Patient Partner Program

The Hero Program sponsored by Arbella Insurance is the heart of the Jimmy Fund Walk! Jimmy Fund Walk Heroes are Dana-Farber Cancer Institute patients who volunteer to share their stories and inspire walkers to walk and raise critical funds for cancer research and patient care.

Past walkers on the Walk course
Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk teams can partner with Walk Heroes from the Patient Partner program

Hero Match Teams

Inspire your team and request to be matched with a Hero. Once matched, your team will walk and fundraise in your Hero’s honor.

All Jimmy Fund Walk Hero Match Teams must register and submit an interest form before being matched with a Hero. The Team Captain or Co-Captain should complete this form. All forms will be reviewed and match teams will be notified in Summer 2022.

Meet the 2022 Jimmy Fund Walk Heroes

Addison

Addison

Read Addison's Quote

"I love coming to play in the resource room and visit Dr. Tom. Dana-Farber is our true 'home away from home.'"

Alex

Alex

Read Alex's Quote

"Alex loves to cook, play and sing (especially Michael Jackson and Neil Diamond). He loves all sports."

Andrew

Andrew

Read Andrew's Quote

"The Jimmy Fund is so special to me because I met so many wonderful doctors and nurses and other patients who inspire me. Because of the wonderful care I received, I am now able to play basketball, go skiing, and enjoy school with my friends. I hope to one day go to Harvard and become an Egyptologist."

Anya

Anya

Read Anya's Quote

"I like to rock climb, play soccer, Pokémon, Hatchimals, and to make art. Some things I've learned from having cancer is that I am strong and that kindness matters."

Avery

Avery

Read Avery's Quote

"The Jimmy Fund makes a difficult situation a little easier. Avery loves to come every week and play with her child life friends, Jennie and Amanda."

Barbra

Barbra

Read Barbra's Quote

"Without Dana-Farber, I would not be here. I do everything I can for Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund. They are truly the best. I am so grateful and blessed. I love to read, paint with watercolors, cook, do yoga, tai chi, qigong, meditate, and I peer support for four cancer organizations. Thank you Dana-Farber."

Bella

Bella

Read Bella's Quote

"Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund are wonderful and now feel like our second home. The doctors, nurses, and staff are so friendly and have been so supportive during this most difficult time."

Cael

Cael

Read Cael's Quote

"Cael is a happy, strong boy. He likes to play with puzzles and he wants to be a doctor, nurse, or policeman when he grows up."

Cammy

Cammy

Read Cammy's Quote

"Camille is a funny, smart, friendly, and kind little girl who loves fashion, unicorns, and music, especially Ed Sheeran."

Casey

Casey

Read Casey's Quote

"We are so thankful for the dedication of the doctors and nurses who are helping make me better! Leukemia is 'no match for me!'"

Celia

Celia

Read Celia's Quote

"The Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber have given Celia another chance at life, and for that we are endlessly grateful! There is no greater gift than life itself."

Chloe

Chloe

Read Chloe's Quote

"The Jimmy Fund is an extension of our family. We couldn't fight this fight without their expertise, care, and support."

Christina

Christina

Read Christina's Quote

"Dana-Farber is an amazing place that really cares about each individual and makes you a priority. You want to feel like you matter and they make you feel that way. So happy it’s so close to home."

Christopher

Christopher

Read Christopher's Quote

"The treatment and dedicated care I have received at Dana-Farber have enabled me to live with cancer and actually be happy—not at all what I expected. I am forever grateful."

Chuck

Chuck

Read Chuck's Quote

"Without the incredible work of Dr. Choueiri and his team on Yawkey 11, I would not still be here today. Toni and team have provided not only incredible care but life-changing research that provides me with options and hope in this crazy battle. I am living proof of the incredible work Dana-Farber does."

Ellie

Ellie

Read Ellie's Quote

"The Jimmy Fund has been so nice to me. My hobby is soccer. My interest is technology. When I grow up, I want to be a doctor."

Elizabeth

Elizabeth

Read Elizabeth's Quote

"The treatment that I get at Dana-Farber is excellent; I feel so much trust with my team and see how much they care. I appreciate how organized the care is and how friendly and responsive everyone is. My diagnosis has made me realize how much my family loves and supports me."

Emily

Emily

Read Emily's Quote

"I am excited to get back to dancing. My other favorite activities include arts and crafts with Kate at the Clinic and building Legos."

Gracie

Gracie

Read Gracie's Quote

"Gracie loves to play outside, go to the beach, and listen to music. We are so grateful for Anna, Dr. Place, and all the nurses and providers at the Jimmy Fund Clinic—it is a privilege to fundraise for the place that has given us so much!"

Harper

Harper

Read Harper's Quote

"I love my care team at the Jimmy Fund Clinic and always feels so comfortable there. I love to read, color, and dress up!"

Isabel

Isabel

Read Isabel's Quote

"I love singing, dancing, biking, and swimming. I have two awesome sisters, Leah, and Aubrey. I'm starting kindergarten in the fall."

Jen

Jen

Read Jen's Quote

"I am inspired by Dana-Farber's ongoing research into cancer treatments and work toward a cure! The compassion and kindness of the entire care team has given me hope and helped me make it through treatment."

Joyce

Joyce

Read Joyce's Quote

"I'm grateful for each and every day I’ve been given that I feel the love and joy I receive from my family and friends. What better way to thank Dana-Farber for my amazing care then to participate in the Jimmy Fund Walk."

Kaho

Kaho

Read Kaho's Quote

"I like Princess Belle, painting, and playing cooking. I love to have fun at the Jimmy Fund Clinic!"

