Taking a Swing at Cancer

When a close friend received an unexpected diagnosis, Aidan Flanagan decided to step up—and into the ring—to show his support.

Aidan jokes that he was still in a stroller the first time he “met” close family friend Chris Devin at St. Anselm College in Manchester, N.H. He and his family were visiting Aidan’s older brother Brendan, who introduced them to Chris—his roommate and best friend. Now, almost three decades later, Chris is an extension of the family. “We already have a big enough family—I’m one of ten siblings,” Aidan shares. “Chris is part of a select few that we consider one of us.”

Though he met Chris through his older brother, Aidan and Chris developed a close bond of their own. So, in 2020, when Aidan found out that Chris had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, he knew he had to find a way to support him. When Aidan learned about the Haymakers for Hope Rock N’ Rumble event from a friend, he knew it would be the perfect opportunity to support Chris and make a big impact. Since its founding in 2011, Haymakers for Hope has empowered ordinary people to rise to a competitive challenge while raising funds for cancer research, care, awareness, and survivorship. The unique event pairs up 32 novice boxing participants in their first-ever sanctioned match, complete with intro videos, walk-out songs, and sponsor recognition. Of the Haymakers for Hope organization, director Mark Avery says, “In addition to our goal of knocking out cancer, Haymakers strives to provide a once in a lifetime boxing and fundraising experience. No experience is necessary and anyone who is willing to dive in and take on a new challenge can participate.”

When Aidan shared his plans to fight in the event, Chris was overwhelmed. “Aidan came to me and said, ‘I just want to give you a heads up, I’m going to fight in your honor for Haymakers for Hope,’” he recalls. “I still get emotional thinking about it. It was tough to wrap my head around a gesture that big.”

After Aidan’s four months of training and fundraising, Chris called him on the morning of the fight to offer some words of encouragement, which came in the form of a story.

“Chris basically walked me through a typical visit to Dana-Farber,” Aidan recalls. “I remember him saying, ‘When I arrive in the morning to get my blood drawn, I walk into a big room filled with a hundred-plus chairs and plenty of patients. It’s a reminder to be grateful for the situation I’m in, and that there are patients in much more critical positions. If you get to a point tonight where you need to remember what you’re fighting for, don’t think about me. Think about the young girl in the wheelchair fighting for her life at 450 Brookline Avenue. Think about what a gift life is every day.’”

What started as a pep talk soon turned into a moving full-circle moment. When Aidan arrived at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway for his fight, he noticed each locker room was named after a well-known street in Boston. When he reached his own locker, he was shocked to see which street name he’d been assigned: Brookline Ave. “It was meant to be,” Aidan says.  

When it came time for Aidan’s fight, his four months of hard training and fundraising paid off. Aidan was victorious, knocking out his opponent just 1 minute and 48 seconds into the first round. “Although the boxing match is nothing compared to the fight that Chris is going through, the one similarity is the supportive crowd,” Aidan says. “Seeing the sea of Team Devin purple T-shirts in the crowd on Fight Night reminded me that Chris has a large support system behind him, too.”

Training, fighting, and winning the boxing match wasn’t all Aidan accomplished with Haymakers for Hope; he also raised over $11,000 through his fundraising efforts, which directly supports the multiple myeloma research of Chris’s oncologist, Paul G. Richardson, MD. “Chris has been nothing but complimentary of Dr. Richardson, his team, and the staff at Dana-Farber,” Aidan shares. “I think we’re very fortunate to be in the Boston area where the medical care is top notch.”  

Aidan and Chris hope to encourage others to fundraise for cancer research and care. Chris, who hosts an annual fundraiser of his own for Dana-Farber, has a clear message for anyone thinking about fundraising: “No amount is too small. This fight truly takes a village. With a little bit of effort and a lot of passion, small amounts really add up.”

“Chris’s optimism throughout his battle has been remarkable, and has inspired everyone in his ‘corner,’” Aidan adds. “One of my biggest takeaways from this experience is that if we all stay positive, come together, and strive towards a common cause, some special things can happen.” 

For anyone looking to get involved with Haymakers for Hope, please visit their website.  Volunteer opportunities are also available for the 11th annual Belles of the Brawl event taking place on Thursday, October 10 at MGM Music Hall at Fenway. 

Support Dana-Farber patients like Chris by joining The Dana-Farber Campaign, our ambitious, multi-year fundraising effort to prevent, treat, and defy cancer. The Dana-Farber Campaign will accelerate the Institute’s strategic priorities by supporting revolutionary science, extraordinary care, and exceptional expertise. As a community, we have the power to create a more hopeful, cancer-free future—in Boston and around the world. Together, we can defy cancer at every turn. Learn more about The Dana-Farber Campaign and how you can get involved at DefyCancer.org.