9ROUND hosting Punch for a Purpose

November 15, 2018 · 0 Comments

Written By JOSHUA SANTOS

A local boxing gym is providing an opportunity for residents to help knock out cancer.

9Round Fitness Bolton is scheduled to host a Punch for a Purpose in support of the Sarcoma Cancer Foundation on Saturday, Nov. 24 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. It is held in memory of Annfrances Tropea.

“I recently lost my first cousin to sarcoma,” said Dina Ricco, trainer at 9Round Bolton. “She was 19 years old and she passed this summer. I wanted to do an event to honour her and raise money for the Sarcoma Cancer Foundation.”

For every punch, 9Round Bolton will donate one penny. There will also be raffle prizes,

Door crasher membership sales, music, food and refreshments as the event coincides with 9Rounds’ four-year anniversary party at noon.

Sarcoma is a tumor that develops from particular tissues, such as muscle or bone. There are two types of sarcoma, osteosarcoma and soft tissue sarcoma, according to the Sarcoma Cancer Foundation of Canada.

Soft tissue sarcoma affects nerves, muscles, joints, fat and blood vessels. There are more than 50 kinds of tissue sarcomas, but more than half start in the arms or legs.

Sarcomas are rare and account for less than 1 per cent of all new cancer cases. Sarcomas affect people of all ages, although they are most observed in children and young adults.

“It’s known as the forgotten cancer,” said Ricco. A lot of funding will go to breast cancer and colon cancer but sarcoma cancer isn’t well known. It doesn’t receive a lot of funding. We want to bring awareness towards that foundation and as well donations.”

Ricco reflected on time with her cousin, saying she was full of life.

“She was a competitive dancer, a soccer player and just an all-around amazing person,” said Ricco. Everyone who knows her, knows her as sweet but sassy and just a joy to be around.

“She battled for three-years and her story was very similar to that of Terry Fox. It started in her leg, and went to her lungs. She actually passed away the same day as Terry Fox. They had the exact same cancer cycle and the same day of passing as well.”

Ricco said it’s a good feeling to get her family and community together to support an initiative that is very important to her. She hopes to see a good turnout.

“Everybody is super excited,” said Ricco. The community has been coming together to donate raffle prizes, make something; it’s just really positive feedback for the event. We’re just super excited.”

“I’ve worked at the gym for a long time. It’s marking three and a half years now. Me and my boss have a really good relationship and he’s been great in helping me and spreading the word across the community.”

The event is complementary for 9Round members and $5 for non-members.