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Where does the fundraising money go?
The money raised through the Jimmy Fund Walk directly supports cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber. Find out more about how your support helps!
How do I request donations online?
You can advise your donors to give to your Jimmy Fund Walk online by sharing a link to your personal fundraising page via email, Facebook, and other social media platforms.
How do I find my personal fundraising page link? If I am a Team Captain, how do I find my team page link?
Your personal fundraising page link can be viewed and edited in your Participant Center:
- Log in to your Participant Center
- On your home page under "My next steps," view your personal page link
- Update your personal link by clicking "Create Custom URL"
If you are a Team Captain, your team’s fundraising page link can be viewed and edited in your Participant Center:
- Log in to your Participant Center
- Click on the "My Team" tab and under "My next steps," view your team page link
- Update your team page link by clicking "Create Custom URL"
How do I submit checks or money orders?
You or your donors can mail checks or money orders to:
Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk
P.O. Box 3595
Boston, MA 02241-3595
Checks should be made out to Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk and should include your Participant ID in the memo line. For donations to a team, please include a separate note with instructions to apply to the team and team name. Please note: we cannot accept cash.
Due to the high volume of donations, it may take up to two weeks for your donation to be processed and appear on your personal fundraising page.
- Make sure to include your name, address, number of checks enclosed, and Participant ID on the outside of the envelope (Participant ID can be found in your Participant Center or feel free to email JimmyFundWalk@dfci.harvard.edu to request your Participant ID)
- Please also include your name and Participant ID in the memo line of the check to ensure proper credit for your fundraising
- Once the donations are processed, your personal fundraising page will be updated and you can view all donors through your Participant Center
- If there is a specific way that you would like a supporter to be recognized on your page, please include a note with the check
- If you are also submitting donations on behalf of another walker, please include these checks in a separate envelope with the appropriate information to ensure you each receive fundraising credit
- Please don’t put your walker donation stickers directly on checks
Where can I find my Participant ID number?
Your Participant ID can be found by:
- Viewing your personal fundraising page. Participant ID is located under your fundraising goal and amount raised
- Logging in to your Participant Center. Your Participant ID number is located halfway down the page next to Walk day route, etc.
- Call 866-531-9255 or email JimmyFundWalk@dfci.harvard.edu and we will be more than happy to look it up for you
- Please note: Your Participant ID number is different from your bib number
If I set my fundraising goal higher than the minimum, will I be held responsible for the extra money?
No. In-person participants are required to raise $330 (or $130 for participants under 18) which includes the registration fee. If you are planning to walk virtually, adult participants are required to raise $100 ($30 for virtual youth participants under 18). However, increasing your fundraising goal is a great way to motivate your donors to continue their support. Many participants set their goal at $1,500 (Star Pacesetter level).
What do I do if people make a check out to me instead of to the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk?
Endorse the check by writing "Pay to the order of the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk" and sign your name on the back of the check.
If my supporters give me cash donations, how do I submit them?
The Jimmy Fund Walk cannot accept cash donations. If your supporters give you cash, your options for submitting the donations are:
- Have a money order filled out with your supporter's information to ensure they receive full recognition for the donations.
- Make a donation on your personal fundraising page for the amount of cash you’ve received and charge it with your credit card. Enter your supporter’s information in the online form with your credit card information to ensure they receive proper credit.
- Note: If a supporter sends you cash and you make a donation for him or her online or submit a personal check, you will be entered as the official donor and receive the acknowledgement with tax language, not the cash supporter.
- Note: If you receive multiple cash donations and would like individual supporters to be recognized on your page, each donation must be submitted as a separate check, money order, or online donation
Can I move money from one participant to another?
Once a donation is made, it can only be moved from one participant to another in totality. We are not able to split donations among participants. If you receive a check donation, we can split it and apply to multiple participants, but you must send the check directly to the Walk staff and include a detailed note about where the money should be directed. After a check has been processed, we cannot split the amount. Please send the check to the address below and not the P.O Box.
