![[PRESS RELEASE] Defeat Is NOT An Option | Introducing The 2025 Fight To End Cancer Fighters](https://fighttoendcancer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/FTEC2025_FighterSponsor-4.jpg)
OVER A DECADE FIGHTING…
MILLIONS DONATED… ARE WE DONE YET?
NOT EVEN CLOSE!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — TORONTO, ON. On May 31, 2025, at The Old Mill Toronto, the Fight to End Cancer Charity Boxing Gala returns, stronger than ever! This year, twelve exceptional athletes will step into the ring, not just to fight, but to knock out cancer. Every punch they throw will support The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, a global leader in groundbreaking cancer research.
THE ROAD TO FIGHT NIGHT
Eight months ago, following an intensive selection process, twelve fighters committed to grueling training—enduring sweat, struggle, technical sparring, and rigorous conditioning to become true warriors. Among them is Kristin Smith-Zuccala, eager for her long-awaited return after being originally selected for the 2020 event before the pandemic disrupted her path. Jaco Crouse, a highly respected CFO in the mining industry, also joins a lineup of top professionals from diverse industries, all united for one cause.
On Fight Night, these dedicated individuals will showcase their journey and skills in six sanctioned bouts, all set against the backdrop of the elegant and electrifying atmosphere of The Old Mill Toronto.
[FREE EVENT] Special Invited Thur. May 22: Official Media Day Weigh-Ins
Join us for an exciting action-packed night for the Media and Partners to get to know the official FTEC2025 Fight Team. This event will be the final opportunity to get exclusive access to the FTEC2025 Fight Team before they fight on event night.
Left Photo: Fight To End Cancer’s Main Event Fighter, Jaco Crouse, has garnered the support of the international mining community as he prepares for his May 31st debut. Right Photo: Fight To End Cancer Fighter Kristin Smith-Zuccala has been waiting to step into the ring since the 2020 gala was cancelled due to the pandemic.
THE TEAM BEHIND THE MISSION
Returning to guide the evening is Angie Seth, award-winning journalist, CBC TV-Radio host, and RTDNA President, ensuring every moment of this unforgettable night is captured.
This year’s gala is proudly presented by our long-time partners, Landscape Plus Ltd. and Grafton Apparel Ltd., with APEX Mobile Media stepping up as our newest Presenting Partner.
With the unwavering support of our volunteers, sponsors, and YOU, we are set to surpass the $4 million fundraising milestone.
Be a part of history. Be a part of the fight. Join us on May 31 and help us end cancer—once and for all!
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The 2025 FTEC Gala evening includes a four-course gourmet dinner, open bar, live music, fighter raffles, and a fabulous silent auction. The best entertainment will, of course, be happening inside the ring – where six pairs of fighters will do their level best to showcase their mastery of the squared circle during their sanctioned bouts. All of our incredible fighters share the common goal of delivering cancer the knockout punch. Be a part of history and Join the Fight!
Since joining the fight in 2014, our official FTEC national ambassadors, Grafton Apparel, have raised over $2 million through over 100 stores across Canada, including Tip Top, George Richards and Mr. Big & Tall. This incredible accomplishment has pushed our total funds donated to The Princess Margaret to over $3 million. This year, Grafton Apparel expect to exceed their fundraising goals once again, with additional donations raised by their “Wear Your Support” Campaign – featuring exclusive FTEC key chains and lapel pins – available in all Grafton Apparel stores across Canada, later this year.
Jennifer Huggins, founder and CEO of Fight To End Cancer (FTEC), leads the team with unwavering dedication. Alongside her is Virgil Barrow, the official FTEC Team Head Coach and Director. Together, they inspire all who step into the ring. Jennifer is a globally recognized boxing ambassador and serves as an international Olympic-level boxing referee and judge with World Boxing. Virgil brings over two decades of experience as a competitive boxing coach, who also spends much of his time supporting the provincial team athletes as they embark on their national and international goals.
“The reality of what the Fight To End Cancer represents is bittersweet. Something that threatens to tear our lives apart has brought so many people together. Over ten years ago, I started this event to give back to the community. The Fight To End Cancer has since become a community in itself; a family working together towards one goal. My vision evolved from being a fundraiser, to becoming a global movement that we are all part of. We are fighting for a future free of cancer, and we will succeed.”
~ Jennifer Huggins, Fight To End Cancer
Founder and Executive Director
DEFEAT IS NOT AN OPTION!
Public Relations Team, Fight To End Cancer
info@fighttoendcancer.com
Donations to our Fight Team can be made at: fighttoendcancer.com.
Photos available upon request.
