The annual Mental Health Awareness fight night aims to highlight mental health issues within the boxing community.
Provided / Damon Feldman / Celebrity Boxing
Lighting Up Mental Health Awareness at Harrah’s Philadelphia
Under the bright lights of Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino, Celebrity Boxing transformed a packed fight night into a heartfelt campaign for mental health awareness.
Championing the Cause
The Mental Health Awareness fight night, which took place last month, was organized by Damon Feldman, the CEO of Celebrity Boxing. He collaborated with various organizations focused on suicide prevention and ALS support to bring attention to mental health in the boxing arena.
Breaking the Stigma
“Boxing draws a lot of attention, which helps bring awareness to mental health issues,” Feldman noted. “Many people in Philadelphia either have mental health issues themselves or know someone who does. Initiating conversations can help remove the stigma surrounding it.”
A Family of Fighters
Angela Cottone, a long-time Celebrity Boxing participant, expressed, “These boxers are more than just competitors; we’re like family. When someone is in need, we rally together via social media or phone calls, demonstrating an incredible level of compassion.”
Motivated by the loss of her son Vincent, who died by suicide, Cottone emphasizes the importance of discussing mental health openly, especially for parents to engage with their children about wellness.
Sharing Personal Stories
The event included ten fights, including four for championships, starting with participants like Raji Phares and Arsenio Castillo. In between bouts, retired athletes and special guests spoke candidly about their experiences with mental illness, sharing personal stories to encourage others.
Feldman remarked, “Our fighters face significant mental and physical challenges. That’s why we advocate for mental health awareness—so everyone can receive the help they need to thrive.”
A Heart-Wrenching Testimony
In a poignant moment, Feldman introduced Anita Carrington, who shared her son Ny’Leek’s struggles with mental health following a tragic accident that left him a quadriplegic. “My son might never walk again, which will put immense mental pressure on him and our family,” she stated, reflecting on the challenges they now face.
“Damon allowed me to voice my son’s struggles in the center of that boxing ring, and for that, I am grateful,” Carrington noted in an interview.
Finding Strength Amid Adversity
Feldman relates deeply to their challenges, having experienced similar struggles with his mother’s quadriplegia from domestic violence during his childhood. He believes choosing to stay mentally strong is crucial and recalls how his mother’s resilience inspired him.
“My mom was talented even after her ordeal, using a paintbrush with her mouth. Witnessing her resilience kept me motivated to be positive,” he said.
If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please contact 988 or visit healthymindsphilly.org