Jimmy Fund Walk Staff
10 Brookline Place, 6th Floor
Brookline, MA 02445
For donations made to the general team fund, the Team Captain must request the whole transfer to one team member. Please contact the Walk staff to move funds.
Do matching donations count toward the fundraising minimum?
Yes. Once we receive the eligible matching donation form and can verify the original donation, the match will be added to your fundraising total. Please ask the company that is doing the match to include the name of the employee who requested the match and the participant ID of the walker that they’re supporting.
Please note: Due to the high volume of matching donations, please allow a few weeks for your matching donation to be verified and appear on your personal fundraising page.
How do my donors submit a matching donation?
Every company has its own policies and procedures to determine a particular charity's eligibility to receive a matching donation. Your donors’ Human Resources department will have more information about how to have a donation matched or your donor can search for their company to see if they provide matching donations to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund.
If the original donation is made online, please have your supporter print out the email confirmation they received upon making the donation and mail it with the matching donation form to:
Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk
10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor
Brookline, MA 02445-7226
Alternatively, if a supporter donates online, and their company has an electronic donation submission program, please ask them to email the confirmations of both their donation and matching donation submission to JimmyFundWalk@dfci.harvard.edu.
If a supporter would like to match a donation they made by check, please have them mail the matching donation form along with the donation to the address above.
Many employers' matching donation forms require the following information:
Tax ID Number: 042263040
Contact: Donor Services
Email: AskCS@dfci.harvard.edu
Address: Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk
10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor
Brookline, MA 02445-7226
How do I change my fundraising goal?
To change your fundraising goal:
- Log in to your Participant Center
- On your Home Page, select "Update Goal" underneath your fundraising progress
How do I customize my personal fundraising page?
To edit the text, picture, or video on your personal page:
- Log in to your Participant Center
- On your Home Page, select "View and Edit Page" under your Next Steps
How do I start a Facebook Fundraiser?
To start a Facebook fundraiser, you will need to log into your Participant Center. Click the "Start Fundraiser" button under "My Next Steps." Log into your Facebook account if you are not already logged in. Allow the Jimmy Fund to receive your name, profile photo, and manage your Facebook Fundraiser by clicking the “Continue as [Your Name]” button. The pop-up will close and then you can personalize your fundraiser.
How can I send emails from my Participant Center to contacts in my own email address book?
You can upload your email address book into your Participant Center by following these steps:
- Log in to your Participant Center
- Go to the "Send Email" tab and select "All Contacts" on the left
- Select "Import Contacts" and choose your email provider to import
Where can I find a list of people who have made donations to my Walk?
To access a list of your current year donors and to see the donation amount:
- Log in to your Participant Center
- On your Home Page, scroll to the bottom to see a list of your donors. You can download a donor report that includes email, mailing address, etc.
How do I submit checks or money orders?
You or your donors can mail checks or money orders to:
Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk
P.O. Box 3595
Boston, MA 02241-3595
Checks should be made out to Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk and should include your Participant ID in the memo line. For donations to a team, please include a separate note with instructions to apply to the team and team name. Please note: we cannot accept cash.
Due to the high volume of donations, it may take up to two weeks for your donation to be processed and appear on your personal fundraising page.
- Make sure to include your name, address, number of checks enclosed, and Participant ID on the outside of the envelope (Participant ID can be found in your Participant Center or feel free to email JimmyFundWalk@dfci.harvard.edu to request your Participant ID)
- Please also include your name and Participant ID in the memo line of the check to ensure proper credit for your fundraising
- Once the donations are processed, your personal fundraising page will be updated and you can view all donors through your Participant Center
- If there is a specific way that you would like a supporter to be recognized on your page, please include a note with the check
- If you are also submitting donations on behalf of another walker, please include these checks in a separate envelope with the appropriate information to ensure you each receive fundraising credit
- Please don’t put your walker donation stickers directly on checks
What is the relationship between Dana-Farber Cancer Institute & The Jimmy Fund?