Interview Opportunities:
Interview Opportunities are available in studio, on site, and via phone or email with:
- Jennifer Huggins (Executive Director and Founder, Fight To End Cancer)
- Virgil Barrow (Fight Team Head Coach, Kingsway Boxing Club)
- FTEC 2025 Fight Team members (contacts available upon request)
- Presenting Partners:
- Landscape Plus Ltd. (Since 2015)
- Grafton Apparel Ltd. (Since 2014)
- APEX Mobile Media (Since 2025)
Let’s Take A Moment To Meet These Incredible Heroes And See What Dreams They Hold…
“The indomitable South African spirit is grounded in resilience and unity. Our history resembles the power of unity in overcoming all odds.
Millions across the world are waking up daily to fight cancer. FTEC2025 allows us to stand with them and let them know they are not alone – we see them, their courage inspires us and we stand together, to not only overcome this terrible disease but, to conquer it. We are alongside them every step of the way.
With my aunt, uncle and father, recently, diagnosed with cancer, I realized that my time to join the fight is NOW. This is not a far off disease for others to cure. The Fight To End Cancer is about inspiring action – action to build a cancer-free future for my family and yours.
Stand in my corner, or join me in the ring, as I raise research funds for The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. United, we can all do our part in this fight!
Defeat is Not an option!”
“Cancer doesn’t just attack the body – it assaults families, friendships, and futures. Today, I fight to honour my mother’s fight against cancer.
In January 2016, my Mom shared devastating news – she had late stage ovarian cancer. The doctors told us she only had a year to live.
Over the next few months, our family’s collective emotional state ricocheted from despair to hope and back again. Mom was scheduled for surgery, but progressively weakened as she underwent chemotherapy. Then, on the day of her surgery, the surgeons told us they could not operate. They had discovered a cancer-related anemia in her blood which took surgery off the table. My mother, father, sister and I had to face the fact that there was nothing more to be done, except make the most of the time we had left together.
While I cannot forget the pain and struggles my Mom endured, or the anguish cancer caused for the rest of us, these are not the memories I choose to recall. I choose to remember the times Mom expressed concern for the nurses and doctors who cared for her; when she offered prayers for her kids and grandkids; and how she fought to live two more months just so she could say happy birthday to my Dad, one last time.
Mom passed away on March 12, 2017. I miss her every day.
She left me an everlasting gift: the value of living for today while embracing a fighting spirit when facing life’s inevitable challenges. This gift has enriched my life in the years since her passing. I want to honour her fight, and the cancer battles fought by millions just like her.
In May 2025, I will step into the ring to FIGHT in the annual Fight To End Cancer in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.I am raising research dollars to achieve a vision we all share – To Conquer Cancer In Our Lifetime. Princess Margaret is one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world – and when we accelerate research and train scientists at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, they share their discoveries and expertise all over the world.
Please sponsor me and support my fight. Your generosity will make a difference in cancer research that will help families everywhere. Your donation will help honour my mother’s memory, and your contribution will help us conquer cancer.
Thank you so much for your support!”
Joseph Dylan Riches | FTEC 2025 Fight Team
“As many of you know, cancer took my dear Mother, Debra in December 2023 which really crushed my family and recently, my Sister in Law, Lou was diagnosed with breast cancer and my family has had enough.
I am participating in the annual Fight To End Cancer in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. I am raising research dollars with a vision of reaching a goal we all share – To Conquer Cancer In Our Lifetime!
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!
The Princess Margaret is one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world – when we train scientists and researchers at The Princess Margaret, they share and train colleagues all over the world.
With your help, I hope to reach my fundraising goal and make a difference.
Thank you so much for your support!
“Hi Folks,
My name is Brian Donegan, and I am proud to be participating in the annual Fight to End Cancer in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
A born and bred Irishman, I moved to Canada in the summer of 2015, and I have been lucky to have made it home. My wife’s father Donnie passed away years ago after a fierce fight with cancer, and the pain of that loss is felt to this day. We are not alone in this – cancer has touched the lives of many families out there. The unfortunate truth is that you likely know somebody who is fighting that battle too.
Recently, I received the news that a work colleague has been diagnosed as well.
I felt like this was an opportunity to step up and show my support.
The FTEC2025 Team and I will be putting in months of training and hard work for this fight. I am fighting in honour of my father-in-law, my colleague – and for everyone who is currently battling cancer or did so in the past, or lost a loved one in this battle.
There will be months of fundraising events leading up to the main fight, with the purpose of raising cancer research funds that would be put towards a goal I am sure we all share – To Conquer Cancer In Our Lifetime!
I would like to thank my fight sponsors Research Capital Corporation and Centre Lane Trading for their support from Day One.
