What They're Fighting For

Thursday Jun 14, 2018

With 32 different men and women stepping into the ring for the first time on May 18th 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.

I care about everyone and my heart goes out to every battle, but come fight night I'm gonna have only this amazing woman on my mind. My awesome sister, Jessica Bailey. A kick-butt mom to my nephews. A faithful wife to my brother-in-law. The light in my parents eyes. I fight for THIS family! These kids. This husband. And this woman. – Ben Pease

Over the past ten years, cancer has affected my friends and family. It hit first in high school where one of my friend's mothers lost her battle with cancer. From there it was year after year. So many good people lost their battle too early. So for me, it is easy to get in the ring and work my ass off to honor these great people. So to the Pietrantonios, Hallet's, Milligan's, Glaser's, Marenna's, Turner's, Galotti's and my family, the Morrissey’s… This one is for you. – Brian Morrissey

I decided I would fight for her again on May 18th, just a few days after Mother’s Day, because she didn’t get another chance to fight. – Sam Surface

It’s pretty hard to walk through life and not know a friend, co-worker or family member who has been affected by cancer. Medical research has come a long way to defeating cancer and if any of the funds I can raise through Haymakers can move the needle a degree closer to zeroing out the cancer equation – then I am all in. – Dan Macgregor

Cancer affects so many people. For me, it is easy to put myself in this type of hardship because I know cancer patients and families are going through something exponentially harder. Cancer has touched each one of my grandparents. – Pat Rodgers

I am not stepping in the ring because I think I am Rocky or some next wanna be light heavyweight champion of the world! I am jumping in the ring for a good cause, I am raising money to help find a cure for cancer. I am fighting for the family members I have lost due to cancer, my friends currently battling it and for anyone else experiencing the struggles of cancer. I am fighting for the lady standing next to me, my Aunt Liz!! My aunt is a real fighter, she doesn't know when to quit, she is as tough as they come and refuses to let life's struggles keep her down. She is currently battling cancer but doing it with a smile on her face, she is still actively working out and still goes to work. I know she worries but she wouldn't let anyone know! She is my inspiration! Now come fight night whether I win, lose or draw. I know that the money I raised will help in some way and that to me is worth more than the win! Liz when I grow up I want to be just like you... but with man bits – Nathaniel Short

At my aunt’s house, there are pictures of my cousin Jason Garfield playing peewee hockey and I never met him because he lost his battle as a teenager. My cousin Brianna Boston passed away when she was about 6 years old from brain cancer. She spent much of my high school soccer season on the sidelines with my jersey on. My parents have both had scares, but are luckily ok. At the end of the day, I am like everyone else in that I could fill pages of the friends and family that I think about even just in the first few weeks of training. – Kim Lipman

Like many cancer has impacted my loved ones, even more so in the past few years. None closer to home than my mother's battle. Throughout her treatments Mom kicked ass! Enduring everything thrown at her with courage, grace, and a fighter's spirit. Taking cancer's best shots, and kept moving forward. It's a helpless feeling wanting to, but not being able to take her place bearing the treatment's effects. For my mother a survivor, and for Papou, Uncle, and Cousin who are no longer with us. In doing that -- I'll endure physically (small in comparison) to finding a cure for those who eventually won't need to suffer. – Matt Nolan

This picture is of my Dad and me taken over 40 years ago. He died ~20 years later in August 1996 from stomach cancer. He was a diaspora Christian Armenian who immigrated to the US in the 1950's from Iran to study at Northeastern U. Like me he was a husky kid (think thigh rash/chub rub) In college, he took up boxing and body building - competing in both and transforming his physique. He even won the Mr. Worcester muscle man competition. He met and married my mom who is 2nd generation Irish ☘️and the rest is history...I grew up in a family of four boys...My oldest brother Greg who loved the fighting arts died tragically at age 22. That was very hard for us all but drew us closer together. My Dad was the glue. He was quite proud to see all of his sons play varsity tennis at Harvard. My brother Leon @chicken_baba was even a member of the Harvard Boxing Club. And he was very proud to see my older brother Peter and I Captain the team, compete in the NCAA's, play professionally and become world ranked @atpworldtour . He beamed as each of us went back to Harvard for graduate degrees, worked by his side helping him fight cancer and start our own families. Perhaps his most proud moments and times of utter joy were felt when he interacted with his grandchildren. I am very sad that his time with my children and my nieces and nephew was limited and he did not even meet them all. It was a gruesome end to watch him ravaged by cancer not able to eat and go from 200lbs to 80lbs in the 4 months before his passing. I am fighting in his memory. I am also fighting for some beloved friends who are battling cancer and who I'm am confident will win those battles. I believe that the healing power of love and positive energy and prayer can produce miracles. – Paul Palandjian

Pediatric cancer is a thief, plain and simple. Children should be given the ability to experience life. To run around with their friends and laugh like lunatics. Break a bone or two. Seeing their child’s first tottering steps. All of these little moments that so many of us take for granted are pipe dreams for some of these kids. The mere thought both saddens and enrages me. I want to do something – anything – that can give these kids a fighting chance to experience a meaningful life. That’s why I’m fighting in Haymakers. – Tim Morin

Haymaker's gives me the opportunity to give back to the world in the form of a great charity to help fight cancer. I lost two of my favorite family members...my grandfather and an aunt ....and another family member has been recently diagnosed...so I am happy to try to raise money for this worthy cause. – Michael Wooden

