|
“Fight for Victory” with the Victory Center, Jackie Kallen
By Claudia Annoni-Monzón, La Prensa
The Victory Center hosted its 6th Annual “Fight for Victory” fundraising and awareness event at The Pinnacle, Maumee, Ohio on February 8th, 2007. It included amateur boxing, dinner, and prize-opportunities.
“This event always brings together people in the community to celebrate our survivors and allows us to raise money to help others,” said Julie Fahrbach, Victory Center fundraising coordinator.
|
Carlos Suárez from Defiance
|
|
The Victory Center, founded in 1996, is an organization that assists cancer patients. Its mission is to provide free one-on-one, non-medical treatment such as massage therapies (reflexology, Reiki, and healing touch). Educational programs, support groups, exercise, and yoga classes are included in the regimen.
The International Boxing Club, located on Adams Street in uptown Toledo, was an important component of the evening. The Club provided not only the equipment, but boxers, including Jermain Smith, whose mother—Denise Green—is fighting cancer. Mrs. Green walked her son to the ring.
Jackie Kallen was the keynote speaker. She is the author of the book: “Hit Me With Your Best Shot: A Fight Plan for Dealing With All of Life’s Hard Knocks.” Her life was the inspiration for the film Against the Ropes, starring Meg Ryan as Kallen.
Kallen, born Jackie Kaplan in 1946, is a native of Detroit. With a journalistic background, she was drawn to boxing early in her coverage of show business personalities such as The Rolling Stones and Elvis Presley.
Kallen, known as “The First Lady of Boxing,” managed boxing champions Tommy “Hitman” Hearns, Bronco McKart, and James Toney.
She has fought several medical battles, including two lumpectomies and heart surgery. She now travels as a motivational speaker.
|
