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 Leigh Anne Cassidy, fighting out of EverybodyFights in Boston, MA.
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Swampscott – A small town on the water just north of Boston, but now I call South Boston home.
Where’d you go to college?
I went to a small university in the Berkshires called UMASS Amherst. GO U!
Did you play any sports growing up?
I played soccer, basketball and ran track growing up. I was also voted class klutz in my high school year book, so my athletic abilities are somewhat questionable.
What do you do for work?
I am a B2B Marketing Manager for a tech startup in Cambridge called CarGurus. I manage the marketing efforts in the new countries we launch in.
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I took my first boxing class about 4 years ago. It took me approximately 3 weeks into my Class Pass membership to finally muster up the courage to sign up (and attend) my first boxfiit class at Everybody Fights. Since then I’ve been hooked! As someone who avoids conflict like the plague, I’ve never really imagined myself fighting, but I am excited to bring the skills I’ve learned over the past few years to the ring.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
I attended my first Belles event 3 years ago and LOVED it! I don’t know if it was the energy of the fighters, the roar of the crowd, or the fact that the event raises money to help fight a disease I HATE, but I’ve always wanted to participate and I’m feeling hashtag blessed to be fighting this year.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
My inspiration to fight comes from my mom who is a three-time cancer survivor, and from my friend Rita who lost her battle with cancer this past summer. I’ve yet to meet someone that cancer hasn’t affected in some way, and I look forward to the day I meet someone it hasn’t. It’s time to make cancer something of the past. I figure if my mom can beat cancer three times, I can handle three rounds in the ring (fingers crossed).
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
During my training, it’s going to be quite difficult not eating whatever I want, whenever I want. It’s also going to be hard refusing cocktails at our weekly company happy hours.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
My best friend and I always joke that we don’t have hobbies – (sigh) how depressing! But when I’m not at work you can find me walking my adorable puppy Toby, browsing on Zillow, looking at real estate properties I for sure cannot afford, or grabbing a glass of vino with friends. And if I’m not doing any of the things listed above, I’m probably watching the bachelorette curled up on my couch.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
I’m guessing my boyfriend because at the 1st Annual Cassidy Family Christmas Talent Show last year, I displayed my “boxing skills” as my talent, and in true class klutz fashion, I punched him straight in the nose, in front of my whole family.
Be sure to check out her fundraising page here and wish her luck! Best of luck, Leigh!