Jason Brydges

My name is Jason Brydges and I’m honored to be participating in the 4th annual Fight to End Cancer for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

Like so many, my life, and that of my family, has been directly affected by cancer. A number of years ago I lost both my grandfathers to pancreatic cancer and more recently watched my mother fight, and ultimately beat, her cancer with the help of Princess Margaret Hospital. Additionally, my wife lost a friend to cervical cancer when she was only 28. Sadly, we could all share stories of how our lives have been impacted, but with ongoing research and support like what is offered to patients by Princess Margaret Hospital I believe we can achieve the ultimate goal of finding a cure. To do this however they need assistance in raising both awareness and money.

I’ve always been a fan of boxing and admire the dedication these athletes have in the preparation to meet and achieve their goals. I never imagined I’d be preparing for such an event but feel privileged to be part of such a worthwhile cause.

To steal a quote from the great Mohamed Ali:

“I done wrestled with an alligator, I done tussled with a whale, only last week I murdered a rock, injured a stone, hospitalized a brick. I’m so mean I make (Cancer) sick.”

Please help and donate to such a worthwhile cause.

Click here to sponsor Jason Brydges.

Sean Donovan

I am joining the Fight to End Cancer. Literally.

On Saturday May 30st of this year, I’ll be doing as much as I can to help the fight against cancer. And I’ll be doing it from a place I’ve never been before in my life – a boxing ring!

Thus far in my life I’ve been lucky enough that my immediate family has not had to deal with cancer. But that certainly doesn’t mean I’m oblivious to the effects it has on people and their families. I’ve seen friends, colleagues, and acquaintances all deal with their own battles against cancer; some winning while others sadly losing. And I know one thing for sure – I don’t want to see it ever again.

In the past I’ve felt helpless, wondering what I could do to help. But in reality once the diagnosis has been made, there isn’t much of anything that any of us can do to help.

I realize now that where we can help – where I can help – is before the diagnosis occurs. Funding for the research associated with understanding and preventing cancer is what is required, and that’s why I’m participating in the 4th Annual Fight to End Cancer in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. I am raising research dollars – with a vision of reaching the ultimate goal – To Conquer Cancer In Our Lifetime! The Princess Margaret is one of the top 5 Cancer Research Centres in the world and an international leader in the delivery of Personalized Cancer Medicine.

Life is so short. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was one less thing in the world for all of us to worry about? Maybe, just maybe, the money that we raise through this event will help us get there. I know one thing – it certainly won’t hurt!

Thanks to all of you for your support!

Click here to sponsor Sean Donovan.

Paige Cunningham

I am participating in the 4th Annual Fight to End Cancer benefiting The Princess Margaret.

For those of you who know me, I am sure you could NOT picture me stepping into the ring, in front of hundreds of people, punching someone…. but I’m doing it! I am physically and figuratively fighting for those that can’t.

Working at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, I am overwhelmed with the number of stories I hear everyday about CANCER. Some are terrible and devastating and make me want to work that much harder everyday, so I don’t have to hear anything like them again. On the other hand, I hear so many success stories and stories of joy and happiness that cancer has been BEATEN. These ALSO make me want to work harder so I can continue to hear those stories.

I’m fighting to give those fighting cancer a chance, and I’m fighting so we can decrease the number of people that hear the words “you have cancer.”

Everyone, in one way or another, has been or will be affected by cancer. Personally, I have lost aunts and both of my grandfathers to this terrible disease. I have many loved ones who continue to fight with cancer as we speak and some who went through the cancer journey and came out on top. Every fight is different.

My grandpa died of prostate cancer in 2000. In 2005, I found out that my dad also had prostate cancer. With little knowledge of cancer as a whole – I immediately thought the worst. My dad had a prostatectomy and THANKFULLY is coming up on his 10th year, CANCER FREE. I feel so blessed and VERY lucky.

My hope for the future is that enough preventative measures will be in place so that NO ONE will have to face up against cancer EVER again and that we can provide enough funds to help the amazing researchers at The Princess Margaret (how lucky are we to have this establishment in Toronto?) come up with treatment and advancements to further the FIGHT to end cancer.

The fight to end cancer is an uphill battle for everyone involved. It is a group effort and without funds raised so researchers can work their magic, there would be no advancements made.

SO, if you would like to support me stepping into the ring and patients and families fighting cancer everywhere, we would REALLY appreciate it!
PLEASE support me in any way you can. Every penny (or nickel) counts.

Click here to sponsor Paige Cunningham.

Erica McMaster

I am participating in the 4th Annual Fight to End Cancer in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. I am raising research dollars – with a vision of reaching the ultimate goal – To Conquer Cancer In Our Lifetime!

