Dear Fighters,
It has been nine months since I stepped into the ring on the
most terrifyingly, electric night of my life and not a day goes by that I
don’t think about what I did.
Not only do I get to walk into work every day and see a
large mural of myself with blood dripping down my face on the wall, but it
doesn’t stop there. I have SO many beautiful memories. I have the memory of 10 scared
and brave individuals, starting a journey and not knowing where exactly it
would take us. These 10 individuals, plus numerous
other people that helped us get to where we ended up have become a huge part of
my life… an entirely new family. They helped me and continue to help me grow and
teach me things, both physically and mentally. They pushed me to work harder
every time I trained and I also had to find it within, to push myself to the limit for eight months. I was at Kingsway more in those eight long months than I was at home and I
don’t regret a single second. You HAVE to put in the work. I say long because it does seem like a long
time, but trust me when I say- IT GOES BY SO FAST.
My advice to you would be to please take it all in, get to the gym and train your butt
off (you’ll be both sad and slightly relieved when you’re done and not training
for anything later) and get on your social media and raise some MONEY! Set a
goal for yourself, a goal that scares you and REACH IT. I promise you can do
it. Send out a link of your fundraising page to every one you know and make the 'ask' personal. There is a much larger chance someone will donate to you if you’re
asking them personally and directly. All anyone can say is no! Oh well, you
tried! It’s definitely an intimidating task and even working in the nonprofit,
fundraising world, it scared me. But
really, what do you have to lose? I posted so much about #FTEC on social media
that I am sure I lost a few cyber friends or followers, but who needs them? I’d
much rather raise money for cancer research, plus the outpouring of support
(through donations and well wishes) I received from people I didn’t even know
or who I hadn’t spoken to in years evoked an indescribable feeling. *Side note- if
you ever need any tips and tricks on fundraising, don’t hesitate to ask!
Choosing to try out and being part of Fight to End Cancer
was the best possible decision I have ever made. So many factors in my life led
me to Kingsway and into that ring and because of Fight to End Cancer- my life
has changed in the most wonderful ways. I am SO grateful for the opportunities
it has opened up for me, the people I have met along the way and an added,
personal bonus of forming the best relationships with one of my fellow fighters.
With the photoshoot coming up this weekend for this year’s
team- I am so jealous and wish I could flash back to that day and every day
after it but I can’t. I do however have the memories in my head, heart and of
course lots of pictures. I also have the feeling that I did something and was
part of something that was so much bigger than I could have ever imagined.
I am so proud to be part of the FTEC family and alumni. It seriously
is such an honour and a privilege. Don’t take this lightly. This is one
experience I PROMISE you will never forget. Give it your all! Remember who you're fighting for.
TRAIN. FIGHT. END.
Love Paige
