Boxing to KO Cancer
Boxing was just a way to stay fit and healthy when Paolo started after college in 2018. He didn’t think that he would be using it to fight cancer literally and metaphorically. But when his aunt was diagnosed with glioblastoma and underwent surgery in the fall of 2023, it felt only right to sign up for the 13th Annual Rock N’ Rumble XIII in Boston to help raise $15K for glioblastoma research and fight alongside his aunt.
Read below and get to know Paolo, his aunt, and why he is boxing to #KOCancer.
Learn more about the 13th Annual Rock ‘N Rumble Boston 2024 on May 9th 2024.
WATCH & LEARN MORE: https://youtu.be/S5KPwF1-vkY
LINK: https://haymakersforhope.org/events/boxing/rock-n-rumble-xiii-boston-2024
Date: Thursday May 9, 2024
Time: 07:30 PM
Location: MGM Music Hall at Fenway, 2 Lansdowne St, Boston, MA 02215
What is the 13th Rock ‘N Rumble Event?
The 13th Annual Rock ‘N Rumble on May 9th, 2024 is an annual charity amateur boxing event hosted by Haymakers for Hope, a non-profit organization on a mission to #KOCancer. Haymakers for Hope has sponsored 41 amateur charity-boxing events in Boston, New York City, Denver, and DC, and raised more than $25 million for cancer research, care, awareness, and survivorship.
32 first-time amateur boxers (me included) will be entering the ring in their first match sanctioned by USA Boxing. While I train over the next few months, I will also be raising $15K for glioblastoma brain cancer research through donations, auctions, and sponsorships.
Together, 32 fighters will fight to raise $750K total and compete in the ring across 16 matches.
Paolo, tell us about yourself.
I’m a proud Filipino who grew up in a small town called Fallon, Nevada. My parents both came from the Philippines in the mid-1990s. Growing up in a small town probably was the reason I’ve always had the urge to explore and live in new places. Before coming to Boston where I now have lived 6 years, I went to school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (proud Tar Heel), worked in Cincinnati, and even interned abroad in the Philippines for a summer.
Today, I’m one of our brand directors for Gillette and get to work on a lot of fun projects launching and growing our brand and products around the world.
Fitness & health has always been an important aspect in my life and is actually one of the things that my aunt and I bond over.
Tell us about your aunt.
My aunt Liza is an incredible woman, a sister to my mom, a mother of two, and an amazing businesswoman. She was one of the first to kick start the wedding industry in the Philippines and help hundreds of couples celebrate their special day with the most amazing décor and programs. With her years of experience, she started her own business called Balloonery by Liz and continues to help couples bring to life their dream day.
On top of running her own business, she has is an avid fitness and health fanatic. This is one of many reasons why we bond and get along so well. We would share tips on new diets, trends, and exercises we were learning about and keep eachother updated on what we were doing.
So when Aug ’23 came along, it was a complete shock finding out that she had a brain tumor. Although the progression was fast, she kept her positivity and fought through a surgery in Sep ’23. Miraculously, the surgeons were able to remove 100% of the tumor. However, her road to recovery was not easy but she fought. Today, she is still cancer free and living each day to the fullest, running her business Balloonery by Liz.
She is truly an inspiration for me and for my family. We know that her fight will continue on so I’m doing this in honor of her so we can help fight against this terrible disease and find a cure so more people can continue living their life just like my aunt Liza.
What will you be doing from now to May 9th?
On top of my day job, I’ll be training 5-6 days a week doing drills, conditioning, and sparring to get ready to win my fight and while doing so raise $15K for the Glioblastoma Research Organization (GBMRO). I’ll be training with 6 other boxers at EveryBodyFights in Boston with our coach Jason.
Follow me on Instagram to get the weekly updates on my training. Based on what you see, who knows you may also want to start boxing.
Why are you doing this?
Today, brain cancer research funding is HALF of that of Prostate Cancer and a QUARTER of that of Breast Cancer, so this opportunity to raise funding is super important.
My aunt Liza is a fighter and fought through the surgery and recovery BUT her fight is not over.
For me, doing this is the right intersection between ‘my aunt’s and my love for fitness’, ‘her fight against glioblastoma cancer, and ‘my ability to fight with her’.
How can the community help?
Contribute and donate! 100% of the donations sent through this LINK go to the GBMRO and help to #KOCancer & find a cure for glioblastoma. Keep in mind that I’ll be taking quite a few punches over the next few months, so your support would be greatly appreciated.
Remember the goal is to raise $15K…and trust that I will go in to win this match for a good cause and the GBMRO!
