Countless men and women have dedicated their lives to fighting back through the Fight To End Cancer.
Founded by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), World Cancer Day is recognized annually around the globe every February 4th. The objective of World Cancer Day is to save millions of preventable deaths by raising awareness, providing education and calling for national leadership on policies, legislation, investment and innovation related to cancer research, and care.
World Cancer Day’s three-year campaign theme is: “Close the Care Gap”
We acknowledge and celebrate the important objectives of World Cancer Day’s three year vision: Realize the problem. Unite our voices. Take action, and challenge those in power.
Whoever you are, you have the power to reduce the impact of cancer for yourself, the people you love and for the world. It’s time to invest in your health, learn about cancer prevention, advocate for universal access to care, and make a personal commitment to eradicate cancer in our lifetime.
We also celebrate this 2023 World Cancer Day by acknowledging the huge commitment that our ten fighters have made, and the histories that have inspired each of them to choose to step into the ring as a member of the FTEC2023 fight team.
Currently, 9.6 million people die from cancer every year and at least one-third of common cancers are preventable.
The FTEC2023 fight team have dedicated six months of their lives to raise thousands of dollars in support of the life-changing research funded by the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Their vision is our vision: to save innocent lives by defeating cancer in our lifetime. Please join us in the Fight !
Let’s celebrate World Cancer Day, with the Fight To End Cancer Fight Team by taking a look at some of their incredible stories…
Jeff Skrypek, FTEC2023 Fight Team
“Cancer is a disease that has affected almost all of us, including many people in my family. By participating in the Fight to End Cancer, I want to do my part to knock cancer out! This event means a lot to me. My dad was a larger-than-life figure who was the definition of “YOLO”. He died of brain cancer when I was 26 years old. This is one of the reasons why I have decided to take part in the Fight to End Cancer and attempt to raise $10,000 for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. My dad is not the only one in my family who has been affected by this horrible disease. My uncle recently passed away from cancer as well. Cancer has touched almost everyone in some form or another. I plan on fundraising for the next 5 months to reach my goal, at which point, the fundraiser will culminate in me boxing in a charity boxing match at the annual FTEC gala on May 27, 2023. YOLO!
The goal of this adventure is raising research dollars to reach a goal we all share – To Conquer Cancer In Our Lifetime!
I would really appreciate it if you would consider sponsoring me on this journey, but more importantly, your donation can make a difference in cancer research that will help people here locally as well as many others globally.
My dad was treated at Princess Margaret, which is one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world, and with your donation, we can continue to support cutting-edge research at the centre.
With your help, I hope to reach my fundraising goal and make a difference.
Thank you so much for your support!”
“We’re back and picking up from where we left off in 2019! Our journey got cut short mid-way through training camp almost three years ago and now it’s time to strap on the gloves again. I’m happy to report that I’ll be resuming my drive with the Fight to End Cancer Team for 2023!
The last several years have presented us with unprecedented challenges both old and new. I lost a family member to cancer in 2021 that left an unmendable hole in my wife’s life. I would be hard pressed at this time to point to a friend, co-worker or family member that can’t share a similar story.
When I set out on this challenge it was to support the research needed to beat cancer. My father-in-law had a close call with prostate cancer several years ago that was going to require potentially risky and invasive surgery. Not wanting to accept an easy defeat we researched other options. Through good fortune, we were able to enroll him for treatment using the (new at the time) da Vinci robotic system and I’m happy to say that he’s been cancer free for almost ten years. None of which would have been possible without research and innovation into new cancer fighting techniques.
I can feel it. We’re on the cusp of something great. A breakthrough that is going to knock cancer out, but we need your support. I’m putting my body and mind to the test so others hopefully don’t have to, please give generously.
See you in the ring!”
Victoria Williamson, FTEC2023 Fight Team
“My boxing journey began as a hobby back in 2019. Never did I think I would have the opportunity to compete in the ring and fight for such an amazing cause. This year I am participating in the 2023 Fight To End Cancer in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
We have all been touched by cancer in some way. I am fighting for the friends I have seen battle cancer. I am fighting for the family members myself and others have had to say goodbye to. I am fighting with the hope of achieving a common goal I believe we all share – to conquer cancer in our lifetime!
I would love for you to sponsor and support me in this boxing journey, and help make a difference in cancer research and in many lives across Canada and around the globe.
Thank you so much for your support!”