In the spring, my other half expressed his desire to apply to be one of the fighters for FTEC 2015 – naturally I was supportive and pretty quickly decided I wanted to go down the road together.  Several months later I have no doubt that this journey will be one of the most physically and emotionally demanding to date, but also the most rewarding.

Cancer has affected most of us in some shape or form.  Personally, I lost my mother to the disease when I was just shy of my twelfth birthday; it goes without saying that her absence has had an enormous impact on my life. I miss her every day. Two of my grandparents have died from cancer and just last year, a childhood friend at the age of 34.  Add to that the friends who have lost parents and loved ones – it’s too much.

Being a fighter in this incredible event is giving me the chance to make a difference and punch cancer in the face on behalf of all those we’ve lost, and those who continue to fight it every day. (More immediately I will have to figure out how to punch my opponent, anywhere,  without apologizing…)

We are so fortunate to have the resources available to us that we do. The Princess Margaret is one of the top 5 Cancer Research Centres in the world and an international leader in the delivery of Personalized Cancer Medicine.  I have been on the receiving end of this care as part of the High Risk Breast Clinic where I go for annual screenings and check ups – in doing so the ever present fear of one day developing cancer myself is lessened ever so slightly.

By pledging your support to this cause and my personal journey, you will be helping ensure that these programs as well as ground breaking research, can continue.

With your help, I hope to reach my fundraising goal and make a difference, (and hopefully do it with face and teeth intact).

Click here to sponsor Erica McMaster.

Robert Doherty

I’ll never forget sitting down with my family for the news. A family friend was diagnosed with breast cancer and although there were reasons to be optimistic she had a battle ahead. So much runs through your mind. Is this real? Why is this happening and can it be stopped? How can I help? The answers to these questions didn’t bring much comfort. Cancer is very real and affects millions of lives; I certainly wasn’t the only one who received such news that day. Many of the causes or means of prevention are yet to be discovered, let alone viable cures that don’t require invasive surgery or harmful drugs. There wasn’t much more I could do other than offer my love and friendship, but this never felt like enough and it didn’t do anything to answer the bigger questions about cures and prevention.

On May 30th, 2015 I will step into the ring to participate in the Fight to End Cancer to support the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation whose research seeks to answer the unanswered. I will spend months training and preparing in the face of self-doubt, fear, and physical pain: the only thing I’ve punched is the air at a hockey game, why am I putting myself in harm’s way? This is personal; will I be able to communicate why I am doing this so that people support me? Will I have the heart to finish that last push up, sit up, or jab when my muscles beg to stop?

I believe this experience will allow me to share on a much smaller scale what my friend went through. I will face something that intends to beat me and whose will is outside of my control. I will have to persist despite the pain and fear. However, I am (fairly) confidant, whether my arm is raised in victory or not, I will walk away from this when the final bell goes, perhaps with some bruises and aches, but with my life. Sadly, as was the case with my friend, not all cancer fighters can walk away. For many people still in the ring, the stakes are infinitely greater. This is not a fight that will be won by anyone alone. As a community we must do our part and support organizations like the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. You can get in the ring with me by donating to my campaign to support the PMCF and its mission to help those who are or who may one day be faced with cancer!

Click here to sponsor Robert Doherty.

Mark Muia

I had the pleasure of attending the Fight to End Cancer Gala in 2014.  The room was filled with excitement and energy for a great cause.   This was the trigger point for me.  I wanted to take on the personal challenge and do my part with your support and contribute as much as I can and Fight to End Cancer.

I am not a boxer, and I never in this lifetime would have imagined I would step into the ring for a live fight… Here we go!

This fight for me is personal.  I lost my Mum to cancer 5yrs ago.   She was a determined and strong woman.  After finding out she had a brain tumour she fought the cancer for 10yrs.  There was never a moment I can recall where she let us see her weakness in the fight… to her this was not an option.

Most recently, My sister was diagnosed with cervical cancer.  She is young, a wife, and a mother to two young girls and her fight with cancer was on.  We are thankful she had the proper guidance from her team of doctors and surgeons.  Through her strength, determination and ongoing support from our family and friends she is cancer free today.

I am participating in the 4th Annual Fight to End Cancer in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. I am raising research dollars – with a vision of reaching the ultimate goal – To Conquer Cancer In Our Lifetime!

The Princess Margaret is one of the top 5 Cancer Research Centres in the world and an international leader in the delivery of Personalized Cancer Medicine.

With your help, I hope to reach my fundraising goal and make a difference.

Many thanks!

Click here to sponsor Mark Muia.

