During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Hope NYC in New York City on November 16th. 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 Ben Rader, fighting out of Church Street Boxing Gym in New York City.
Where are you from?
Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Where’d you go to college?
Wesleyan University
Did you play any sports growing up?
Volleyball
What do you do for work?
Lawyer
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
No clue. A friend recommended it as good conditioning, I started taking classes with my oldest son, he embarrassed me sparring and then I was suddenly driven to get better at it.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
My mom died of cancer in 2012 and I'm searching for positive ways to work through that and make a difference for people affected by cancer.
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 mom is a huge inspiration. Not only did she help me with homework every single night of my high school career but she worked really hard for peace and social justice in or society. She wanted it and fought for it and spoke true to power to anybody that stood in her way. Although she'd totally freak out if she knew I was boxing, my mom was a fighter - in the truest sense of the word.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Time hanging out with my family and friends.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I write music and am in a rock band. Board member of an Africa environmental foundation. Pro bono legal services for immigrants, veterans and homeless people.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
Maybe Andrew of Haymakers for Hope. Way back when we both worked at Goldman, I was the lawyer who held him up from starting H4H with my pesky legal questions. He definitely won that fight. It all comes full circle.
Be sure to check out his fundraising page here and wish him luck! Best of luck, Ben!