Burlington Resident Steps into the Ring for Cancer Research
Imagine being in a place where you know you're going to get punched in the face.
Now, imagine there's no place you'd rather be.
That's how it is for Burlington resident, Ivana McGrail, who has already raised $10,000 for a boxing match to benefit cancer research. On October 10, Ivana will step in the ring as one of 30 women competing in Belles of the Brawl, a fundraiser by Haymakers for Hope.
McGrail has been on a fitness journey for several years, she says, losing weight through diet and exercise, and this event was a great opportunity to further enhance her fitness. The training hasn't been easy. For the last four months, Ivana has participated in intensive workouts twice a day, six days per week, at Hard Knocks gym in Everett. "It's been a supportive place to figure this out," she says. But the physical effort of cardio, weightlifting, and up to two hours of boxing each day is only part of it. Fighters also have to be sure to get enough rest and keep their nutrition on track to prevent injury.
The personal connection goes beyond fitness, as the mission of raising money for cancer research is very close to McGrail's heart. In her job working in human resources for a state agency, one of her responsibilities is processing Family and Medical Leave. The number of people in this 1,100-person agency taking leave because they are being treated for cancer or caring for a loved one who is, is overwhelming, she said, and she has personally known a huge number of people who have survived, are being treated, or have died from cancer—including her mother, who Ivana lost to glioblastoma in 2016. "It's astounding how cancer touches so many lives."
The oldest competitor at age 54, McGrail applied to Haymakers for several years before she was able to be matched with someone of similar size, age, and experience. Through this experience she's developed more confidence about physical abilities and well-being, and she appreciates feeling like she’s accomplishing something. And with more than $10,000 raised a week ahead of the event, there's no doubt that, win or lose, McGrail has accomplished something few will.
The Belles of the Brawl event is set to occur on Thursday evening, October 10, at 7:30 PM at the MGM Music Hall in Boston. McGrail and 29 other women will compete in 15 fights, each with three, two-minute rounds. You can get your tickets to cheer Ivana on at this event or support Ivana in meeting her stretch goal of $15,000.
"If there are people reading who want to participate in a fundraiser like this and want to get in better shape," says McGrail, "I highly recommend Haymakers for Hope. They're professional, supportive, and encouraging," she says, and she is appreciative of the supportive community the organization has created. Haymakers for Hope has raised over $32 million for cancer research, awareness, survivorship, and care since its first event in 2011, and their goal for this year's event is $600,000.
