Augusta Boxing Club, Paceline partner together to knock out cancer

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – On Wednesday, Augusta Boxing Club joined in the efforts of helping with cancer research ahead of PaceDay in October.

According to the CDC, cancer is the second leading cause of death in Georgia and South Carolina.

Paceline is a local organization that raises funds for critical cancer research at the Georgia Cancer Center.

One of Paceline’s biggest fundraisers is its annual PaceDay — a multi-course bike ride to bring the community together in spreading cancer awareness.

The kids at the boxing club say the ride is a little different than what they’re used to in the ring, but they say no fight is too big.

Elijah Davis says like his opponents in the ring, he’s ready to help knock out cancer.

“It makes me feel like I’m part of a bigger thing,” said Davis.

He’s joining his peers in the gym and more than 200 riders throughout the community to bring awareness to cancer.

Paceline says the community’s involvement is responsible for raising more than $1.5 million over the past six years.

Paceline’s president, Martyn Jones, says this initiative is a chance for youth to join a bigger cause.

Davis and his peers at the gym say that’s enough motivation to accept the challenge.

“I want to do it because I want to do something for the gym. I want to do something for cancer too,” said Davis.

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PaceDay Rider, Gary Thomas, said: “Like, helping cancer, it can spread kindness all the can, and helping, it’s going to spread kindness in the whole world. It will be good.”

And mentors at the boxing club say it’s about not holding back any punches when it’s time to help.

Augusta Boxing Club Executive Coordinator Tiffany Cannon said: “Just seeing everybody put their difference to the side to for to raise what’s needed, and then also with the kids, like, there it was no hesitation. When I, when we were like, ‘Hey, I want to do a bike ride’, everybody raised their hands like, yeah, me, me, me, me. So just the kids being excited about, you know, wanted to give back as well.”

Meanwhile, Davis says he’s ready for the ride.

“I’m prepared now. I’m ready,” he said.

Paceline says the research projects they’ve helped get started have resulted in more than $9 million in additional funds from outside organizations.

PaceDay will be on October 13.

Their goal is to bring the community together towards a common goal – curing cancer faster.

If you want to join the ride or donate, visit Paceline’s website.

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