One

It’s not a fair fight. And you can’t tap out.

It’s a fight for your life.

You are not prepared. You are ill-equipped. You are alone.

You have left behind your former ways of coping. You are not going back there, but now what?

Imagine this is your story.

It is for many women. They are often alone in their fight. They are emerging from darkness. It might have been an abusive relationship. Perhaps it was the addictive draw of drugs and alcohol.

The exact nature of that darkness isn’t important. What does matter is this:

How do the scared-but-determined brave move ahead?

Have you ever seen the movie Rocky? The title character is a strong muscular form, an icon of strength and fitness. Rocky trains exhaustively before he enters the boxing ring.

But what if he hadn’t trained? What if Rocky were just thrown into the fight?

What about you? What if you were just thrown into the fight?

Like one of our scared-but-determined brave women, what if you had run from your abuser? What if you had just bolted out the door with your young children, straight into a ring of chaos?

If you happened to have ever taken a boxing class, you’ll remember you must wear those cumbersome, bulky gloves. They are meant to give power and to protect. But learning how to use them properly takes time and skill.

It also takes someone who can help. As you get ready, you can’t wrap your own hands. And you sure’ can’t grab anything once the gloves are on—not even a cup of water.

In the world of boxing, the greatest of fighters always has a cornerman. The cornerman is the one. He supports the fighter. He performs the simplest of tasks, like lifting that cup of water to the fighter’s lips.

The cornerman is forbidden to instruct his fighter. He must remain outside the combat area. Only during breaks can he enter the ring and minister to his fighter’s wounds.

At our recent ladies’ luncheon, we got to hear what it means to be the one. It only takes one person to change someone’s future. And it certainly impacts more than one life.

Just ask one of our fighters. She ran from domestic violence. She’s a single mom with two precious daughters. She left her dark past behind and is training for a victorious future. She’s in the ring not only for herself, but for her daughters.

The cornerman’s job is inconvenient and messy. But, it is so worth it!

Joining our interns while they learn the ropes of life and fight for their future is emotional. Yet, as they discover they are not alone, we share tears of joy with them.

You are with us in their corner.

Thank you.