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 Rebecca LeSaffre, fighting out of The Way in Woburn, MA.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Revere but now live in Melrose
Where’d you go to college?
I graduated from Salem State in 1987 with a B.S. In Business, and then returned to school and graduated from North Shore in 2011 with an Associates as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
Did you play any sports growing up?
No. I went to a Catholic School and at that time there were very few sports that were offered to females.
What do you do for work?
I opened my own fitness studio in November of 2016 called Everlasting Fitness!
Why boxing?
I think that in addition to being a great total body workout, boxing is also an excellent stress reliever and as I woman I also find it very empowering.
Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
At first no, I was happy hitting the heavy bag, but once I started working with mitts, I started to get more of a feel for what it would be like to actually box, so I decided to take it to the next level and apply to Haymakers.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
I had a few friends that did Haymakers and saw what a great experience they had and what an amazing organization is was, so I decided to challenge myself. At age 54 I also wanted to show that age is just a number and you can do anything you put your mind to if you work hard enough.
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 draw my inspiration from my Dad who passed from colon cancer at age 64. He was a Marine Corps Veteran of 38 years and I watched him battle cancer as hard as he possibly could, never giving up right until the very end.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Probably time spent with my family. Between work and training, I don’t have much free time.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I love to lift weights and hang out with my husband and 2 children.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
Well probably my clients. They claim that I torture them in class, which is so not true, so they might want to see me get hit, if not them maybe my kids!
Be sure to check out her fundraising page here and wish her luck! Best of luck, Rebecca!