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 Adriana Kosiba, fighting out of EverybodyFights in South Boston.
Where are you from?
Where’d you go to college?
University of Massachusetts – Amherst!
Did you play any sports growing up?
I grew up playing soccer but my true love was running, I even ran track and high-jumped in college. Running has always been an important part of my fitness routine. I transitioned to longer distances a few years ago and have since run 15 half marathons and one full!
What do you do for work?
I’m a Senior Account Executive for Pandora Radio, I’ve been in some sort of media for the past 12 years.
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
Definitely not, though I’m not the passive type so I suppose I’m not really surprised. Truth be told, I really enjoy punching things. My husband and I joined EBF about 6 months before our wedding in 2015 and I’ve never looked back.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
Why not? If this is something I can do for those who are unable to, I have no reason to not step into the ring on October 5th. On a personal level, I fight to stay healthy each and every day; I have an auto-immune disease I’ve battled for the last 20 years.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure – Where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
Everywhere you turn, someone is fighting for something--incredible causes and even their lives. My mother was recently diagnosed with cancer, I want her to know I’m there fighting with her and for her. She doesn’t have to face this alone.
There’s so much in life we have no control over; my choosing to be involved with this incredible event is my contribution towards finding a cure. I want to be a force-not only in the ring but in driving further awareness of and raising funds for cancer research.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Carbs! Especially pizza and pasta. And of course, sleep, 4am wake-ups come at you pretty early!
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I love to eat so for me a love of cooking was only natural. My husband and I share a love of traveling as well, so as often as we can we try and go to a new country to explore…and of course, eat. We spend a lot of time on the Cape, the beach is my happy place. We also have two dogs, Bruce and Lola, and spend as much time as possible with them.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
Hands down, my husband, Frank. He’s been in my corner for 6 years and I couldn’t imagine going through this without him. Frank is there for me no matter my mood -- when I need his incredible positivity or a shoulder to cry on. He is my strength!
Be sure to check out her fundraising page here and wish her luck! Best of luck, Adriana!