The Haymakers team has asked us to share pictures and stories of the people who have inspired us to fight and even though I know you love my black eye pics, this is what it's all about... My cousin Hannah (24, melanoma) and my grandfather GranDon (80, pancreatic) both tragically lost their cancer battles a year apart in the late 90s just as I was finishing middle school. Both of them were truly extraordinary people, so kind-hearted and brilliant and taken from us way too soon. It was the first time in my life that I had experienced loss like this and it was in many ways even more difficult to watch the way in which cancer took them. This had a dramatic effect on me as an impressionable kid. That following year I entered high school and fell in love with the sciences, especially biology, because I wanted answers and to find some way to be able to prevent this from ever happening to anyone else that I loved. Fast forward to my 30s, I have continued along that path now managing the Human Immunology Center at Brigham & Women's Hospital. While my childhood dream of finding a cure has yet to manifest itself I do feel a sense of accomplishment having devoted my life in many ways beyond just this fight in memory of them. I know that they are smiling down on me and my family and will no doubt be there in my corner on May 18th! – Adam Chicoine

Nearly 5 years ago, my mom Ann was diagnosed with cancer. This is not a sad story, but a story of courage, combativeness, and fight. Just like her, I am going to fight like hell, keeping her and everyone else who has battled or continues to battle this awful disease. – Ryan Coffey

"You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live," said Scott. "So live. Live. Fight like hell. And when you get too tired to fight, lay down and rest and let somebody else fight for you." I’m fighting for those who are too tired to fight. – Nick Byrne

My family lost my Dad in 1998 at 59 years old, just before my wedding and then we lost my sister four years ago at age 50. My Dad had stage IV non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He never had a chance but for the sake of those that might fight this disease in the future, he voluntarily subjected himself to what were at the time, state of the art but still experimental treatments at MGH. We lost him on March 16, 1998. He was in the Ellison Building on the 11th floor and we watched him pass while saying my grandmothers favorite prayer, a Hail Mary. My sister's bout with cancer was deceivingly fast. She went to the hospital believing she was suffering from a stroke. Turns out it started as Lung Cancer but it had metastasized to her brain and eventually reached her spinal fluid. We lost her Feb 1, 2014. When you ask someone about cancer, everyone has a loved one that, win or lose, has suffered from this horrible disease. The names are coming at me from everywhere and I'm fighting for them all. – Matt Kilty

Growing up I saw my great grandmother, Anna Capone, my grandmothers, Helen Grendal & Margaret Capone then my good friend, Jeff Parker, all battle then succumb to this horrible disease. My memories of them laughing & smiling will help drive me to my goal. Taking a few punches & raising some money to #KOCancer is the least I could do for people I loved. – Matt Grendal

Fighting in memory of my Father who passed away at the age of 42 from cancer. Help me make sure no child is every forced to navigate through the fight that is life with one hand tied behind their back!! – Anton Melchionda

My inspiration has and always will be fighting in honor if my father. – Joe O’Brien

I've had a few close relatives suffer at the hand of cancer. From grandparents to cousins, to close family friends. I see what people go through. At the same time, it's motivated me and encouraged me to push myself when I feel like I can't tackle my own chronic illness, to recognize there are folks out there hurting much more. – Michael Abbate

Everyone has their stories with how cancer has impacted their lives, and for years I feel like my stories kept growing. From my mother being given a 25% chance of being alive in 5 years (that was 10 years ago and she is now cancer free), to my oldest and best friend passing away a year ago…I just couldn’t sit on the sidelines anymore. Marathons and golf tournaments weren’t enough, I wanted to fight. So I am. – Paul Grossman

I am drawing my inspiration from the memories of my Mother, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 40, and passed away March 3, 2006. If getting punched in the face in front of a few people is the only price I have to pay to help raise money to find a cure; how can I walk away from that? – Brian Curran

Several people in my life have been affected by cancer. My mother has had it twice. She finished treatment about a month ago and everything looks good. I lost my grandmother a little over 10 years ago to lung cancer. Also my coworker and close friend of mine lost his sister last year to cancer. Seeing how strong everyone was and everything they went through motivates me to get in the ring. – Matthew Christensen

Every day, millions of men and women throughout the world fight cancer. Haymakers for Hope is allowing us to train harder than the next guy and raise a few bucks to #KOCANCER. Think about the person closest to you that is fighting or has fought cancer with all their might – THAT'S who I'm fighting for. – Kyle Gross

Like so many of us I've been personally affected by cancer in several ways, having friends and loved ones diagnosed throughout my life. However the severity and reality of the disease really hit home on Feb. 5th 2016 when my then-girlfriend (now fiance) was diagnosed with breast cancer at 27 years old. I've watched her fight day in and day out for the last year through 2 rounds of chemotherapy, 2 surgeries, radiation, and countless hours spent at MGH to beat this disease. She's finally done with the majority for the majority of treatment and is officially cancer free. She is an inspiration in every sense of the word, even finding time to fund-raise for the Ellie Fund while still undergoing chemo and radiation. I figure it's about time I pull my weight and pick up the fight along with her. – Jeff Scola

My older sister participated in an earlier Haymakers for Hope bout and it was very impressive. Since then I added it to my bucket list. Being involved with a great organization (like) Haymakers for Hope and raising money for Dana-Farber is a great privilege. – Mike Mcgonagle

My Girlfriend's grandmother just had a recent battle with cancer. She is 77 years old. Fortunately she was able to overcome it and is now cancer free. Seeing her have to go to radiation therapy Monday through Friday for six weeks. The whole family was chipping in alternating days driving her to therapy. That was motivating for me. What was most inspiring though was seeing her ring the cancer free bell at her last appointment. – Vinnie Murphy

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

Read more ›

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!

Read more ›

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.

Read more ›

Volunteer for Haymakers

Help Haymakers for Hope reach more people in more places - and raise money for the fight that really counts.

Learn about volunteeringSponsor an event