THUNDER BAY -- Boxer Marc Larocque was fighting long before he stepped into the ring for the first time.
The 33-year-old said he and his family were devastated when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 10 years ago but to this day, he has never pulled a punch in his approach to living.
“It’s not the end of the world. I have such a great support system and that’s a good thing,".Larocque said.
"I just have to keep going, smile and live my life,”
Marc’s friends and family surrounded him Saturday during a 12-hour boxing relay to raise money for the MS Society.
The Sweatclub Fitness Studio hosted the first annual 12-hour boxing relay on Sunday as a preview to the MS Walk, which takes place May 29.
Boxers took five-minute intervals at the punching bag, throwing weight behind the pledges they received from their sponsors.
Organizers estimate the boxing relay raised over $2,000.
In his 11th year participating in the walk, Laroque hopes that with the help of his friends and family at the fitness studio, they will break his fundraising record.
“It’s just a great event that’s obviously near and dear to my heart,”
“I got the thumbs up earlier when someone heard me say my goal was $1,200 so here’s hoping.”