Tuesday, June 13 2017
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Belles of the Brawl V in Boston on October 5th. They’ve committed to four months of fundraising and training in preparation to get in the ring and literally fight for a cure. Whether they've had first hand experience, their father has passed or their friend has put up a victory against the disease – they’ve all got a story to tell and they’ve all got a reason to fight. Below you’ll hear from Stephanie Jandrys, fighting out of The Way in Wouburn, MA.
Where are you from?
Revere, Massachusetts. You know, 'Severe Revere' with the big hair.
Did you play any sports growing up?
I've played soccer and basketball since the first grade and danced for thirteen years! I've also never shied away from a competitive game of dodgeball ... or two.
What do you do for work?
I am the Assistant General Manager of TITLE Boxing Club in Saugus. It's true that when you choose a job you love, you never have to work a day in your life!
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
During chemo treatments, I was prescribed to prednisone. I had gained a significant amount of weight as a side effect of that medication. I was introduced to TITLE Boxing Club to get back into shape after treatments and after my days of competitive sports were over. Not only did TITLE become a place of positivity and my home away from home, I discovered a new found love ... boxing. You asked if I had ever pictured myself fighting? I already was ...
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
I have been fighting to stay positive and to remain in remission for years. Fighting to live a stress-free life. Fighting and advocating for the cancers that people know very little about. I didn't get the choice of signing up for my first two fights. While I'm around boxing a lot, I've never actually been in the ring and fought. This fight and opportunity seemed like a natural progression of conquering a new battle inside the ring, rather than on the outside.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
I'm drawing my inspiration from every strand of hair that I lost. From every sore on my scalp. From every family member that has been affected by this unforgiving disease and from every scar that has made me the woman I am today. I could have allowed my diagnosis to harden me or make me angry with the world, but I found a little glimpse of light through all the darkness. We cannot always control what life throws our way, we can only control our reaction to it. If you don't climb that mountain, you'll never see the view!
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Myself and a close friend came up with a little thing we like to call 'Deep-Fry Fridays.' You know, after a long week of work you take every item in the kitchen that isn't nailed down and toss it in a Frialator? Chicken, Oreos, bacon, ice cream, cheese. Just a few reasons why finding my bottom two abs has become increasingly more difficult over the years. Yea, I'll miss that.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
Between my job at TITLE and training, it seems like I'm always throwing punches! BUT myself and my friends LOVE fight night. Watching fights, going to fights. We support every one of our teammates that step into that ring.There are no timeouts in boxing! This sport takes heart and takes courage and I genuinely enjoy watching each of my friends take that walk up those stairs. I cannot wait until it's my turn! I'm also a HUGE food lover. Any chance I get to try a new restaurant, I'm there! In fact, I'll take one of each on the menu ... then most likely eat some of your plate too!
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
I'm sure my opponent. I hope I'm staring them right in the eyes as that punch connects too ... just like I've stared cancer in the face. Truth is, I've been hit far harder than any punch will ever hit me. There's one hell of a fire that burns inside me and I have so much I'm fighting for. I've learned in all aspects of my life that you only lose when you don't swing back. I'm going to keep swinging!
Be sure to check out her fundraising page here and wish her luck! Best of luck, Stephanie!