Monday, June 18 2018
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Belles of the Brawl VI in Boston on October 10th. 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 Tracy Walsh Deforge, fighting out of Elite Boxing & Fitness.
Where are you from?
Originally from Fitchburg, MA – but live in Franklin now.
Where’d you go to college?
Wagner College undergrad and Seton Hall Law for my JD
Did you play any sports growing up?
Track & Field, volleyball and cheerleading.
What do you do for work?
Entrepreneur/Investor. I am the co-founder and managing partner of The Players' Impact.
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
Boxing is for bad asses! I’ve been a fighter my whole life - just not with my fists.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
I can correlate the training to the fight that those I loved had (and lost) against cancer. I know it isn't really a close analogy but I'm know how tough they were so it gives me inspiration to be tough too.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure – Where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
Cancer has had a horrible presence in my life for as long as I can remember. At 5yrs old I lost my grandmother, had my own scare with stage 2 melanoma, went on to lose my Dad, my grandfather and a boyfriend, along with many others. It feels good to fight in their memory.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Ice cream for sure – how can you not eat ice cream all summer?
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
Throwing kicks! I’ve been in Tae Kwon Do for 7yrs. I’ve also got two very active kids so they keep me busy.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
Probably the most excited is my friend Chris Lavery. He's been a big supporter and is now helping me train. He's been trying to get me to box for years.
Be sure to check out her fundraising page and wish her luck! Best of luck, Tracy!