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Again and again over time, Jim Raffone has been combating to discover a remedy for the uncommon genetic illness that afflicts his 12-year-old son, Jamesy. He’s now about to take that combat to the subsequent degree, lacing up boxing gloves and entering into the ring for a five-round bout televised reside from Atlantic Metropolis.
Raffone, 50, of Manalapan, N.J., will combat boxer Tommy “The Tiger” Moose as a part of an undercard matchup in a Celebrity Boxing showcase on June 11th at the Showboat Lodge. The headline attraction is a bout between former NBA star Lamar Odom and singer Aaron Carter. (The occasion is through pay per view; a number of the showcase’s smaller bouts, Raffone’s amongst them, might be included within the televised extravaganza, stated Damon Feldman, CEO of Official Celeb Boxing, which is selling the occasion.)
Raffone’s participation will elevate cash and consciousness for JAR of Hope and its efforts to defeat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a deadly illness that primarily impacts male sufferers and causes muscle tissues to deteriorate over time. As a result of there is no such thing as a recognized remedy for DMD, remedy focuses on managing the signs and associated problems of progressive muscle weak point and loss.
The acronym in JAR of Hope stands for James Anthony Raffone, or Jamesy, who was identified with DMD in 2013. He stays ambulatory, however his father stated he isn’t capable of run like he used to.
“He has full use of his arms and we’re extraordinarily grateful for that,” stated Raffone.
Jamesy sleeps in a hyperbaric chamber a number of nights per week, which his father stated has helped enhance his son’s cardiac, pulmonary, and respiratory capabilities.
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“For us, it’s a race in opposition to time to remain forward of the illness,” Raffone stated. “He’s a really completely satisfied baby and we try to make on daily basis completely satisfied and thrilling for him.”
He’s additionally making an attempt to assist discover a remedy for DMD. Raffone left his building enterprise after 22 years when Jamsey was identified and has targeted his efforts since then on elevating cash and consciousness by JAR of Hope. He stated the group has helped elevate upward of $8 million since 2013.
Raffone additionally began a biotech firm three years in the past referred to as Hyper-Genetics, which is engaged on discovering methods to fight the illness. And he’s utilizing his personal dedication to bodily health to assist the trigger: He has run extremely marathons -including one from New Zealand to Australia, the place he traversed 312 miles in 12 days over two continents – and the Grand 171 race, whose opponents run 171 miles over seven days within the Grand Canyon.
In comparison with these endurance exams, Raffone’s 5, 2-minute rounds with Tommy “The Tiger” Moose at The Showboat ought to appear fast.
“This match affords a possibility to extend consciousness of this lethal childhood illness,” Raffone stated. “And, due to COVID-19, we’ve got to reap the benefits of each alternative.”
Raffone, who additionally has two teenage daughters along with his spouse, Karen, isn’t doing the combat totally for promotion’s sake — he’s out to win.
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He’s been coaching for a number of months at Freehold Boxing and Fitness in Freehold, N.J., which is owned partially by former IBF Cruiserweight Champion Imamu Mayfield. Raffone employed Mayfield to coach him for his upcoming combat.
The 2 have fashioned a good bond, stated Mayfield, as a result of his personal son, Jamir, 19, has autism and, like Jamesy, has overcome his personal challenges.
“We relate to one another nicely,” stated Mayfield of Raffone (including that Jamir is “doing nice”).
The coach has excessive expectations for his boxer however is assured that Raffone will come out on high in his debut combat.
“I need him to go in and win,” Mayfield stated. “If he does what I inform him to do, he’ll.”
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