Any donation to help me reach my fundraising goal and make a difference, both locally and globally, is so greatly appreciated.
Defeat is not an option!
Thank you greatly for your support!
Slán Go Fóill”
“As a little girl, I loved sports, eagerly joining recreational leagues, and school teams. However, my lack of confidence kept me from pursuing competitive opportunities. I feared stepping out of my comfort zone and doubted my ability to truly make an impact. Earlier this year, I took up boxing to explore a new sport. What began as a simple hobby, has now become a journey to heal my inner child. But most importantly, I am stepping forward for a purpose far greater than myself—to make a meaningful impact by participating in this year’s Annual Fight To End Cancer, supporting the incredible work of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
I feel incredibly blessed and privileged that I am able to step into discomfort, using this opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Many don’t have that choice – as they are forced into discomfort by the devastating impact of cancer. Throughout my life, I have witnessed the profound pain and suffering cancer brings to friends and family, turning lives upside down in an instant. It spares no one, affecting us all in some way, reminding us that cancer does not discriminate. My effort goes out to the loved ones we’ve lost, those bravely battling today, and those who will face this fight tomorrow. This is not just about personal growth; it’s about coming together to make a difference in cancer research that will help people here locally as well as many others globally. There is strength in numbers, and together, we can all do our part in this fight.
Help me go above and beyond! Every dollar raised is donated in full to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, with 100% of proceeds going directly towards supporting their vital work.
Thank you so much for your support!”
“Hello Dear Friends and Family! In May, I will be participating in the 2025 Fight To End Cancer in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Since March 2021, I’ve had the privilege of working at The Foundation, and seeing an up-close account of the impact of the funds that The Foundation raises.
Breakthroughs in cancer research and care made at The Princess Margaret are shared across Canada and worldwide.
Join me on this journey of challenging myself to train for this once in a lifetime opportunity and raise $10,000 for this incredible cause.
The Princess Margaret is one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world – when we train scientists and researchers at The Princess Margaret, they share and train colleagues all over the world.
Help me CRUSH my fundraising goal! Thank you so much for your support!”
“The “Fight To End Cancer” is important to myself and so many others because we’ve experienced firsthand the impact that cancer can have on families. Myself friends and family have lost loved ones to cancer which makes this cause personal and close to my heart. It is a disease that doesn’t discriminate and its effects are felt deeply by those who have lost loved ones or witness their struggles. Supporting the fight against cancer means contributing to vital research improved treatments and increased awareness all of which are crucial steps toward finding cures.
Please sponsor and support me in the challenging journey to not only learn the art that is boxing, but raise funds for an incredible cause. Most importantly, each donation made makes a difference in cancer research. Research that will help people here locally as well as many others globally. If you, or loved ones have been affected, being apart of this goal is for you!
Please help by donating to reach my goal of raising $30,000 for this cause.
Thank you so much for your support! Not only I, but the team at Princess Margaret, greatly appreciate anything that brings us a step forward in the fight.”
“I am proudly taking on the challenge of fighting in the annual Fight To End Cancer in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Please help me to raise research dollars with a vision of reaching a goal we all share – To Conquer Cancer In Our Lifetime!
8 years ago the world lost one of the best men on the planet to pancreatic cancer, my brother James Cameron. I am fighting in his honour but also for everyone that has lost a loved one, currently fighting or has survived this terrible disease we call cancer.
For many years I did not handle the loss of my brother well, I turned to addiction and wasn’t in a good place. My brother passing didn’t cause all of my issues, but it compounded things and I allowed it to take me down a negative spiral. I’m now over 3 years sober and I believe turning to positive outlets such as Fight To End Cancer, can be a great outlet for family and friends to show their support for loved ones. It’s important that although it may be someone else that is literally fighting for their lives, you also need to take care of your mental and physical health. This is not just for you but for all those lost, still fighting or who may be affected in the future.
I will be putting in months of training for this fight but more importantly months of fundraising!!
Please sponsor me and support to make a difference in cancer research that will help people locally as well as many others globally. Defeat is not an option!!
Any donation or sponsorship to help me to reach my fundraising goal and make a difference is so greatly appreciated.
Thank you greatly for your support!”
“I am participating in the 14th annual Fight To End Cancer in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. I am raising research dollars with a vision of reaching a goal we all share – To Conquer Cancer In Our Lifetime!
What started out as only wanting to try something new, very quickly turned into an opportunity to be a part of something more impactful than I ever imagined was possible.
I began this journey 5 years ago as a member of the FTEC 2020 Team. Unfortunately, when the world came to a grinding halt in March 2020, so did my FTEC journey. Now, after 5 years, I’m taking the opportunity to step back into the ring and finish what I started. Becoming a mom during my time away has only fueled my fire and reinforced the importance of leading by example when it comes to making a difference in this world.
