts of my life. The organization I have selected to fight and raise money for is called First Descents. Their mission is to provide life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer. My goal for this event is to raise $5,000 in order to send several young-adults impacted by cancer on a trip of their lifetime. This organization facilitate adventure trips across the country in order to create a sense of community among a population that suffers from higher rates of anxiety, depression, and isolation after a cancer diagnosis. As I work in the mental health field for a firm that delivers adventure and wilderness therapy, First Descents aligns perfectly with my own values and profession.
-Jordan Leffel

We are constantly surrounded by friends, colleagues, and family who have been affected by cancer in some form.  For me, the most painful is witnessing or hearing about pediatric cancer and the child's inability to live a normal life.  For that reason, I am designating my training and fundraising to all those affected by pediatric cancer.  As I embark on this journey, please consider donating or even attending the event.
-Jonathan Narlock

We all know someone who has been effected by cancer; be it a family member, friend, colleague, or loved one. And I am no different. I am fighting for my uncle Steve Wiest (deceased), my grandpa Edward McKinney (deceased), my grandpa Cliff Rosser (deceased), Marty Buckley (deceased), my college classmate Carson Bird (deceased), my high school classmate JW Knapen (deceased), my aunt Jean McKinney (survivor), my family friend Beverly Bowman (survivor) and the list of friends and family members who have battled cancer goes on.
-Kevin Rosser

 I'm fighting to #kocancer as I've seen first hand what these disease does. Losing a special man in my life (we'll call him JD, as he'd never agree to publicize his fight with cancer) to pancreatic cancer in 2017 was one of the saddest, most frustrating and disheartening things I've ever been through. Being a self made man that was raised to believe I could do ANYTHING I set my mind to, it was early impossible for me to grasp the fact there was little to nothing I could do to save JD or even increase his quality of life in those final months. Even worse was the timing. From diagnosis to his passing was roughly six months. As sad as it was, I was happy he didn't have to extend the torture that he experienced in those six months. For a strong man that had beaten addiction (drugs at a young age and alcohol throughout his life), divorce, a failed business and the natural health consequences that come with addiction, to receive a terminal diagnosis shortly after making these immense life changes was just unfair. Beyond my experience with JD, I also have two amazing children, Rowan is a 7 year old ninja and Alanna, a 2.5 year old princes. Having to explain to them what cancer was, and how/why their papa was so thin and frail, or how and why he's no longer with us was heart wrenching. To hear that 4 in 10 people (or 38%) will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their life , if something isn't done those numbers will only grow. To think about that in perspective of your family, it's the single most identifiable risk of loss known to man. 
-Danny Schaefer

 I'll be fighting in memory of those lost as well as those still fighting this universal enemy. Cancer tried twice to take my own mother while I was still a boy. I'll bring all of my contempt and rage for the disease into the ring come June; and just like mom, will fight with everything I have.
-Brock Stephens

It's an honor to stand up and fight for this great cause alongside a number of soon-to-be great fighters.  Like many others cancer has affected a number of my family and friends. It's something that I am happy to be a part of and able to give my time to help end this disease.  
-Scott Hanson

This year (and every year), I'm fighting for my family and family friends who have either passed away from this terrible disease, are cancer survivors and those who are currently undergoing treatment. While they are fighting, I'm fighting. I'm fighting for my 2-time breast cancer survivor grandmother (she's 97 years young!). I'm fighting for my Aunt Debbie, currently undergoing treatment for colon cancer. I'm fighting for our family friend, Darren who just beat cancer last year. I'm fighting for my grandad who unexpectedly passed away from a rare strain of leukemia. I'm fighting for one of my best friend's moms, Marilyn Fishman who passed away from small cell, non-smoking lung cancer. I'm fighting for my cousin, Claudia who is also a breast cancer survivor. Lastly, I'd like to name a few others that passed who were a huge part of my boyfriend, Josh's life: Ray Kudysch, Sheldon Kule and Thomas Bidell ("Bissle"). It's people like these who make us stronger and help us fight for a cure.
-Erica Wheeler

