Live to Fight is a not for profit organization whose mission is to help those in the martial arts community who are facing life-threatening illnesses. The son of a prominent judo and Jiu-Jitsu black belt on Long Island in New York is currently facing a battle with cancer so Live to Fight is promoting a seminar to gather donations for the medical treatment.
See the story behind this seminar below:
Mark “Stan” Staniszewski’s passion for martial arts began over three decades ago as a young boy growing up on Long Island, NY. Years later, Stan discovered judo and Jiu-Jitsu. Stan excelled in both and has dedicated his life to studying, competing, and teaching the two disciplines.
Stan has medaled in multiple state, national and world competitions and is the first dual black belt on Long Island in both judo and BJJ. He was deservedly inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2010. Stan’s accolades in judo and BJJ seem endless; however, his greatest accomplishments are his two sons, Luke and Jake.
Two years ago, Stan’s youngest son, Jake, was diagnosed with a rare form of pediatric cancer. Jake was diagnosed with advanced stage 4 Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma at only 15 months old. Rhabdomyosarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the connective tissue, skeletal muscle or bone. The news shocked and devastated the Staniszewski family but Jake is a fighter, just like his father.
Jake has completed over a year of chemotherapy already and the bills have reached over an excess of $150,000. Unfortunately for Jake, the long road of treatment is far from over.
Live To Fight will be holding a benefit BJJ Seminar to help cover the costs of some of Jake’s medical treatment. Live To Fight for Jake will be held on Sunday, May 4th at 1:00 p.m. at Maxum BJJ in Bohemia, Long Island.
The $60 event will be taught be top instructors including Jake’s dad, judo Mark Stan, second degree BJJ black belts Joe Scarola of GMA Gracie Barra Long Island and Karel “Silver Fox” Pravec, UFC veteran Jimmy Quinlan, and third degree BJJ black belt and former UFC Welterweight Champion Matt “The Terror” Serra.
Live To Fight for Jake is open to all schools and skills levels are encouraged to come and participate.
For more information please contact Kristen at Kristen@LiveToFight.org
Funds raised from Live To Fight for Jake will go to Jake Staniszewski and to support LTF’s charitable mission. Live to Fight continues to evolve into the premiere MMA and Combat Sports not for profit platform where we can stand up together and fight back against cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
Learn more about Live to Fight at www.livetofight.org
