Saturday, June 8 2019
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Belles of the Brawl VII in Boston on October 9th. 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 Allison Picott, fighting out of EverybodyFights.
Where are you from?
Currently live in Boston (The South End), but grew up in Harvard, MA
Where’d you go to college?
Trinity College (Hartford, CT)
Did you play any sports growing up?
Tennis, JV basketball, Varsity softball, roller skating (competitively), Varsity track
What do you do for work?
Director of Development at the Social Innovation Forum
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
I enjoy competitive sports and a couple of years ago began occasionally incorporating boxing into some of my workouts with my personal trainer. After watching my cousin, Jillian Gundersheim, box in Belles of the Brawl VI, I've been thinking about boxing more.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 at age 40, just days before my wedding. I want to fight in celebration of me turning 50 and being 10 years cancer free next year.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
Being diagnosed with breast cancer literally days before my 2010 wedding, made my wedding vows - in sickness and in health -- all that more real. I was fortunate that it was caught early. Over the past 9 years, I've helped so many acquaintances, friends, and friends of friends through their respective breast cancer journeys. I fight for myself - in celebration of being cancer free - and in support of others.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Probably time with my husband and our 2 dogs.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
Spending time with my dogs - Penny (a Boston Terrier) and Maya (a Boxer), cooking, going to the movies/sporting events with my husband.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
Not sure that there is any particular person who is "excited" to see me be punched in the face, but there are certainly a few people - my husband and sister among them - who are nervous/anxious.
Check out her fundraising page and be sure to wish her luck! Best of luck, Allison!