During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Beltway Brawl on Thursday, September 19th at The Anthem. 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 Rachel Frankel, fighting out of Urban Boxing DC.
Where are you from?
Hershey, PA, but now I consider Washington, D.C. home.
Where’d you go to college?
Penn State
Did you play any sports growing up?
Soccer
What do you do for work?
Attorney
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I started training with the boxing team in college and always wanted to step into the ring but was too afraid to do so.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
Since college, a number of my immediate and extended family members have had to battle cancer, and I've realized that there are bigger things to be afraid of in this world. Haymakers will allow me to overcome my fear while fighting for a great cause.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
Unfortunately, a number of my immediate and extended family members have had to battle or currently are battling cancer. Not all of them have been successful. I also was involved in the Penn State Dance Marathon in college to raise money for the fight against childhood cancer. Nothing I will go through on this journey even remotely will approach the fight those battling cancer have to face.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
I don't think I can choose just one thing--candy, chips, pizza, TV, sleep...
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
Board games, golf, snowboarding, reading.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
Anyone I've recently beaten at a board game!
Check out her fundraising page and be sure to wish her luck! Best of luck, Rachel!