Melanie Muto, FTEC2023 Fight Team
“Over the last 5-6 years boxing, I had always imagined myself stepping into the ring (cheesy soundtrack included). It wasn’t until meeting the Kingsway Boxing community that I felt it was possible, especially with a meaningful cause that is FTEC.
I have witnessed close friends and family members take on care giving roles they did not plan for as their loved ones fought through one of the biggest battles life can throw at you. Words cannot express the amount of love, respect, and admiration I have for anyone fighting cancer, and anyone in the ring with them. This fight is not only one to be heard and respected, but is still in so much need of more resources and support.
This year, I am here to surprise the little lady that thought she couldn’t step in the ring by doing what she loves to support the people she loves. I am participating in the annual Fight To End Cancer in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, where our team will raise research dollars with collective goal: To Conquer Cancer in Our Lifetime.
I want this fight, and every donation to let these warriors know that they are admired. They are loved. They are supported.
So, without a catchy tagline from my advertising mind, simply join me in spreading this message and donating if you can.
Let’s get tough. Let’s get loud. Let’s fight, for the fight.“
Mitchell Cairns | FTEC 2023 Fight Team
“I am honoured to participate in the annual Fight To End Cancer event in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. I am fighting for my grandparents, who lost a battle with cancer at an early age in my life, and the incredible people who continue battling cancer to this day.
After four years of being part of the Kingsway Boxing family and producing the documentary “Ascension” [the incredible story of Kingsway Boxing Club and Fight to End Cancer], I decided to throw my hat in the ring to be a part of this remarkable event.
Please sponsor me and support my hard work, but more importantly, make a difference in cancer research that will help people here locally as well as many others globally. There is strength in numbers, and we can all do our part in this fight!
Princess Margaret is one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world – when we train scientists and researchers at Princess Margaret, they share and train colleagues worldwide.
With your help, I hope to reach my fundraising goal of 10 thousand dollars and aid the true heroes making a difference in the Fight to End Cancer.
Thank you so much for your support!”
Mark Maristela, FTEC 2023 Fight Team
“I’ve always wondered where my passion for boxing would lead me in my life. Would it be in tournaments and/or competitions? It turns out that my love for the sport led me to the Fight To End Cancer.
This disease has haunted so many people I care about. Cancer has attacked my family and friends for too long. This time I’m turning the fight back to Cancer.
Please sponsor me and support my hard work, but more importantly, make a difference in cancer research that will help people locally as well as many others globally. There is strength in numbers and we can all do our part in this fight!
With your help, I hope to exceed my fundraising goal and make a difference.
Please spread the word. Donate if you can.
I need YOUR help to serve Cancer a knuckle sandwich!”
“Back in 2019, Josh and I began our journey as two of 10 fighters participating in Fight To End Cancer in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (PMCF), motivated by the loss of Josh’s grandparents.
I have been tremendously lucky not to have had anyone close to me affected by cancer until we lost Roz & Marv. Seeing the toll cancer took on them personally, as well as on the family as they cared for them, was absolutely heartbreaking. They had already lived a long and fulfilling life, and it still was so painful to say goodbye.
It made me realize how much this terrible disease can take from people and just how quickly it can do so. I’d like to do my part to stop cancer from stealing any more time from any family.
Although I may not be smart enough to find a cure myself, there’s still a role for me to play.
I am honoured to be raising awareness about the work PMCF is doing and raising funds to support its world-class research.
Together, we have the ability to better the lives of millions of humans across the globe. Together we can really end cancer in our lifetime.”
“I am sincerely honoured to be a part of the 2023 Fight to End Cancer (FTEC) team.
I first learned about the FTEC seven years ago. Immediately, the words challenge, sacrifice, commitment, and strength came to mind. I knew I wanted to be a part of it.
Cancer plagues us all. If you’re lucky enough not to have lost a family member or close friend to cancer it doesn’t mean you haven’t been affected. It doesn’t mean you haven’t shed a tear, been at a loss for words, or truly grasped the feeling of helplessness when this disease unfairly latches on to a friend of a friend, a client’s wife, a former babysitter, a mother’s childhood friend, a boyfriend’s uncle, a mentor’s father…
The list sorrowfully goes on. And it will continue to go on unless we act.
So rather than sit idly while cancer continues to permeate and blacken the lives around me, I choose to fight. I choose to collect funds in support of cancer research. I choose to partner with FTEC because I don’t know of any message more forceful and determined than DEFEAT IS NOT AN OPTION.
