Christina Vatsis is no stranger to loss, or to the transformative power of giving back.  Christina lost her father to colon cancer in 2009, and witnessed her aunt’s intensive and debilitating treatments for breast cancer.  As a prolific volunteer, Christina has previously donated her time to an orphanage in Africa and raised funds for a number of important charitable causes.  Now, as an FTEC 2018 fighter, Christina will be channeling her talent toward her goal of raising funds for critical cancer research that might have helped save her Dad.  A veteran flight attendant, Christina prides herself on being courteous and polite.  She plans to maintain her signature smile with every punch that she lands on fight night.

“I am honored to announce that I have been chosen to be one of the ten fighters on The Fight To End Cancer 2018 team, in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.  I will be trained by professional boxing coaches who will push me to my limits, both physically and mentally, for the next six months, so I will be ready to “Kick Cancer in the Butt” when I enter the boxing ring on June 2nd.

Unfortunately, like most people, I have been affected by this disease personally.  I have lost many loved ones including dear friends and family members and that is why this fundraising event is so important to me. 

On November 28th, 2009 I lost my dad to colon cancer.  He was very brave in his fight but he eventually lost his battle after 3 years.  Our family was told that if the diagnosis had come earlier, his chance of survival would have been good.  Unfortunately, that did not happen, and it was too late by the time he was diagnosed.  I could have never imagined the pain I was about to go through, watching cancer slowly steal his life while I sat by helpless, knowing there was nothing I could do to stop it.  Midway through his battle, my Aunt Jo was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She endured many intensive treatments including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.  Thankfully, eight years later, she is still with us and is healthy and cancer free.  Her ending, like many others was different than my Dads and for that reason I truly do believe in research.  My hope is that one day with the continued research, treatment options, and funding, we will soon be able to eradicate this terrible disease once and for all.

I hope to reach my fundraising goal of $20 000.00, with your help and support.  All proceeds go directly to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, which is one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world. 

Thank you so much for your support!”

~ Christina Vatsis | FTEC2018 Fighter

Christina holds a photo of her dad, who she lost to cancer in 2009.

ABOUT FIGHT TO END CANCER

Founded in 2011, the Fight To End Cancer has donated over $750,000.00, in support of cancer research, with proceeds going directly to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
The year-long fundraising efforts of the Fight To End Cancer are celebrated each year in an event like no other. Featuring a new group of white-collar men and women, with no prior boxing experience, Fight To End Cancer’s annual black tie gala concludes months of their intense training, in a sanctioned Olympic-style boxing event.
Fight To End Cancer has quickly grown to become a premium fundraiser and showcases these brave individuals, as they lace up their gloves and step into our ring to help knock out cancer.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Huggins
Executive Director
Phone: +1.416.666.9314
Email address: jennifer@fighttoendcancer.com

Important Dates:
–> Official Media Day: Thurs. May 24, 2018 6pm – 8pm | Lavelle Rooftop Lounge Request Media Access
–> 2018 Charity Boxing Gala: Sat. June 2, 2017 5pm – 11 pm | Old Mill Toronto Request Media Access