The Jimmy Fund at 75
Jimmy was a boy, saved from cancer by Dr. Sidney Farber in 1948. 75 years later, Jimmy is every patient, doctor, nurse, researcher, and supporter at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute who defies cancer thanks to the ongoing support of the Jimmy Fund community.
Read MoreWhile the Jimmy Fund has grown considerably since 1948, it has always remained a community: A grassroots movement of people of all ages and backgrounds organizing runs, walks, bike rides, golf tournaments, video game livestreams, bake sales, and lemonade stands to bring people together and raise money for cancer research and care.
Since the original Jimmy shared his story through a radio broadcast at his hospital bedside in Boston on May 22, 1948, inspiring donations from across the country, the generosity of millions has helped the Jimmy Fund directly support Dana-Farber’s mission of turning groundbreaking research into lifesaving treatment. In the past 75 years, the Jimmy Fund has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for Dana-Farber, funds which have led to innovations in cancer therapies, clinical trials, research tools, survivorship programs, and compassionate care initiatives.
Together, we have continued Dr. Farber’s promise to never accept the incurability of cancer. Together, we celebrate 75 years of progress, impact, and dedication to creating a more hopeful, cancer-free future. Together, we’re all Jimmy.
From our patients to our doctors, nurses, and donors, together,
we’re all Jimmy.
A Note From Larry Lucchino
As President and CEO of the Boston Red Sox for many years, and Chairman of the Jimmy Fund since 2016, I’ve long been aware of how passionate this community is. I’ve also seen the power it holds from both sides: as a supporter and participant, in my role as Chairman; and as a patient, first in 1985 when I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and twice more in recent years.
What the Jimmy Fund community has been able to accomplish together over 75 years for cancer research and care at Dana-Farber—the benefits of which I have experienced firsthand—is nothing short of monumental. I’m honored to celebrate this milestone with you, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds as we continue to defy cancer.
The Jimmy Fund – Past and Present
Left: Cyclists gather at the Sturbridge, Mass., starting line for the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), late 1980s.
Right: Billy Starr (center left), founder and executive director of the PMC, presents a check to Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund for $69,000,000 in 2022, the largest single donation in Dana-Farber history.
Top: Cyclists gather at the Sturbridge, Mass., starting line for the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, late 1980s.
Bottom: Billy Starr (center left), founder and executive director of the Pan-Mass Challenge, presents a check to Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund for $69,000,000 in 2022, the largest single donation in Dana-Farber history.
Engage with Us
Become part of the Jimmy Fund community by learning more about our history and the events that continue to raise funds and awareness to help change the lives of patients and their families facing cancer.
CowParade New England
Learn MoreWEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon
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