Hero 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.
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 2023.
Meet the 2023 Jimmy Fund Walk Heroes
Andrew
Read Andrew's Quote
"The Jimmy Fund Clinic will always be a place of hope for me. When I was so scared after my diagnosis, everyone at the Jimmy Fund Clinic was so nice and helpful. I used their positive energy to get through all my appointments. I am better because of the amazing team of people that cared for me. Now I am able to ski, play basketball, play my clarinet and oboe, and look forward to lots of opportunities to come."
Anne
Read Anne's Quote
"As a current stage IV breast cancer patient, I know personally the power of research. I am hopeful that with continued improvements in research, I can keep running more marathons, see my daughter grow up, and continue enjoying life!"
Anya
Read Anya's Quote
"I like rock climbing, swimming, and art. The Jimmy Fund helped me get through cancer treatment and allowed me to do more of the things I love."
Avery
Read Avery's Quote
"Throughout Avery's two years of treatment, the team members at the Jimmy Fund Clinic have been there for us through everything. We are so grateful for the care Avery has received and the friendships she has made. She loves going to the Jimmy Fund Clinic and playing with her friends each week!"
Barbra
Read Barbra's Quote
"Without Dana-Farber, I would not be here. They are truly the best! Whatever I can do for Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund, I do it. I am all about paying it forward and giving back because I would not be here without them. I provide peer support to cancer patients and I volunteer with cancer patients. Thank you, Dana-Farber. I am truly blessed."
Ben
Read Ben's Quote
"Ben was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) in September 2022. He says 'I love the Jimmy Fund, they take such good care of me.'"
Bob
Read Bob's Quote
"I am so grateful for the compassion and care I have received at Dana-Farber Milford. Keeping a positive attitude and following the guidance of my health care team has made a big difference to me."
Cael
Read Cael's Quote
"Dana-Farber's Jimmy Fund Clinic means everything to us. Cael loves to go there because every staff member shows love to him. Cael is a really happy child who is battling his treatment with a smile on his face."
Casey
Read Casey's Quote
"Casey was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in December 2021. He loves learning about the ocean, especially whales and sharks. When he grows up, he wants to be a chef, and likes to use play food to cook for his family, teachers, and nurses. He is super friendly, and has been playfully nicknamed "the Mayor" at both daycare and at the Jimmy Fund Clinic."
Celia
Read Celia's Quote
"The Jimmy Fund Clinic has become a second home to our daughter over the course of the last two years. The comfort and love there is contagious and she always looks forward to her visits to the hospital!"
Chloe
Read Chloe's Quote
"I loved the child life team while I was at the Jimmy Fund Clinic. They were always really nice and really FUN!"
Christina
Read Christina's Quote
"This will be my third year walking for the Jimmy Fund. I love to raise as much money as I can for this amazing hospital. I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else for my Lynch syndrome. All of the doctors and nurses make the difference."
Christopher
Read Christopher's Quote
"My amazing team at Dana-Farber was by my side through over a year of post-op treatment, and has followed me ever since—for me, they define compassionate care."
Cora
Read Cora's Quote
"Our family is forever grateful for the love and support that we received at Dana-Farber's Jimmy Fund Clinic. We are so lucky to have access to world-class care for Cora, from the doctors and NPs, to the nurses and clinical assistants, to the social workers, child life specialists, and many more! We could not have gotten through this leukemia journey without them."
Deborah
Read Deborah's Quote
"I love being with my friends and family. I live in a 55+ community and keep busy playing bocce and cornhole, along with other community activities."
Diane
Read Diane's Quote
"Dana-Farber has saved my life more than once. Being a volunteer concierge for 10 years there helped me to focus on other people and increased my positive attitude. I am grateful and blessed for so much in my life which, without Dana-Farber, I wouldn't be here to enjoy."
Emelie
Read Emelie's Quote
"I love going to Dana-Farber because all of the people are so friendly and nice. They always come and say hello to me. I love doing all of the crafts and fun activities. There are always new things to do every time I go."
Emily
Read Emily's Quote
"I enjoy crafts, building Star Wars Legos, and learning about history. I always look forward to visiting with Kate in the Teen Room and picking snacks and toys from the Evan's Cart at the Jimmy Fund Clinic."