The Jimmy Fund solely supports Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, raising funds for adult and pediatric cancer care and research to improve the chances of survival for cancer patients around the world. Since its founding in 1948, the Jimmy Fund has raised millions of dollars through thousands of community fundraising events. Learn more about the Jimmy Fund here. Learn more about Dana-Farber here.
I just made a donation. What will appear on my bank statement?
Your online donation will appear on your credit card statement as: DANAFARBERJIMMYFND. If the transaction is pending, you may see PENDINGBB appear, which is normal. Should you have any questions regarding what appears on your statement, please email our Donor Services team at askCS@dfci.harvard.edu. We can also be reached by phone at 800-525-4669 or 617-632-2903.
What if I need to make a change to the donation I just made?
Please email the Jimmy Fund Walk team at JimmyFundWalk@dfci.harvard.edu or call 866-531-9255 right away.
I just made a donation online but did not receive my email confirmation. Can this be re-sent to me?
Yes. Please email our Donor Services team at askCS@dfci.harvard.edu or call 617-632-2903 to request an email acknowledgement.
How can supporters donate if they don't want to do it online?
Supporters can write a check payable to the Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk, which you then submit according to the process described in the "Fundraising" section of the FAQs.
How do my supporters get a receipt of their donation to use for tax purposes?
If your supporters make online donations, they will receive an acknowledgment letter and payment confirmation via email. We mail acknowledgements to supporters who send check contributions of $15 or more. Although we appreciate donations of any amount, due to the high volume of contributions we receive, we are unable to send acknowledgements for offline donations of less than $15. For offline donations of less than $15, your supporters can use a copy of their check as proof of their donation.
How do my supporters donate in honor or in memory of someone?
For online donations, your supporters can enter the name of the person whom they are honoring while making the donation in the "Donation Information" section of the donation form. You may enter the honoree's name in the "Display Name and Information" box and that will appear on your personal fundraising page. If your supporters would like an acknowledgment letter sent to a loved one, family member, or friend, please have them follow the link in their confirmation email and or send them this form.
Each supporter who makes an offline contribution can include a brief note with an honoree's name, and the names and addresses of any desired acknowledgment recipients.
Can my supporters make donations of stock/securities to support my Jimmy Fund Walk?
Yes, to donate stocks and securities, please reference stock transfer instructions here. Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund's Tax ID Number is 042263040.
How do I donate through Donor Advised Funds?
To make a donation via an existing Donor Advised Fund, donors should utilize this link and reach out to their financial institution contact to confirm. Donors should always be sure to note the donation designation (e.g. Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk/walker name).
I have a question about giving from my Donor Advised Fund using DAF Direct. Who do I contact?
Follow the instructions after clicking to give via DAF Direct. You may email our Donor Services team at askCS@dfci.harvard.edu or call 617-632-2903 if you have any further questions. Our team may direct you to speak with your DAF.
Is the Jimmy Fund Walk website secure?
Yes. All information submitted online is subject to the Jimmy Fund Privacy Policy. Please read the Jimmy Fund Privacy Policy before submitting any personal information.
How do I opt out of communications?
If you wish to opt out of receiving fundraising mailings from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, please call 800-525-4669 or click here. If you wish to opt out of email communications, you may also click the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any Jimmy Fund Walk email.
You can also reach out to your staff contact or JimmyFundWalk@dfci.harvard.edu to let them know that you would like to opt out of all Philanthropy and Institute emails.
Do you have to be registered to participate in the Jimmy Fund Walk?
Yes. Everyone who walks must be registered, pay the registration fee, and commit to the fundraising minimum, except children under the age of 2 years old. For the safety of all walkers, emergency contact information must be provided for each walker. Each registered participant receives a T-shirt, bib number, and commemorative Walk medal.
What is the fundraising agreement for the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk?