I am fighting in the upcoming Haymakers for Hope charity boxing event to show support for all of those who have lost loved ones to Cancer and to raise funds for cancer research, care and to promote awareness and survivor-ship. Fighting the battle against Cancer requires bravery and strength. I hope that I can embody the strength and bravery of those who have fought, those who are currently fighting and those who have supported their loved ones fighting Cancer.  My boyfriend Tom and his family recently lost their Uncle, Richard Reittinger, to Glioblastoma (GBM). GBM is the most aggressive form of Cancer that starts in the brain. I have watched Tom and his family support Richard in his fight against GBM until the very end. Richard never gave up hope, never gave up the fight and had a smile on his face until the day he died. Tom and his family stood by his side caring for his daughter and supporting him in every way they could. After Richard past, the sadness rippled through their family and friends but Richard's memory lives on, we talk about him at every gathering. We tell his stories, laugh at his jokes and try to live our lives the way he lived his, enjoying every moment and filling it with laughter with the ones we love.  There are too many people in our lives that have to suffer through terrible loss of parents, grand parents, siblings, spouses, family, friends and for some, their own children. I am fighting to raise funds and promote awareness so that one day we can find a cure for Cancer and end the suffering experienced by all.
-Jessica Schmelzer
 

The latest from the blog

Thursday Sep 18, 2025

Punching Back: How Cancer Led Me to Boxing and a Bigger Purpose

I grew up the middle child of a typical middle class, Boston Irish Catholic family. I was a red headed, freckle faced tomboy who just absolutely loved sports. All sports. I played every possible sport growing up and was a 3 sport Varsity athlete all 4 years of high school until I tore my ACL. I graduated from Boston College with an Art History degree in the spring of 2001. At the time my best friend had one more year at UMASS Amherst, because let’s be honest, very few of my friends were graduating from ZOOMASS in 4 years. So, instead of taking the intelligent, responsible, next step into adulthood and starting a career using my degree, my best friend and I decided we would work at the local liquor store for the summer to get a discount for ourselves and our friends and have a summer to remember. And we were right…but not in the way we expected. In late August, on a road trip to New Jersey, I found a lump in my neck. It was like the story of Jack and the bean stalk. It had just sprouted overnight. It must have. There was no way a lump that size had been there the day before, or that I hadn’t noticed something before now. There was just no way. I went to the doctor, and she quelled my anxiety by saying, if it’s still there in a week, come back. Well, in a week, it was still there. So back to the doctor I went. Blood tests all came back normal. So, I was sent for a chest X-ray. Things looked a little suspicious and they sent me for a neck biopsy. I remember post-biopsy, going home, sitting at my parent’s kitchen table, eating sushi, just like any other day. I heard the doorbell ring and I looked up to see my neighbor and longtime soccer and basketball coach, Mr. Roscia, standing at the door. He had just finished treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma a few months before, and right away, I knew something was wrong. He was there to tell me the news. I had been diagnosed with Stage II Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I was 22. It was September 13, 2001. 2 days later, I found out a friend of mine who graduated with me in May, went in to work at the Trade Center on September 11th and didn’t make it out. Earlier in the week pre-diagnosis I had gone to the wake for my friend's Mum who had lost her long battle with cancer… and my brain just shut down. Treatment was fairly easy for me, meaning I tolerated it well. Oftentimes I felt nauseous, was exhausted and I lost all my hair but physically, I felt OKAY. Mentally was a different story. I was easily the youngest person being treated on my chemo floor which made me feel very out of place. I wasn’t a pediatric patient, but I wasn’t exactly a full-blown adult. I remember one day, I had already lost all my hair and I was in the treatment room, getting my chemo cocktail, cracking jokes, in good spirits and across from me was an older gentleman, sitting completely alone, rail thin, and crying. That was the moment I realized how scared I was and what this disease is capable of.   I finished 4 cycles of chemotherapy, took a month off of treatment to let my immune system charge back up and then finished with 6 weeks of radiation treatment. My boyfriend at the time was from New Jersey and having just received a clean bill of health I was more than ready to move on to a new chapter in my life. So, I left Boston and moved to New York City to move in with him. One day, we were walking home from work in downtown Manhattan, over the Brooklyn Bridge, and I saw a sign for Gleason’s Boxing gym. As he and I were walking, I said out loud, “oooh, I want to learn to box”. He looked at me like I had lost my mind and said, “you don’t do stuff like that”. He had never known me as an athlete, and it had been so long since sports were part of my life, I didn’t know myself as one anymore either. Very shortly after that, I signed up to run the NJ marathon in April of 2004 with Team in Training, a fundraising program which supports the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It was my way of giving back, because I felt like I had to pay it forward. I was young, I was healthy, I was able bodied, and because, it was just the right thing to do. Shortly after running my first marathon, my college boyfriend and I broke up. So in 2005, with new found freedom, I ran another marathon and a triathlon with Team in Training.  During training for my 3rd and last marathon, I began boxing as a cross training supplement…and I just fell in love. This was the sport I had been looking for my whole life. I loved both the physical and mental challenge. While I adored the fundraising aspect of my marathons and tris, I realized I absolutely, unequivocally HATED endurance events.  