Nine Milton residents to participate in Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk

Nine residents from Milton are gearing up to take part in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, presented on Sunday, October 1.

Sara Giordano, Tim O’Hara, Dione Cheung, Jeanne Schmidt, Elizabeth O’Reilly, Betsy Hoffman, Gail Ghelli, Katie Carlson, and Nancy King, along with numerous other participants, will join this annual event. Its primary objective is to raise funds in support of various forms of adult and pediatric care and cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a renowned cancer center.

Over its 34-year history, the Jimmy Fund Walk has made significant contributions, amassing over $167 million for Dana-Farber Cancer. In 2022 alone, it achieved a record-breaking fundraising total of more than $8.8 million.

“Throughout the past 34 years, the Jimmy Fund Walk has continuously supported life-saving research and cancer care at Dana-Farber. The 2023 Walk will be held during the Jimmy Fund’s 75th anniversary year and will aim to raise $9 million in the effort to prevent, treat, and defy cancer,” said Zack Blackburn, Director of the Jimmy Fund Walk. “This year also marks the 35th annual Jimmy Fund Walk. We are eager to get out on the course and see all our outstanding walkers and teams come together to support this great cause.”

The Jimmy Fund Walk stands out as the sole organized walk permitted along the illustrious Boston Marathon course. Participants have the flexibility to choose from four distance options: a 5K walk starting from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Longwood Medical Campus, a 10K walk from Newton, a Half Marathon walk from Wellesley, and a Marathon walk from Hopkinton.

Regardless of the chosen route, walkers will encounter 10 refueling stations and inspiring poster-sized photographs of patients, referred to as Jimmy Fund Walk Heroes, displayed at each mile and half-mile marker. All four routes converge at the Jimmy Fund Walk Finish Line. However, due to construction in Copley Square, the Finish Line for the 2023 event has been relocated to the Fenway neighborhood. Walkers should be aware that the distances may be slightly shorter this year as they conclude the walk in front of Fenway Park. The finish line will host a celebration complete with food, music, and a speaking program.

For those who prefer to participate closer to home, the Jimmy Fund Walk offers flexible opportunities. Virtual participation is encouraged, allowing individuals to “walk their way” from the comfort of their neighborhood, a favorite hiking trail, or even on a home treadmill. Materials to support Virtual Walkers are readily available.

To register for the walk, volunteer, or support a walker, you can visit www.JimmyFundWalk.org or call (866) 531-9255.

Registrants can enter the promo code NEWS for a $5 discount on the registration fee. Every registered walker will receive a bib, medal, and a Jimmy Fund Walk T-shirt.