Ben Heller stepped into the boxing ring to raise funds for breast cancer research in honor of his wife, Amanda, and others diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer
Ben Heller would do anything for his wife, Amanda—including getting knocked down in the boxing ring.
In 2021, Amanda was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease. Just one year later, the disease unfortunately metastasized to her brain. Despite this devastating diagnosis, Amanda and Ben have never lost hope.
While Amanda dealt with a whole new set of physical challenges and traumas, the Hellers together faced countless emotional challenges that come with a metastatic diagnosis. Ben, who was deeply affected by Amanda’s illness, found a way to release his emotions—through boxing.
“I didn’t realize there were times where I was hurting,” Ben said.
What started as an emotional and energetic outlet became an obsession. Ben wanted to help fuel lifechanging research and signed up to participate in a boxing match with Haymakers for Hope, an organization that empowers people to raise funds for cancer research through unique and demanding challenges—from polar plunges to road races.
For Ben, that challenge took the form of training to participate in an unforgettable night of amateur boxing. He endured many bumps and bruises along the way, but he felt it was well worth it: “It was the best experience of my life.”
Last spring, Ben may not have won the fight in the ring, but he beat his fundraising goal of $50,000, raising over $280,000 for breast cancer research through BCRF, the largest private funder of metastatic breast cancer research in the world.
“It allowed me to realize there are things we can do,” Ben said. “That this could save Amanda’s life.”
Last fall, Amanda and Ben shared their personal journey and Ben’s resilience in the boxing ring at BCRF’s Boston Hot Pink Luncheon & Symposium and explained why they are such passionate supporters.
“This organization is one of the few organizations that really truly is working on a cure not only for all of breast cancer but particularly for my type of breast cancer,” Amanda said at the time. “I’m on the last drug that I can be on that’s FDA approved.”
This May, Ben put his boxing gloves back on to continue raising lifesaving funds for BCRF— fueled by the need for new treatments not just for Amanda but for everyone living with metastatic breast cancer.
With the support of his community, Ben exceeded his fundraising goal for the second time in a row, raised over $300,000 dollars, and won his match. To date, Ben, Amanda, and their supporter network have raised nearly $600,000 dollars for breast cancer research.
“The impact of BCRF’s work is tangible and life-changing,” Ben said. “Amanda is literally alive because of their work.”
