A friend of mine, also fighting in this year's Haymakers for Hope event, asked me around Christmas if I would be interested in fighting this year.  We had both known a mutual friend that fought last year and had really enjoyed the experience and done well in the fight, not to mention got in great shape.  At first, I was a little hesitant.  I have had some personal connections to cancer.  My mother is a breast cancer survivor and my Dad survived bladder cancer, but those were both several years back.  My main motivation was I thought it would provide me with another athletic challenge and get me in great shape for the summer.
 
Once I decided to jump in the ring, I started telling my friends and family about it.  I also told the Pastor at my church, and he informed me that a woman, Wanda, from the congregation had just found out she had ovarian cancer, and that I could fight for her if I needed a personal connection.  Some of the men from the church will be at the fight to support me in honor of Wanda.  About a week later, an even more personal connection came to light.  My sister, Jill, found out she has breast cancer, and it has spread to other parts. No organs though.  This hit me like a ton of bricks.  I can't say that I'm fighting for Jill, because she has to fight on her own.  Actually, its her fight that helps me in my training.  When I am feeling sorry for myself, I think of her and what she is going through.  I looked up to her when I was growing up, and I continue to today.
 
In summary, I suppose that I am still fighting for some of my own superficial reasons, but Wanda and Jill are in my thoughts and prayers.  Both of these women have a strong faith in the Great Physician, Jesus Christ, and he is in control.  I am just trying to do my small earthly part of bringing awareness and some additional funding to a great cause - Dana Farber Cancer Institute and The Jimmy Fund.

To catch up on Max's progress check out his training album on Facebook!

For more information please contact us at info@haymakersforhope.org