In a quest to continue challenging myself I did what I figured was the next logical step, and started competing as an amateur boxer in New York City, while working in digital advertising for Hearst Television. I worked in the Hearst Tower on 59th and 8th, with a mix of older, stuffy TV executives and the very polished ladies of the publishing world. I was going to work in nice dresses and shoes with bruises and black eyes as accessories. I remember one day in the elevator a woman heading to the floor just above mine, she looked at me and said, “oh honey, you have some dirt on your chin.” We locked eyes and there was a split second of awkwardness when both she and I realized it wasn’t dirt, but instead, a good size bruise. I stood there, frozen, not saying anything because I didn't know what was worse; that someone wearing very expensive red soled Christian Louboutin shoes thought I would go to work with a dirty face or that maybe somebody had hit me. Thankfully, the elevator door opened and out I scurried, without a word. I didn’t know how to explain to her, someone DID hit me, but she's my friend. And in boxing, your friends punch you in the face and the ribs and wherever else they can get a legal shot in. In April of 2009, I made the finals of the New York City Golden Gloves Tournament, and had the opportunity to fight in Madison Square Garden. I remember going to MSG and just thinking of all the famous and legendary boxers who had competed not only in the tournament, but who fought in the same venue. Understandably, I was nervous, but thought, if I win or lose the fight, I am here. I made it this far. And I remembered my father telling me “always fight to win. Never fight to not lose.” I ended up winning that night. The next day in the gym, doing my victory lap, one of the old school characters was hanging around, and you meet ALL KINDS of characters in any boxing gym, especially ones in New York City, he said to me, “ANYONE can win the Golden Gloves once. You have win it twice to prove you’re something.” So, the next year, in 2010, after shoulder surgery, I entered the tournament, made the finals AND did just that, I defended my women’s 132 lb title against a one-time, Nationally ranked fighter.  I guess I had something to prove. I found boxing and it changed my life. It allowed me to find my purpose. No one ever says “I was lucky to get cancer” because I wasn’t. But I was lucky to live near a city that provides world class treatment and to go on to live a healthy life allowing me to have opportunities and life experiences, enabling me to do what I do now. I have met some of the most amazing women because of boxing. These are women that have changed MY perception of what it means to be a woman. I’ve boxed alongside teachers, mothers, musicians, models, writers, accountants, pro fighters, and doctors, the list goes on... boxing is empowering. I think 2 sport professional fighter Heather Hardy said it best,  “It’s ok to be strong, it’s ok to be beautiful, and it’s ok to be nasty, it’s ok to be fierce, ferocious and vicious and all those things people told us for so many years we couldn’t be”. Boxing helps women discover their self-worth, it builds confidence and shows us what we are really capable of. Cancer led me to a very dark time in my life but boxing led me out.  One life experience was the chance encounter of meeting Andrew Myerson. Andrew and I met in a boxing gym, Trinity Boxing, formerly in lower Manhattan in 2008. Both Boston transplants, we quickly became friends suffering side by side, night after night, on heavy bags, and being endlessly tortured by trainers with mitt work, and all kinds of painful exercises. For us, boxing was a way to temporarily escape the everyday stress of corporate America in New York City. One night, after taking turns throwing a 100 lb heavy bag down a set of stairs JUST to carry it back up, Andrew and I started talking about boxing and fundraising. There are endless events a person can participate in to fundraise; 5ks, marathons, triathlons, stair climbs, 3 on 3 basketball tournaments. But, there was nothing that used the sport we had both fallen in love with, boxing, as the platform to fundraise. The amount of time it takes to prepare for a bout is about the same time it takes to train for a marathon. I’m sure just like many people reading this, I have donated to many friend’s fundraising efforts over the years during their marathon training to help them reach a fundraising goal in support of a non-profit that they are passionate about supporting, passionate enough to run 26.2 miles. That was the very genesis of Haymakers. Just 2 people looking to make a difference and the desire to introduce people to a sport we love. In 2011 Andrew and I founded the non-profit, Haymakers for Hope. Haymakers is a 501c3 not-for-profit that raises money for cancer research, awareness, survivorship and care through high end, white collar charity boxing events. The concept is to give normal, everyday people the opportunity to fulfill a desire to see what they can do one time in the ring. We work to pair each person that signs up with an opponent who is of similar size, age, weight and skill level, match them up with a local gym and put them through a four-month training program. We then organize a high-end gala event where the participants have their first official sanctioned amateur boxing match in front of approximately 2,000 screaming supporters. Through Haymakers, we have found an unconventional way to link two seemingly unrelated things – boxing and the fight against cancer. My mission with Haymakers is twofold. I want to continue to raise the much-needed funds essential to advancing research, improving treatments, developing earlier diagnoses, and providing help to patients and survivors. Secondly, I want to introduce people; regular, everyday men and women, to the sport of boxing. I owe so much to the sport. In a way, it saved me, as much as chemo and radiation did 4 years before I walked into a boxing gym on the corner of Greenwich and Carlisle Streets in Manhattan.  In 14 years, over 1,400 people have stepped through the ropes on fight night in the fight against cancer. We have raised nearly $40 million dollars supporting cancer research, awareness, survivorship and care. In 14 years, Haymakers has hosted over 60 events in 6 cities and for that I am truly proud. Boxing is not easy. It is a true challenge of mind and heart. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to walk up those stairs and step through those ropes. What Haymakers fighters accomplish in 4 shorts months is nothing short of inspiring. Having a hand raised at the end of a bout doesn't make a champion. What makes a champion is having the guts to step in that ring prepared and the willingness to go to battle for something bigger than you, and literally fighting for a cure. I continue to be inspired everyday by the Haymaker’s fighters I meet during their months of training and the stories they share of who they are fighting to honor. One thing I’ve learned on my crooked little journey through life; Always help when you can. There will always be someone out there who has it worse than you do and sometimes, a little help goes a long way. If you are curious about signing up and being part of this group of brave, passionate, slightly crazy humans please visit haymakersforhope.org/fighters/index details to learn more about what it takes to be a participant. It was my absolute honor to share my story. Thank you so much for reading.  -Julie Kelly, H4H Co-Founder