Your registration information cannot be processed unless you agree to the following policy:
I, the “Participant”, wish to participate in the 2023 Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk, an in-person and virtual event occurring on October 1, 2023 (the "Event"). If I register before September 30, 2023, I agree to (i) collect the corresponding fundraising minimum below (registration fee included) for the benefit of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ("DFCI") and (ii) if necessary, be personally responsible for donating any difference to meet the fundraising minimum as of the deadline:
- In-person Adult Walker (18 or older on Event day): $330 (includes $30 registration fee);
- In-person Youth walker (under 18 on Event day): $130 (includes $30 registration fee);
- Virtual Adult Walker (18 or older on Event day): $100 (includes $10 registration fee);
- Virtual Youth Walker (under 18 on Event day): $30 (includes $10 registration fee).
The deadline for receipt of the full fundraising minimum is October 31, 2023. I understand that the outstanding balance towards the minimum fundraising requirement will be charged to my credit card if I have not met this requirement by the deadline.
Can I use the same username and password from last year's Walk to register online?
Yes. You may use your username and password from past registration.
Can I register a family?
Yes. To register multiple walkers, you need to complete a separate registration for each person and process each registration payment as a separate transaction. Every participant must be registered with a different email. Please keep in mind that if you use your credit card to register other walkers, your card will be charged if they do not meet the fundraising minimum by the October 31, 2023 deadline. If you need assistance registering a large group, please contact us.
Once I have registered, can I change any of my registration information?
Yes. After you register, you can update your personal or contact information, change route selection, switch teams, join a team, or even start a new team by following these steps:
- Log in to your Participant Center
- Select "Edit Profile" tab
- Edit personal and contact information in the "Profile" tab
- Edit event information on the "Questions" tab
If any other changes need to be made, please contact us.
What is the cancellation policy?
You must cancel before noon on September 28, 2023 in order to be released from the fundraising minimum requirement ($330 for adult and $130 for youth). If you do not cancel by September 28, then you are responsible for the fundraising minimum whether you participate on Walk day or not. The registration fee is non-refundable. Please note: Each walker is required to agree to the cancellation policy at the time of registration.
Is there a limit or minimum to how many people can be on a team?
Teams can be as small or as large as you want!
Does each member of my team have to raise the fundraising minimum?
Yes. Each team member participating in the Jimmy Fund Walk is responsible for their personal fundraising minimum of $330 for adult in-person walkers and $100 for adult virtual walkers (over 18 on Walk Day). Youth in-person walkers (under 18 on Walk Day) are responsible for $130 and $30 for virtual youth walkers. Please note that the fundraising minimum must be on each individual’s fundraising page and not on the team page.
Are we obligated to reach whatever fundraising goal we set for our team?
No. The team fundraising goal is a tool to motivate your team and supporters. Each member of the team is responsible for the fundraising minimum of $330, or $130 for members under 18 on Walk day for in-person walkers. Virtual participants are responsible for $100 or $30 for members under 18 on Walk day.
Can a team have more than one captain?
Teams can have unlimited Co-Captains. To designate a Co-Captain, the Team Captain must:
- Log in to your Participant Center
- Select the "My Team" tab
- Scroll to your Team Members section and select "Edit Captains"
- Edit Co-Captains as desired
Can I join or start a team if I’m already registered?
Yes! If you are registered as an individual, but want to join a team:
- Log in to your Participant Center
- Select the "Edit Profile" tab and then the "Event Options"
- Select "Join Team" and search for the team you would like to join
If you are registered as an individual, but want to start a team, contact the Jimmy Fund Walk staff at 866-531-9255 or JimmyFundWalk@dfci.harvard.edu and we will make the change.
Can a donor make a general donation to my team?
Yes. Donors can give to the general team page by searching for the team’s name or directly from the team’s fundraising page.
Why should I form a team?
Teams can be formed in honor or memory of a friend or loved one, or to represent a company, organization, group, or family. Teams are a great way to show unity and make fundraising and walking more fun.
Is participating with a team mandatory?
No. You can walk individually or with a team.
What are my responsibilities as a Team Captain?