Gary
Read Gary's Quote
"Dana-Farber and the money raised through Jimmy Fund activities have given me and many others access to innovative options to treat our cancers. The dedicated and compassionate doctors, nurses, researchers, and support staff have given me the hope that my cancer treatment will give me more time to travel and be with family and friends."
Jen
Read Jen's Quote
"Since being diagnosed, I have joined Dana-Farber's patient advocate program, and I am continually inspired by the brave and strong people who work with Dana-Farber researchers and doctors to search for a cure."
Joanne
Read Joanne's Quote
"We are not defined by cancer, but by the strength and courage it takes to fight and the humanity we show along the way."
Julie
Read Julie's Quote
"This is my seventh year walking 26.2 miles for cancer research at Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund. Last year, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, became a patient, and received amazing care from the doctors and medical staff. I will continue to walk for Dana-Farber."
Justyna
Read Justyna's Quote
"I’m a blessed wife, mother, veteran, and airline pilot who enjoys golfing and 'radiating positivity.' I’m eternally grateful for the lifesaving surgery and life-sustaining treatments/follow-up care I continue to receive from Dana-Farber. Many thanks to the Jimmy Fund for ALL they do in their efforts to help defy cancer. God Bless!"
Kate
Read Kate's Quote
"My favorite things are art, Latin, and playing with my dog. Go Jimmy Fund!!"
Kathryn
Read Kathryn's Quote
"My medical team has supported me at every single moment following my diagnosis last August. They have encouraged me and helped me return to college to finish my degree while on active treatment. The Dana-Farber team has shown me that life doesn't have to stop when you get cancer."
Ken
Read Ken's Quote
"Cancer is a tough opponent, but thanks to the awesome team at Dana-Farber, I'm winning during retirement with hiking, biking, traveling...and playing pickleball! Game on!!"
Kieran
Read Kieran's Quote
"Kieran likes to play hockey, baseball, golf, basketball, soccer, and is learning all about football, too! Our favorite part of the Jimmy Fund Clinic is seeing Wally, playing pretend doctor, arts and crafts, and singing and dancing!"
Linda
Read Linda's Quote
"I have been a patient at Dana-Farber since 2015 and have been blessed with the most remarkable team of oncologists, nurses, and researchers providing care for my cancer. As a result, I have been able to achieve life milestones, and it’s my hope to continue with purpose and gratitude for all that we have received at Dana-Farber."
Lindsay
Read Lindsay's Quote
"Dana-Farber has been a place where I have received support from multiple departments. Practitioners at the Zakim Center, social workers, chaplains, and my oncology team have worked with me on finding strategies to improve my comfort and quality of life."
In Memory of Lisa
Read Lisa's Quote
"A diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme came with the devastating prognosis that fewer than 5% of patients live more than five years with this brain tumor; Lisa survived for 11 years after her initial diagnosis. We are forever grateful to Dr. David Reardon and her incredible neuro-oncology team at Dana-Farber for allowing her to surpass that statistic. Lisa’s hope was that one day a world without cancer would exist, and we continue walking to make that hope a reality."
Mark
Read Mark's Quote
"Dana-Farber gives me a sense of security. The Jimmy Fund is a way for me to give back and help others who are going through the same thing I am. I am hoping to be able to watch my two boys grow up."
Megan
Read Megan's Quote
"I have been a patient at Dana-Farber since 2018. The treatment I am receiving now allows me to fight with hope, and that is made possible by the support of the Jimmy Fund and so many others."
Mia
Read Mia's Quote
"I love music, arts and crafts, and bunnies. I want to be a chef when I grow up. I also want a pet bunny. I have a sister, Hannah, and a brother, Aidan. The Jimmy Fund Clinic is a special place and I love my clinic family."
Michele
Read Michele's Quote
"I am a wife of 27 wonderful years and the proud mother of two amazing young men. I am also a sister and an aunt, and my greatest joys in life have always come from my family. When things looked darkest more than five years ago with my initial diagnosis, my phenomenal and compassionate care team at Dana-Farber helped me to move forward with an abundance of hope and an overwhelming sense of happiness with every new day, every new memory, and every new step on this journey."
In Memory of Nick
Read Nick's Quote
"Sometimes life is hard but that isn't an excuse to give up."
Nicole
Read Nicole's Quote
"I am so appreciative of Dana-Farber and their young adult resources that I have used as a 25-year-old breast cancer patient. My experience will help me be a better nurse and spread awareness to others my age."