Cancer has affected us all in one way or another and it doesn’t discriminate. Cancer doesn’t care how old someone is, how meaningful they are to those around them, or how shattered it will leave the lives of those who remain behind.
I’m fighting for the loved ones I’ve lost, for those you’ve lost, for those currently fighting, and for those who will have to fight.
Thank you so much for your support!”
“This world is full of challenges, and I believe one of the most powerful ways to create change is by leading through example. Too many children are fighting for their lives while their parents stand on the sidelines, struggling to stay strong.
My mission is to be the woman who lights a flame of hope in their hearts, reminding them that when our body, mind, and heart align, there is no battle we cannot conquer.
My purpose is to inspire everyone to recognize the incredible power in this truth.
I am participating in the annual Fight To End Cancer in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. I am raising research dollars with a vision of reaching a goal we all share – To Conquer Cancer In Our Lifetime!
The Princess Margaret is one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world – when we train scientists and researchers at The Princess Margaret, they share and train colleagues all over the world.
We each have one moment to act—and that moment is NOW. #OneLove #IFightForTheChildren #OurFuture
Please sponsor me and support my dedication and mission. There is strength in numbers and we can all do our part in this fight! With your help, I hope to reach my fundraising goal and make a difference for our future. If not for the Children …than what for? We fight this fight so they will not have to.
Thank you so much for your support!”
“Thank you for taking the time to visit my page and support me as I participate in the annual Fight To End Cancer.
As a kid, I never understood the gravity a cancer diagnosis could have on an entire family until my cousin’s Bar Mitzvah. I was 12 years old, and I can remember the struggle my parents, aunts and uncles were going through, trying to balance celebrating, with worrying about my grandmother in the hospital. They did their best to hide their struggles from us children, but now, more than 15 years later, I can only imagine what it truly must have been like to deal with not only those feelings, but also everything leading up to that night. We lost her the next day, and I can still recall the shock and dread that overcame me when I heard the news from my parents.
An estimated 2 in 5 Canadians are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, meaning that nearly every family has been affected by a diagnosis in some way, going through similar pains and emotions. Through this event, I can fight for those unable to fight for themselves; for all those who are affected by the disastrous wake cancer leaves.
I hope I can count on your support as I go through this journey on our fight to end cancer. Any donation amount helps, and all proceeds for this event go directly towards Princess Margaret.”
“My name is Daniel Garcia and I am proud to be participating in the annual Fight to End Cancer in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. This cause is deeply personal to me – I had my Aunt passed away due to cancer in early 2024 and have an Uncle battling ongoing cancer for the past 3 years. Not only have I seen the impact of cancer on my family, but also in my work as an Analyst on a research team at Princess Margaret, one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world.
Your sponsorship means so much to me. It’s not just about the hard work – it’s about joining forces to conquer cancer in our lifetime. The Princess Margaret trains world-class scientists and researchers who share their knowledge with colleagues worldwide, amplifying the impact of every donation.
With your generosity, I hope to reach my fundraising goal and contribute to the life-saving work happening every day. Every dollar raised brings us closer to new treatments, better outcomes, and ultimately, a cure.
Thank your for being part of this journey with me. Together, we can make a difference!”
The Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) is profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of our presenting partners: Grafton Apparel, Landscape Plus Ltd., and our newest partner, APEX Mobile Media.
Since 2014, Grafton Apparel has been a force in the community, contributing over $2 million to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation through innovative, year-round initiatives.
Landscape Plus Ltd., under the leadership of Jim Mosher and family, has been instrumental since 2012, helping to raise over $3 million in direct donations. Their dedication honours personal connections to the cause and strengthens our community impact.
Elevating their commitment, APEX Mobile Media, a key sponsor since 2020, has stepped into the role of Presenting Partner for 2025. Their global reach and expertise in mobile advertising are set to amplify FTEC’s mission, bringing the fight against cancer to a worldwide audience. Together, these partnerships embody our collective resolve to knock out cancer in our lifetime.
About The Fight To End Cancer
The Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) is a year-round initiative driven by ambassadors, sponsors, and volunteers worldwide. Since our inception in 2012, we have donated over $3 million to the cause. Funds raised by FTEC go directly to the GTX Program at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Each year, we honour the hard work and dedication of our FTEC family through alternating events: a black-tie charity boxing gala and our newest initiative, The Friday Night Fights ‘To End Cancer’. Our mission is to raise funds for cancer research year-round with the support of the local community and business owners. Together, we will end cancer in our lifetime. Learn More About The Fight To End Cancer.
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
