Tuesday, March 6 2018
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rumble in the Rockies in Denver on June 14th. They’ve committed to four months of fundraising and training in preparation to get in the ring and literally fight for a cure. Whether their mom is battling, 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 Tessie (Stephanie) Mernick, fighting out of the Corner Boxing Club.
Where are you from?
Boston
Where’d you go to college?
Northeastern University for undergrad, currently at CU Boulder getting my Masters! Go Buffs!
Did you play any sports growing up?
Soccer, Basketball, Softball
What do you do for work?
Full-time grad student right now, studying environmental policy. Before I started school in August 2017, I was working in Boston at a utility tracking software company to improve the energy efficiency of multifamily and commercial buildings.
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
Never! A few years ago I accidentally killed a bee, and held a funeral for it...this sums up my day-to-day life pretty accurately. I think I would rather be punched than punch someone because I can't imagine ever hurting someone else, but hopefully this will change or else I will end up, as they say, seeing stars.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
I was with my friends Brian and Erin in January talking about how I needed to get back into shape. Brian suggested that I sign up for Haymakers for Hope because not only would I get into shape, but I would also be supporting an amazing cause. I signed up to challenge myself with something I've never thought I could do, to raise money and awareness for a disease that has caused so many people pain, and to support my friend in his new role as the regional fight manager for H4H in Denver.
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 don't get mad very often, when I do, it's typically for a good reason. It angers me when bad things happen to good people. Two of my grandparents passed away from cancer, my uncle is being treated for cancer, one of my very best friends had cancer, his mom passed away from cancer, my friend's dad lost the battle to cancer...and sadly, I could go on and on. Just spelling out the word cancer makes me angry. This is where I get my inspiration. The more we fight cancer now, the less pain it will bring to everyone later.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Probably cheese. I just used up the last of my cheese this evening...which means I won't be buying anymore cheese for myself until June! Of course, if a friend brings cheese over, I may eat some. I also recently finished my trusty box of wine, and I'm going to (try my best to) give that up as well.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
Studying, studying, studying! I love driving up to the mountains and hiking towards a body of water (I miss the ocean!), having game nights with friends, painting, petting dogs, sending people letters, and I just love being outside. I also like helping people become more green!
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
That bee that I accidentally killed a few years ago. And my sister.
Be sure to check out her fundraising page here and wish her luck on Instagram! Best of luck, Tessie!