The main role of a Team Captain is to recruit team members and encourage the team's fundraising efforts. In addition, you will have online access to customize your team's fundraising page, communicate important information to your members, and be a general resource for Walk-related questions.
How will people know I am a Team Captain?
Your name will be listed first on your team's fundraising page, with any Co-Captains listed after you. Any Team Captain or Co-Captain(s) will have a "C" next to their name. We also offer red Team Captain hats and Team Captain stickers that you can wear with pride on Walk day.
Can we make our own team T-shirts or decorate the official Walk T-shirts?
You can do either! Some teams choose to create their own team T-shirts and others personalize the official Jimmy Fund Walk T-shirts. Please note: if a Walk T-shirt is customized, you may not exchange for a different size.
If you choose to create your own shirts, please contact us for logos and approval of logo usage.
What is the Jimmy Fund Walk Hero Program? How can my team get involved?
Jimmy Fund Walk Heroes are adult and pediatric patients at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute who have volunteered to share their stories. Heroes inspire walkers leading up to, and on, Jimmy Fund Walk day.
Teams can request to be matched with a Hero in the spring prior to the Jimmy Fund Walk, and walk and fundraise in their Hero’s honor.
If your team is interested in participating in the Hero Program, please complete the Hero Match Team interest form.
For more information on the Hero Program, please contact:
Amy Lusa
617-582-8681
What is the fundraising commitment for Virtual Walkers?
Adult Virtual Walkers (18 and older on Walk day) are required to raise $100, which includes a $10 registration fee. Youth Virtual Walkers (under 18 on Walk day) are required to raise $30, which includes a $10 registration fee.
My whole family is planning to walk. Does everyone have to register?
Yes. Every member of your family is an important part of our Jimmy Fund Walk community, so we ask that all walkers register. For more information or help registering, contact us at JimmyFundWalk@dfci.harvard.edu.
What will I receive as a Virtual Walker?
Registered participants will receive a t-shirt and medal (for those who opt-in) for participating. First-time walkers will also receive a Jimmy Fund Walk hat.
Will there be any virtual broadcast or virtual events on October 1, 2023?
There will be plenty of ways to interact with the Jimmy Fund Walk community from home. Stay tuned for details!
Can I still participate in the Walk if I cannot walk on October 1, 2023?
Yes! While we are encouraging people to walk on October 1, 2023, you can complete your walk on whatever day (or combination of days!) works for you.
Will I be able to receive any promotional materials for use in setting up my virtual walk?
Yes! If you would like marketing materials (lawn signs, banners, and more) to help make your Walk more festive, please fill out our Order Merchandise form. If you have an urgent request, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can try to accommodate.
What is the fundraising deadline?
The fundraising deadline is October 31, 2023. Any walker who has not reached the fundraising commitment at this time will have the credit card they registered with charged for the difference.
How do I register as a volunteer?
Volunteer registration will open in spring 2023. Be sure to visit the volunteer page for more information.
Is there an age requirement to volunteer?
Volunteers must be 18 years or older. If you are interested in volunteering but are younger than 18, an adult chaperone must register to volunteer with you for the same shift, location, and position.
What types of jobs do volunteers have?
Volunteers assist with a variety of tasks including walker registration and check-in, food and beverage distribution, medal distribution, and bus loading. Volunteers are needed at various locations along the 26.2-mile route throughout the day, as well as at Early Check-In the day before the Jimmy Fund Walk.
If you plan to register as a volunteer for Early Check-in, Walker Bib and T-shirt Pick Up, or Pacesetter Bib and T-shirt Pick Up, you should be comfortable using technology, as you will be using an electronic check-in system.
Can I choose my volunteer position on Walk day?
Yes. Please select the opportunity, location, and time that work best for you and fill in basic contact information to register. Positions fill up quickly, so we recommend that you register early!
Can I volunteer for more than one position on Walk day?
We ask that you limit your registration to a single shift to ensure that as many volunteers as possible are able to participate in this very popular event.
