Wednesday, July 5 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 Cara Early, fighting out of EverybodyFights in South Boston.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Worcester, but now live in Beacon Hill.
Where’d you go to college?
I went to Union College for undergrad and Boston University for grad school.
Did you play any sports growing up?
Growing up I swam, played softball, and ran cross-country.
What do you do for work?
I work in relationship management at a fixed income manager, which allows me to combine two of my strengths: being a total nerd and a social butterfly. The company I work for is pretty great and the team I’m on is a lot of fun.
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I don’t think I ever pictured myself fighting, other than for the remote control. I am beyond excited to box, the opportunity to learn a new sport, from the basics in your 20s doesn’t present itself very often, and I can’t wait!
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
It may have been that second (or third) beer during Rock N’ Rumble VII this past May that brought me to the sign up page on the website. All jokes aside, the mission of Haymakers is inspiring, cancer impacts so many and I’m so excited to fight for a cure.
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 was diagnosed with Leukemia about a month after my 4th birthday and spent the following years going through chemotherapy at UMASS Hospital. Over the years, my nana and my aunt Kathy courageously fought and lost their battles with cancer. Although my own fight with cancer is decades in the past, the doctors and nurses that treated me are still helping other little kids through their fights, and that is a huge source of inspiration.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
No question about it, ice cream! I have a mean sweet tooth, and I don’t think there is anything more refreshing than an ice cream cone on a warm summer day.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
This is always the toughest question to answer without sounding incredibly basic. Outside of throwing punches, I can be found hanging out with friends, sampling new restaurants, maybe jogging along the esplanade or shopping (really trying to support the local economy).
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
I would definitely say my older siblings. I’m the baby of the family, so they were never allowed to clock me, and growing up I provided them both with plenty of reasons to want to.
Be sure to check out her fundraising page here and wish her luck! Best of luck, Cara!