I ask you to fight with me by sponsoring me. I’m fighting in the annual Fight to End Cancer in support of the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. My intensive training regimen will conclude with a boxing match set to take place on May 27, 2023. I’m excited about everything that lies ahead, but I need your support to reach my fundraising goal.
Thank you for helping to make a difference.”
Joey Woo, FTEC2023 Fight Team
“Life can be strange sometimes.
It can give you feelings of happiness and joy where everything shines brightly, like you’re on top of the world. It can also leave you with feelings of despair and emptiness, where all hope has dissipated leading down the path of inevitability.
For me, life hit our family hard on January 24, 2018 when my father Simon, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer.
And I remember that day like it was yesterday.
I was at work. I received a call from my mom, and in a somber voice, she told me this could be it. During my short ride to the hospice, a lot of thoughts were running through my mind. What will life look like without my dad? How were we, as a family, going to recover? Will I get a chance to say one final goodbye? There were so many questions, but very few answers.
As I rushed through the front doors and approached my dad’s room, somehow I knew it. I tried to stay positive, but I just had that feeling given how quickly my dad’s condition had deteriorated. Then, when I saw my sisters consoling my mom by the bedside, it confirmed everything.
The room was filled with sadness. We were all heartbroken. Seeing my mom in tears was the most difficult. It was painful. It was tough to comprehend. My dad, who loved us all and did everything possible to ensure my 3 sisters and I had the life we had, was gone. Just like that. How could this be?
Having been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer, my dad was only given a few months to live. With the situation being bleak, our family made sure we cherished every moment possible. The highlight was Christmas of 2017—easily his favourite time of the year. Boy was it extra special. My dad was happy. He laughed. He saw his grandchildren. We created memories. We were all together.
My father was a remarkable man. He emigrated from China in 1967 and a couple years later, he started to work for the U of T’s Faculty of Social Work as the Media Coordinator. For 47 years, he developed relationships with many students, and was very active in the university’s fundraising efforts. His relentless work ethic, total commitment and dedication, and the need to help others were a true testament to his character.
In the ensuing months, I’ll be embodying those traits my dad instilled into me. Training will consist of multiple conditioning and technical workouts per week where I’ll be pushed to the limit both mentally and physically. There will certainly be ups and downs along this journey, but the constant reminder and motivation is clear: I’m fighting for my dad.
Cancer undeniably impacts us all whether directly or indirectly. And to help raise money to advance cancer research and clinical care innovations make it that more important. Every patient should be given the best care possible along their journey. No individual or family should suffer. We are all in this fight together.
For my dad, he battled until the end. But on May 27, 2023, that battle is far from over as my goal is to continue that fight, in the ring, to bring hope to others and ultimately, defeat cancer.”
“Back in 2019, Julia and I began our journey as two of 10 fighters participating in Fight To End Cancer in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (PMCF). Motivated by having lost both of my maternal grandparents to cancer, we were committed to doing our part to fight back against this horrible disease.
Three years later, our motivation is as strong as ever. Although we may not be smart enough to do the research to help end cancer, there’s still a role for us to play.
We can raise awareness about the PMCF, the people who ARE smart enough to end cancer in our lifetime.
We can also get punched in the face to help raise funds for the world-class research & the incredible humans at PMCF.
Together we have the ability to better the lives of millions of humans across the globe. Together we can really end cancer in our lifetime.
Thank you for following us on this journey as we prepare to enter the ring on May 27th, 2023.
Spread the word”
About The Fight To End Cancer
The Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) is a year-round initiative carried out by ambassadors, sponsors and volunteers worldwide. Over $2,000,000 has been donated to date, since our inaugural year, in 2012. Funds raised by FTEC are donated directly to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Each year we celebrate the incredible hard work and dedication of our FTEC family with a black-tie charity boxing gala. This gala showcases ten men and women who represent our Official Fight Team. Our goal is to raise funds for cancer research year-round with the support of the local community and business owners. Let’s make a difference now in the fight to end cancer, for a long and successful future for everyone. This is an event like no other and has quickly become one of the most anticipated events in Toronto. www.fighttoendcancer.com
About The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation at University Health Network raises funds for breakthrough research, exemplary teaching and compassionate care at Princess Margaret Hospital and its research arm, the Ontario Cancer Institute, which now includes The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute and The Campbell Family Breast Cancer Research Institute. More information about the Foundation can be found at www.thepmcf.ca