Norma-Rose
Read Norma-Rose's Quote
"I like playing games at the Jimmy Fund Clinic and playing 'Norma-Rose Rules' while waiting for my appointments."
Olivia E.
Read Olivia's Quote
"Liv is spunky, fun, energetic, kind, and brave. Spider-Man is her hero and she wants to be him when she grows up. She loves cakepops, rainbows, and the solar system. The Jimmy Fund Clinic has become a special place for us. Liv enjoys going because they always go out of their way to make it fun and exciting, even when it can be scary. She is so strong and is kicking cancer's butt! In the words of her favorite superhero, 'I believe there's a hero in all of us.' – Spidey"
Olivia P.
Read Olivia's Quote
"You don't have to be brave,
you just have to keep trying.
You don't have to be strong,
you just have to keep going.
Maybe your superpower is refusing to give up, even on your weakest days."
Pinh
Read Pinh's Quote
"I am 62 years old from Easthampton, Mass. My hobbies are fishing, kayaking, gardening, playing cornhole with my league, 413 Cornhole, and spending time with my three grandsons. Before my cancer diagnosis, I worked as a head finisher for more than 35 years. Currently, I am enjoying living the best and back-to-normal retired life thanks to the amazing care team in Boston."
Quinn
Read Quinn's Quote
"The Jimmy Fund Clinic provides comfort and reassurance when you need it most. Quinn loves taking part in fun events to help other kids just like her."
Ramie
Read Ramie's Quote
"Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund have saved Ramie's life, along with our entire family's lives. Our world would be much different without Ramie in it. Ramie enjoys all outdoor activities and playing with his friends. He's not sure what he will be, but whatever it is, it will be great."
Reylyn
Read Reylyn's Quote
"Today, I'm a freshman in high school in health careers shop working toward my CNA certification. I am pursuing this because of the amazing care I received from my Jimmy Fund Clinic team of nurses. I hope to work there one day and help kids like me get through the tough days."
Sabine
Read Sabine's Quote
"Sabine loves to come early to the Jimmy Fund Clinic to play in the resource room and do arts and crafts and see her friends. As parents, we love Dana-Farber for the treatment excellence and for the care and support offered to our whole family by every clinician and staff member."
Samara
Read Samara's Quote
"I enjoy doing all kinds of art projects at home, school, and the Jimmy Fund Clinic. I also love to cook, play with Legos, shape Playdough, and watch TV with my family."
Sienna
Read Sienna's Quote
"Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund have helped Sienna feel safe, strong, and included in her care. Sienna loves pretend play, dancing, and meeting new friends."
Stephanie
Read Stephanie's Quote
"I'm here and healthy today because of the incredible care I received at Dana-Farber, and especially the inflammatory breast cancer team. Thanks to this dedicated team and research funded by the Jimmy Fund, I am able to continue my passion for scuba diving, travel, and underwater photography."
Stephen
Read Stephen's Quote
"Entering my fifth year of my battle with cancer, I have gone through highs and lows. Thankfully, Dana-Farber and Brigham and Women’s Hospital have been with me and my family every step of the way, offering encouragement and working hard to find cures. The Jimmy Fund Walk is one way to give back to the nurses and doctors working so hard for us patients and I am proud to be a Jimmy Fund Walk Hero. Thank you to my family, and especially to my wife, Janet."
Tianna
Read Tianna's Quote
"The Jimmy Fund means me feeling better and getting to play with my friends and family. I want to be a doctor when I grow up."
Violet
Read Violet's Quote
"'I like to play with the doctor stuff in the playroom.' Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund were our backbone during the most difficult time of our lives. We are forever grateful for the support they provided our family during Violet's treatment."
Walter
Read Walter's Quote
"We are thankful for the Jimmy Fund Clinic because of how they have made an immeasurably wonderful impact on our family’s life. From world-class care, to looking out for our own personal well-being in times of difficulty, and everything in between, we wouldn’t have been able to get our son ready for his first day of school without the Jimmy Fund Clinic."
Warren
Read Warren's Quote
"Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund have been such a blessing to our family. The care that our son, Warren, has received there has been incredible, and everyone is always so welcoming and kind. We are so lucky that we live only a few hours away and get to be treated at one of the best cancer hospitals in the world. Now that he is old enough, Warren loves visiting the resource room and playing—the musical instruments are always a favorite!"
