TITLE Boxing Club of Ann Arbor
2115 W. Stadium Blvd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
734.213.1300
Justin's Story
Justin Alexander, Trainer - Asst. GM
TITLE Boxing Club | Ann Arbor
Many of you know TITLE A2's Justin Alexander. In January of 2021, Justin joined our team as a Trainer and later promoted to Assistant General Manager. We know Justin as the wise cracking, quick-witted, "fun to be around guy". Our first impression of Justin was, here is this athletic, sometimes quiet guy, with a smile on his face 24/7. He would do anything for anyone at the club whether it's a teammate or a member, he would say yes, take initiative, and all with a good attitude.
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This month, TITLE Boxing Club of Ann Arbor, Shelby Township, and Lake Orion, have partnered with the Rainbow Connection to "Go Gold" for Pediatric Cancer. As we know, cancer impacts the lives of thousands in our community in southeast Michigan, so as part of our campaign, we want to share Justin's story.
After graduating from Rochester High School, the former pitcher, catcher, quarterback, two-sport letterman prepared for his move to East Lansing where he was enrolled at “the family school” Michigan State University. On June 3rd 2016, at the tail end of his freshman year, Justin's life was upended with the news of his cancer diagnosis. When a persistent cough nagged at him for a number of weeks, Justin thought it might be allergies, but the cough didn't go away, and only got worse. Eventually, his face lost color and his lips turned blue. Blood tests and x-rays were ordered and the doctors shared the news that would change his young life immediately.
Justin was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma stage 2A, a classification of Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymph nodes. Justin and his family were devastated. Justin's mother Margie recalled, "His mass in his chest from his Hodgkin's was so large that it was putting a lot of pressure onto his heart and so his heart sac had filled with fluid." Treatment was to start immediately. In all, Justin endured three chemo cycles, two immunotherapy cycles, and a bone marrow transplant, over a 574 day period.
Friends and family rallied behind Justin, encouraging him to be strong. Visitors came from various parts of Justin's life. High school and college friends, extended family, all came with well wishes. A full hospital room was the norm. Justin's father David recalled, "The nurses would bring extra chairs in the room 'cause we'd fill a room."
During his treatment, the Rainbow Connection gifted a trip to Justin and his family to visit the San Francisco Giants and his favorite player, Buster Posey
Justin with Buster Posey
Justin with brother Andrew, father David, and mother Margie
On November 27, 2017, Justin received the news that his most recent scan was clear and his cancer was in remission!
Please Donate
This month, in partnership with The Rainbow Connection and its Wish Program, TITLE Boxing Clubs in Ann Arbor, Shelby Township, and Lake Orion will be accepting donations to gift a trip for a child and family fighting pediatric cancer. All proceeds will go to The Rainbow Connection to help fund that gift. We thank you for your support.
Justin with mom and dad at the annual Rainbow Connection gala in 2019
September All-Star Class
September's special All-Star Class is on Saturday September 27th at 11am. The 12 round, 75-minute class will be led by your favorite TITLE A2 Trainers. The cost of this special class is $15 and includes commemorative hand wraps recognizing The Rainbow Connection's Go Gold for pediatric cancer. 100% of net proceeds will go to the Rainbow Connection.
In-Club registration is available as well