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Wednesday May 29, 2024

5 Reasons to Sign Up for Haymakers for Hope Belles of the Brawl

Are you ready to step into the ring and make a real impact? Haymakers for Hope's Belles of the Brawl offers an incredible opportunity for women to lace up their gloves, throw some punches, and fight for a cause that hits close to home. This unique charity boxing event not only supports cancer research, patient care, awareness and survivorship but also provides participants with a chance to experience personal growth, form lasting connections, and achieve peak physical fitness. If you're looking for a challenge that's as rewarding as it is demanding, here are five knockout reasons why signing up for Belles of the Brawl could be one of the best decisions you ever make.     1. Knockout CancerBy participating in Belles of the Brawl, you directly support cancer research and care. The funds raised from these boxing events go to various cancer-related charities, making a significant impact in the fight against cancer. 2. Fight for Your FutureTraining for a boxing match is a rigorous and transformative process. It demands physical and mental strength, resilience, and dedication. Participants often experience immense personal growth, gaining confidence, discipline, and a sense of accomplishment. 3. Join a Knockout CrewJoining Belles of the Brawl means becoming part of a supportive community of women who are all working towards the same goal. The camaraderie among participants fosters lasting friendships and a strong support network. 4. Get Fit, Hit HardBoxing training provides a full-body workout, improving cardiovascular health, strength, endurance, and agility. Participants often report significant improvements in their physical fitness, weight management, and overall well-being. 5. Unforgettable MemoriesCompeting in a boxing match is a unique and exhilarating experience that few people undertake. It offers a chance to step out of your comfort zone, face new challenges, and create lasting memories. The event itself is a celebration of hard work, dedication, and the collective effort to make a difference. Apply now for your chance to become a Belle of the Brawl!