Georgia Curtis

I am excited and proud to be participating in The Fight to End Cancer 2015!

Over the years I have paddled, run, and golfed in various fundraising efforts for cancer-related causes.  I know way too many people who have fought or are fighting cancer…my guess is that you do too. For the next five months, I will train and fundraise and I had better learn how to box because on May 30^th, 2015, I will step into the ring and fight like hell for an important cause.

This fight is for my pal Cindy Weeks. She battled breast cancer and was cancer-free for years. In 2008, cancer returned and since then Cindy has lived with metastatic disease. Her brave tenacity is both heroic and inspiring – she is the toughest fighter I know. She believes that breakthroughs will come, and that cancer can be beaten. I am fighting for her, and I ask that you please give generously.

The Fight to End Cancer is in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation’s quest to “conquer cancer in our lifetime.” Your donation will fund research, teaching, and care at The Princess Margaret. As one of the 5 top cancer research centres in the world, we are fortunate to have The Princess Margaret in our corner and in our community.

Thanks for visiting and for your generosity!

Click here to sponsor Georgia Curtis.

Leslie Ehm

Everyone has a fight in life. Some fight to be heard, some to go unnoticed, some to shine and some just to survive.

On May 30th, 2015, at 51 years of age, I’m going into the ring to fight. For me, its a bucket list thing. Anyone who knows me knows I’ve been a fighter all of my life. I always refer to it as “the good fight” – the relentless pursuit of goodness and what’s ‘right’. I try to fight that good fight every day. But for one incredible night, I will get to fight not just the ‘good fight’, but a super badass one as well.

Not only will I get to take on an opponent and go three rounds in a real amateur bout, (which is beyond cool), I’ll also get to raise my fists against the evil that is Cancer. Because every drop of sweat, and every punch thrown and taken will be in solidarity with those who have faced the disease and won or lost and for everyone who loved those fighters.

So even if I lose, I win. Because I get to take a stand and raise some much needed funds for the Princess Margaret Hospital to keep their good fight going. For my Uncle Stevie, for my cousin Elli, for the grandmother I never met, for my friend Philip, for my friends (especially Dayna who is battling breast cancer today), family and a better future – this fight is for all of you.

Please help me to blow my lofty fundraising goal outta the water and exceed my wildest dreams. And please join me on the night to scream and cheer. Cuz seriously – who doesn’t want to see me get punched in the face?? (That’s gotta be worth a few bucks).

Here’s to fighting the good fight!!!

Click here to sponsor Leslie Ehm.

Ryan Morris

I am participating in the 4th Annual Fight to End Cancer in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. I am raising research dollars – with a vision of reaching the ultimate goal – To Conquer Cancer In Our Lifetime!

Everyone has in some way been touched by Cancer or will be in their lifetime, I know it’s not a positive note to send but it’s the truth.

These brave men, women and children are the toughest people in the world. It takes a tough person to step into a boxing ring but a WAY tougher person to stand up and battle Cancer.

Personally, Cancer has impacted me a great deal. A few years ago, my best friend was diagnosed with ALL (an acute form of Leukemia) at only 25 years old. He was a perfectly healthy guy, played sports, very active and never had any sort of health issues previously. It was a long 2 years after his diagnoses until he made his full recovery and now you wouldn’t even know he ever dealt with such a horrible disease. The toughness that he displayed is beyond anything I can even imagine in myself.

On May 30th, 2015 I will be stepping into the ring for a 3 round sanctioned boxing match in an event called “The Fight To End Cancer” with the goal of raising as much money as possible for The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation”.

If it wasn’t for these great foundations that raise money for research, treatments and the ultimate goal of finding a cure, a lot of people would not be as fortunate as my friend was.

I know it’s hard to find extra money to donate when we all have our own priorities but anything that you can donate would help greatly and be very appreciated!

With your help, I hope to reach my fundraising goal and make a difference.

Many thanks!

Click here to sponsor Ryan Morris.

Matt Lennox

Hi. I’m Matt Lennox. This is my Fight to End Cancer page.

I served in Afghanistan with the Canadian Army in 2008/9; I started boxing after I came home as a constructive way of dealing with some of the complicated feelings most veterans have. Today I’m excited to take on a new fight – the fight against cancer. Like most people, I’ve lost people to cancer. One of those people was my grandfather Morley Abbott, who died far too young. Morley was a veteran of the Second World War; he was also an accomplished army boxer. I’m doing this in large part for him.

With your help, I hope to reach my fundraising goal and make a difference.

Thanks. I’ll see you on the 30th.

Click here to sponsor Matt Lennox.