Can my class, community service club, religious group, etc. volunteer together?
Of course! It is important that each group member registers individually in order to receive email reminders and updates about event weekend. Please contact Lilly Weiner for more information.
Does the Jimmy Fund Walk have opportunities for cheer squads or performance groups to get involved?
Yes! We are actively seeking groups like cheer squads, marching bands, and more. Please contact Lilly Weiner for more information.
Are there opportunities for my company/employees to volunteer?
Yes! Volunteering together is a great team building activity for your company. If your company or team is interested in corporate volunteer opportunities, please contact Lilly Weiner.
Where do we go on Walk day?
Shortly after you register online, you will receive an email confirmation of your volunteer assignment. Leading up to Walk weekend you will receive additional information regarding your role and what to expect on Walk day from the Walk staff and/or from your volunteer Site Captain. Please do not arrive more than 15 minutes before your assigned shift.
Who can I contact if I am interested in a leadership/Site Captain position?
We are always seeking volunteers who are looking to take on the additional responsibility of being a Site Captain, or lead volunteer. Please contact Lilly Weiner for more information.
How do we know who to report to?
The name of your Site Captain and any other important information will be emailed to you prior to the event.
If you are volunteering at a start location or at the Finish Line, please report to the volunteer check-in tent/table where you will receive your T-shirt and be directed to your Site Captain.
If you are volunteering at a refueling station or other location, your Site Captain will meet you there and will be wearing a Jimmy Fund Walk Site Captain T-shirt.
As a volunteer, am I held to the same fundraising minimum as walkers?
The Jimmy Fund Walk encourages volunteers to go the extra mile and fundraise on behalf of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, however, volunteers do not have a fundraising requirement or registration fee.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions about volunteering?
For more information on volunteering, please contact:
Lilly Weiner
Volunteer Coordinator, Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk
617-632-3611
What is the Jimmy Fund Walk doing in regard to COVID-19 precautions?
The Jimmy Fund Walk recommends that anyone who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (including, but not limited to, fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea), has tested positive for, been diagnosed with, or been told that you are suspected of having COVID-19, does not attend the in-person walk. We ask that participants adhere to CDC, state & local guidelines which recommend quarantine for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days. Participating in the event exposes one to certain risks, which may include, but are not limited to, injury, illness, death, and damage to self and/or property, whether from possible exposure to infectious diseases, including, but not limited to, COVID-19, exertion, weather or course conditions, vehicular traffic, and contact with other individuals.
Will masks be required by all participants?
Masks are welcomed and encouraged but based on state and local guidelines, masks will not be required.
What should I wear and bring with me on Walk day?
We encourage you to wear the Walk T-shirt provided by the Jimmy Fund. We also recommend that you wear or bring the following items on Walk day:
- Sunglasses and sunscreen—even if it's not sunny
- Extra socks (rather than cotton, try a pair made of wicking material)
- A mini first-aid kit with band-aids and pain relievers
- ID and a small amount of cash and/or credit card
- Cell phone
- Small drawstring bag or fanny pack. Please note: large bags and backpacks are prohibited along the course.
Please do not bring:
- Large backpacks or bags
- Large strollers or carriages (only collapsible carriages are permitted on buses)
- Inline skates, skateboards, bicycles, scooters, etc.
- Animals/pets (other than service animals)
Do you have a list of hotels near each start location?
Please review the list of suggested hotel accommodations for each start location and the Copley Square Finish Line.
Do you provide transportation to the start lines?
Yes! Shuttle buses bring walkers from Boston to the Hopkinton, Wellesley, and Newton starting locations in the morning. Please note: No transportation is provided to DFCI in the morning.
Shuttle buses will also be provided in the afternoon to bring participants back to all starting location parking sites, including Hopkinton, Riverside MBTA Station, Newton, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Please note: buses will not return walkers to Wellesley High School since walkers are not permitted to park at this location.