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Wednesday Apr 24, 2024

Fighting for a Cause: Haymakers for Hope's 2nd Annual Liberty Bell Brawl

In a world often marred by adversity, it’s heartening to witness individuals stepping into the ring not just to battle opponents, but to take a swing at something far bigger and more formidable: cancer. On Wednesday, April 24th, at The Fillmore Philadelphia, the stage is set for the 2nd Annual Liberty Bell Brawl, hosted by Haymakers for Hope. This event is not merely about boxing; it’s a poignant display of resilience, compassion, and a collective determination to knock out cancer. For each of the 24 fighters, this event holds a deeply personal significance. Cancer, with its pervasive reach, has touched their lives in profound ways. As they lace up their gloves and step under the bright lights of the ring, they carry with them the memories, struggles, and triumphs of their loved ones who have faced this relentless foe. Luke Gambale, a fighter who himself battled Stage IIIB cancer, shares his journey of resilience and hope, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and funds to support others in their fight against the disease. He reflects, “Cancer unfortunately touches so many people and their loved ones and has become a big part of my life over the last few years. Closing in on year 2 of 'No Evidence of Disease,' I can think of no better way to celebrate while raising money and awareness about cancer than stepping into the ring.” Ethan Wergelis-Isaacson, driven by a lifelong commitment to healthcare impact, sees Haymakers for Hope as the next step in his journey to eradicate cancer. He states, “Haymakers for Hope is giving me the opportunity to step into the ring and fight for the eradication of this disease. We've all been impacted in our personal lives and communities by cancer, so I hope you join [us] in our collective fight to knock out cancer once and for all.” For George Balatsinos, the memory of his father’s battle with Mesothelioma fuels his resolve to step into the ring and honor his legacy. His poignant tribute underscores the deeply personal nature of this fight against cancer. Donald Lyons, fighting in memory of his father and niece, shares the heartbreaking stories that have shaped his decision to participate in this event. He says, “I will be fighting in honor of my father, James Wilson (1936 -2002) and niece, Simone Lyons (1993-1995) and everyone who has battled with or lost a loved one to cancer.” Joey Davanzo draws strength from his wife’s courageous battle with cancer, highlighting the profound impact of witnessing a loved one confront adversity with grace and determination. He explains, “Today, I am overjoyed to share that my wife is cancer-free. This experience has become my driving force, propelling me to participate in this event.” Tyler Gilger’s decision to step into the ring is driven by a desire to celebrate the victories of his family members against cancer. His message of resilience and determination echoes the sentiment of hope that unites all the fighters in their mission. David Zhao’s rallying cry for hope, healing, and unity encapsulates the collective spirit of the fighters as they prepare to take on this formidable opponent. He declares, “After intense months of training, fundraising, and more punches than I’ve ever dreamed of taking, I’m ready to prove that when we band together, we can deliver a knockout blow to cancer.” Joyce Adelugba invites others to join her in making a difference, emphasizing the importance of collective action in the fight against cancer. Her call to support fundraising efforts underscores the vital role of community in driving change. Bianca Solari fights not only for those affected by cancer but also in honor of her grandmother, embodying the legacy of strength and resilience passed down through generations. Yuryssa Lewis draws inspiration from her aunt’s victorious battle with cancer, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and determination in overcoming adversity. Her commitment to supporting cancer research reflects a deep-seated belief in the power of hope. Lydia Ali’s passionate advocacy for the fight against cancer is rooted in personal losses and a dedication to honoring the memory of loved ones. Her resolve to give cancer a knockout blow speaks to the indomitable spirit of resilience. Kate Skarvinko’s lifelong dedication to helping others finds new purpose in the fight against cancer. Her commitment to supporting loved ones in their time of need underscores the enduring power of compassion and solidarity. Liz Ring’s poignant tribute to her father and all those lost to cancer echoes the collective sentiment of grief and determination shared by fighters and supporters alike. Her resolve to knock out cancer for good serves as a powerful reminder of the stakes at hand. As the fighters of Haymakers for Hope step into the ring at the Liberty Bell Brawl, they do so not only as athletes but as champions of hope, resilience, and solidarity. Their stories remind us that in the face of adversity, it is our shared humanity and collective action that have the power to effect change. Together, let us join them in their mission to knock out cancer once and for all.

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