A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE PHOTOGRAPHERS, HAIR & MAKE-UP ARTISTS, ASSISTANCE CREW & FTEC’S PLANNING COMMITTEE, FOR  ALL THEIR HARD WORK IN EXECUTING SUCH AN INSPIRING AND STUNNING CAMPAIGN.

Official Campaign Photographer: Spencer Wynn
Headshots and Photography Assistant: Rebecca Freeman
Principle Photographer: Virgil Barrow Photography
Social Media & Behind The Scenes: Alisia DeMelo
Behind The Scenes Photography: Kaitlin Black, Zardasht Abdulkhalegh
Makeup Artist: Melanie Lima (Belle Beauty)
Hair Stylists: Monika Iskra, Melissa Karagianis
Official Shoot Location: The Old Mill Toronto, Kingsway Boxing Club
Wardrobe By: Tip Top | Kimurawear
Production Team: Mitchell Cairns, Nic Ambrosio, Cristian Sturino, Ben Botelho, Marc Vicioso, Adam Bazzana, David Damico, Francesco Iantomo
FTEC Support: Betty Ann Mosher, Lynn Mosher, Allison Dellandrea
Production Assistant: Claire Arena

When Grit Meets Glamour: A Sneak Peak At The FTEC2023 Official Campaign

On a snowy February morning, this year’s Fight To End Cancer (FTEC2023) Fight Team awoke before dawn, not for the early grind of morning training, but to make their way to the historic Old Mill Toronto for their 6:30 a.m. runway call. It was the kick off to a rigorous day of photos, interviews and video shoots in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. With coffee at hand, our Fight Team was met by an enthusiastic team of volunteers who make up the dynamic photography, production, and behind the scenes teams at the heart of the Fight to End Cancer.

This morning, instead of donning their boxing gloves, our fighters laced up their designer corsets and gossamer gowns, buckled their sequined stilettos and suited up in their striking formal wear provided by TIP TOP. The team was then transformed by our talented hair and makeup artists into runway-worthy candidates for the Official 2023 Fight To End Cancer Campaign photoshoot.

The massive, beveled window of Guild Hall was the beckoning backdrop selected by FTEC official photographer Spencer Wynn for this year’s official campaign shot. After three years of pandemic-induced darkness, it was time to artfully shine the light back on the spirit of the Fight to End Cancer. The warm morning sun magnified the rich jewel tones, smouldering confidence and bespoke style of this comeback crew of tenacious athletes and their talented head coach, Virgil Barrow, and FTEC Founder, Jennifer Huggins. ‘Relentless Determination’ is the unmistakable message of this sumptuous and exquisitely captured image.

After a full morning at the Old Mill, the FTEC2023 Women migrated to the familiar training ground of the Kingsway Boxing Club for more photographic and video artistry. While the fighters swapped their bowties and stilettos for street wear, Coach Virgil Barrow switched into his second leading role as onsite FTEC Campaign photographer. Against an array of custom backdrops, bright lights and neon ropes, Virgil captured the fighters in an array of eye-popping images for their individual campaigns.

The production team remained at the Old Mill shooting the event day walkout videos for the men. Once their shoot was complete the fighters switched locations where the shoot continued.

Now well into their second month of training, the Fight Team has been putting in the hard work required to ensure they have a great showing on fight night. Beyond the gym, the team is also ramping up their awareness and fundraising campaigns with social media posts, articles and now their full-fledged, multi-location, multi-set photoshoot.

From first call to wrap-up, the team was buoyed by the energy, generosity and camaraderie of the entire #FTEC family of coaches, photographers, production staff and volunteers. Despite the early start and long day, the fighters brought all of their grit along with their glamour to this year’s campaign.

The output from the 12-hour day are a collection of stunning photos and inspiring videos highlighting the talent and tenacity that is the #FTEC2023 team. These images will comprise the core of the promotional material for the Fight To End Cancer Gala Fundraiser being held Saturday, May 27th, 2023 at the historic Old Mill Toronto in support of groundbreaking research and treatments executed by the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

Let’s Take A Moment To Meet This Years Incredible Heroes…

Important Dates:
–> FTEC2023 OFFICIAL MEDIA DAY WEIGH-INS: Thursday May. 18 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm | The El Mocambo
–> FTEC2023 FIGHT TO END CANCER GALA: Saturday May. 27 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm | The Old Mill Toronto (Blue Rooms – Lower Level)

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