What time does the Walk start?*
Each start location has a starting period:
- Hopkinton: 5:30 – 7:30 a.m. (rolling start)
- Wellesley: 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. (rolling start)
- Newton: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (rolling start)
- Dana-Farber: Check-in 12:00 – 1:45 p.m. (Official Start – 1:45 p.m.)
*Start times subject to change.
What are the hours of the Jimmy Fund Walk Finish Line Powered by Schneider Electric?
The Finish Line area is officially open from 11:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., to make sure that we accommodate all walkers. Those who walk at a more leisurely pace usually finish before 5:00 p.m., so you have plenty of time to enjoy the festivities at the Jimmy Fund Walk Finish Line Powered by Schneider Electric before heading home.
What is available at the refueling stations, and where are they located?
Ten refueling stations are located along the route, and each one has water, restrooms, and medical support. Half of the stations will also have light snacks.
Can I run or skate the route?
No, running or skating the route is not allowed for safety reasons. We are unable to close the roads on Jimmy Fund Walk day, and the sidewalks get very crowded. Participants have an easier time staying within the designated walking area and out of the way of cars if everyone moves at a similar pace. Refueling stations are scheduled to open based on the time it takes to walk the route.
Can I bring my pet?
With the exception of service animals, no pets are allowed on the course.
Fundraising Minimum
Anyone who participates in the Jimmy Fund Walk is required to raise a minimum amount: $330, including the $30 registration fee, for participants 18 years or older; $130, including the $30 registration fee, for participants under 18. Virtual walkers are required to raise $100, including a $10 registration fee (participants 18 years or older) and $30 for virtual youth walkers, including a $10 registration fee (participants under 18).
In-person Walker vs. Virtual Walker
In-person means you’re walking on the Boston Marathon® route and virtual means you’re walking in your community.
Jimmy Fund Walk Hero Program
The Hero Program matches adult and pediatric cancer patients and survivors with teams who fundraise and walk in their honor.
Matching Donation
Hundreds of companies make matching donations to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute on behalf of their employees. Increase the impact of your fundraising efforts by submitting a matching donation form to your company today (and encourage all your donors to do the same)!
Order Materials
The Jimmy Fund Walk offers free items to download and be shipped by mail including Jimmy Fund Walk note cards, Support My Walk flyers, lawn signs, and more. They can be found on the Fundraising Tips and Tools page.
Pacesetter
Any Jimmy Fund Walk participant who raises $1,500 or more is a Pacesetter and earns certain rewards and exclusive invitations. A participant under 18 on Walk day and raises $500 is a Young Pacesetter.
Pacesetter Team
Any Jimmy Fund Walk team that raises $15,000 or more is considered a Pacesetter Team. The more money that is raised to help defy cancer, the higher the team can climb up the Pacesetter teams ladder!
Participant Center
Your Participant Center is your Jimmy Fund Walk headquarters. Log in with your username and password to update your personal or team fundraising page with your story and a photo, access donor reports, track fundraising progress, view Walk day information, check your to-do list, and send emails to your contacts.
Participant ID
Your participant ID is a unique number assigned to you when you register for the Jimmy Fund Walk. This number can be found in your Participant Center main screen. Please include your participant ID when you mail in checks to support your fundraising efforts.
Personal Donation
Making a donation to support your own Jimmy Fund Walk fundraising efforts demonstrates to your donors that you are asking them to give to a cause that you also support.
Personal Fundraising Page
Registered walkers will receive a personal fundraising page. This page can be customized with a photo or video, information on why you walk, and allows you to track your fundraising progress.
Personal Page URL
Jimmy Fund Walk participants can set up a custom link to their personal fundraising page. This can be set up in your Participant Center by selecting "Create Custom URL" in your next steps. You can then email this customized website link and/or post it on social media.
Team Fundraising Page
Each registered Jimmy Fund Walk team will receive a team fundraising page. This page can be customized with why the team walks, who they walk for, and a photo or video.
Young Pacesetter
A Jimmy Fund Walk participant who is under 18 (as of Walk day) who raises $500 or more.