OtG Press Room | Tue. Jan 25, 2010

Sure, $5 can get you a Value Meal but in the Creation Nation, it can help build a family’s hope (and maybe even win you a great piece of art)!

As humans, we have a propensity to complain or not be satisfied with life, to one degree or another. However, we often take for granted the fact that we and our families have good health. Affliction often comes with a heavy price, not just causing pain for an individual but his or her family as well. The pain doesn’t just physically hurt; it takes a brutal toll on the mind as well.

Lisa Millim is a friend of our family and, at age 40, she’s suffering from metastatic cancer. Originally diagnosed with colon cancer when she was 37, Lisa went the distance with the disease, ultimately beating it into remission. Every three months since, Lisa had gone for follow-up examinations and was assured she was cancer-free. However, in September, 2010, after checking into a hospital for severe stomach pains, a CT scan discovered the cancer had returned and spread to her liver, kidneys, ovaries and lungs. Just two months before her 40th birthday, Lisa would be told she only had up to 18 months to live. Not “at least.” “Up to” 18 months. A mere year-and-a-half.

Lisa and her family were understandably puzzled as to why, after many blood tests, they were told she was cancer-free, while the disease insidiously made its way through her body. The response? “Not all cancers show up in blood tests.” Seemingly, blood testing was a routine measure due to its relatively lower cost to the hospital. After a second opinion at Loyola University, the worst was confirmed. The cancer, which embedded itself in Lisa’s stomach lining, was inoperable.

That said, the treatment Lisa is currently receiving won’t cure her cancer but it’s possible that it can slow down its spread. If the treatments work to their full potential, she’ll need to receive them for the rest of her life.

As of now, Lisa cannot return to work and her family’s medical expenses have become a terrible burden. Prescriptions and appointment co-pays are incredibly expensive and Lisa has even forfeited vital medication due to its cost.

Lisa has been married to her husband John (who I’ve known since elementary school) for over ten years and she has two daughters, Lora and Melissa, and two stepdaughters, Jennifer and Amanda. Her first grandchild is due in April. With so much to live for, this loving family needs as much relief as humanly possible.

Here’s where YOU come in…

Many of you know me as the Managing Editor of Maxboxing.com but just as many, if not more, know me as a portrait artist/painter and have visited my site .. I’ve created art featuring some of some of the most iconic fighters and celebrities and have welcomed visitors to my site from all over the world. I’ve done my fair share of commissions and always welcome the possibility to create more personalized pieces for potential customers. However, this time, I’m making an offer that I challenge you to refuse. Starting today, January 22, I’m kicking off my own raffle to benefit the Millim family.

For just $5 per ticket, you get your name included in a drawing that could win you the FIRST PRIZE: an original 16” X 20” acrylic painting by Yours Truly of ANY subject (well…almost any subject. Nothing immoral or dreadfully offensive, please). Yes, that’s right. Just $5 can buy you a shot at securing a full-color commission valued at $300. And there’s no limit on how many tickets you can buy and 100% of all profits go straight to Lisa and her family.

*And that’s not all that’s up for grabs!*

Second prize (Part One!): a custom painted boxing glove of any subject of the ticket winner's choosing, courtesy of Chris Guzman. Guzman is a member of the League of Visual Excellence as well as the official artist of the Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame in Belfast, New York. The glove has become the signature "canvas for Mr. Guzman because it's fun, portable and represents hos his subjects- in one way or another- have fought to get where they are today. In that very spirit, Lisa is no different,. You can find a TON of Chris' examples right here at our . Just click the "Photos" tab, then click on the GUZMAN GLOVES, LLC. section!

Second prize (Part Two!): an original watercolor painting of Larry Holmes vs. Gerry Cooney, done for the second printing of Pat Dwyer’s book Professional Boxing in the 1980's. A Look Back

Third prize: a credential pass from the Hasim Rahman-Monte Barrett fight in Chicago (from August 13, 2005), signed by former World Heavyweight Champion George Foreman, former heavyweight titlist Chris Byrd, Matt Zegan, Fres Oquendo, Barrett and commentators Rich Marotta and Barry Tompkins

Fourth prize: a credential pass from the Lamon Brewster-Andrew Golota fight in Chicago (from May 21, 2005), signed by veteran cutman Jacob "Stitch" Duran, HBO's Jim Lampley and Larry Merchant, former heavyweight titlist Lamon Brewster and former Undisputed Welterweight Champion Cory Spinks

Fifth prize: a credential pass from the Fernando Vargas-Javier Castillejo fight  in Chicago (from August 20, 2005), signed by Vargas.

As much as I encourage you to give from your heart, the raffle will have to come to an end sometime. Ticket purchases via snail mail must be postmarked by February 28 and electronic payment via PayPal is also available.

For further information how to make your ticket purchase and/or where to send payment, please email me and visit www.coyoteduran.com for further updates. For more information on Lisa, her March 5th benefit and how to make direct donations, please visit  her site

Just think. That same $5 you’d spend getting that little value meal might just win you something pretty cool. Even better, you’ll get the satisfaction of helping a family who’d appreciate a life with many tomorrows and no complaints.

Coyote Duran
Managing Editor, Maxboxing.com
Ratings panel analyst, THE RING Magazine