Kate

Kate

Read Kate's Quote

"I like the color red, I have two cats and a dog, and my hobby is painting on my clothes. Go Jimmy Fund!"

King

King

Read King's Quote

"Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund Clinic have been a comfortable and safe place for me to have my treatments. I love to dance and play musical instruments."

Linda

Linda

Read Linda's Quote

"Since 2014 I have been a patient at Dana-Farber, participating in clinical trials for recurrent ovarian cancer. The cutting-edge research has helped to extend my life. So fortunate to have access to these services all in one place and at other sites closer to home."

Lindsay

Lindsay

Read Lindsay's Quote

"At Dana-Farber, my doctors, nurses, social worker, chaplain, Zakim Center professionals, administrative staff, and others play essential roles in providing holistic care, not just treatment. They enable me to live a purposeful life filled with loved ones, art, yummy food, and customized exercise routines so I can enjoy whatever I can in the world."

Lisa

Lisa

Read Lisa's Quote

"My goal is to continue to raise awareness for brain tumors and support lifesaving research & treatment at Dana-Farber. I hope that one day a world without cancer can exist!"

McKenzie

McKenzie

Read McKenzie's Quote

"I am an animal- and dragon-loving teenager. I love to draw and watch TV, and love to drive my seven siblings crazy."

Megan

Megan

Read Megan's Quote

"I am a 39-year-old mother, wife, and nurse. Dana-Farber has given me hope that I will be able to continue doing those things for a very long time."

Mia

Mia

Read Mia's Quote

"I love bunnies, going to school, and playing with friends. At home, I can be found cooking or singing and playing the piano for my family."

Nancy

Nancy

Read Nancy's Quote

"The doctors and nurses at Dana-Farber have not only supported me medically but spiritually. Their positivity, guidance, and expertise have given me strength and hope in dealing with my difficult and scary diagnosis."

Nick G.

Nick G.

Read Nick's Quote

"I enjoy school and playing basketball and lacrosse. I am grateful to everyone at the Jimmy Fund for taking such great care of me and helping me win this battle!"

Nick H.

Nick H.

Read Nick's Quote

"My Dana-Farber team tries as hard as I do to keep me alive. They give me the chance to live every day with the enthusiasm and drive that I demand from myself. I couldn't be more grateful for every extra day they give me."

Norma-Rose

Norma-Rose

Read Norma-Rose's Quote

"I like to play games at 'In the Game' and my favorite is laser tag. I like to shop for toys on my mom's phone.""

Payton

Payton

Read Payton's Quote

"The Jimmy Fund Clinic made a challenging situation so much more bearable with their kindness, focus on the kids’ experience, outstanding nurses, and amazing treatment plans. Now that she is nearing the end of her 2-year treatment program, we want to give back to Dana-Farber for everything they have done for us."

Poppy

Poppy

Read Poppy's Quote

"I like doing the Jimmy Fund Walk and all the activities to raise money for kids like me! I love playing Roblox with my friends and watching superhero movies."

Quinn

Quinn

Read Quinn's Quote

"I like coming to the Jimmy Fund Clinic so I can see my friends and paint! At home I enjoy playing soccer and hockey with my two brothers."

Reylyn

Reylyn

Read Reylyn's Quote

"I love to read and be myself because I don't need anyone's validation but mine. I want to be a famous actress eventually."

Sabine

Sabine

Read Sabine's Quote

"The Jimmy Fund Clinic is the best place for our daughter to receive care, and a warm, welcoming, safe space where she grows and thrives despite difficult treatment."

Samantha

Samantha

Read Samantha's Quote

"Everyone at Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund are absolutely amazing and help make all this so much more bearable! My hobbies are boxing and everything animal related."

Samara

Samara

Read Samara's Quote

"Samara loves completing art projects, coloring, celebrating themes and holidays, and cooking with play food—it's as if the Jimmy Fund Clinic is set up just for her!"

Shaeli

Shaeli

Read Shaeli's Quote

"Dana-Farber has been a huge help along our journey. The exceptional care that they have given has gotten us here today. There are no words that could accurately describe our gratitude!"

Sophia

Sophia

Read Sophia's Quote

"The Jimmy Fund provided the very best care to our daughter, Sophia, and our family. We are forever grateful to the doctors, nurses, and specialists who have helped us navigate and provided us hope during this difficult time. "

Stephanie

Stephanie

Read Stephanie's Quote

"I am always amazed by the wonderful people that work at Dana-Farber and am here today because of my dedicated Inflammatory Breast Cancer care team. Thanks to them, I have been able to continue my passion for travel, SCUBA diving, and underwater photography."

Stephen

Stephen

Read Stephen's Quote

"I am a retired math teacher and football coach. My interests are boating, football, going to Hilton Head, and most importantly, spending time with my family. Our family is united in trying to help find cures for many forms of cancer. We do what we can to help out."

Tianna

Tianna

Read Tianna's Quote

"Tianna is a funny and caring child who wants to be a doctor when she grows up."

Tita

Tita

Read Tita's Quote

"The day I received my diagnosis, my life was changed forever—I decided at that moment that failure was not an option. I am a single mother to a child with special powers and no one can take my place to raise him. I needed to fight for him to make sure that I would be around for a long time."

Walter

Walter

Read Walter's Quote

"We are so thankful to Dana-Farber for the wonderful care. From day one, we knew we were in the right place. We have a long road ahead but with you by our side we can do anything. We can move mountains."

Wells

Wells

Read Wells's Quote

"I like going to Boston to see Nurse Jill because she takes care of me. My teddy comes to all my appointments."

Zinnia

Zinnia

Read Zinnia's Quote

"I'm interested in human anatomy and want to be a doctor someday! I also love to eat rainbow ice cream!"