On October 6, I will participate in this important event for the 9th time. This year will be bittersweet for me. My amazing younger brother, Richard Fox, began his cancer journey in the Head and Neck Department at Dana Farber in 2010 and ended his battle this past October, the day after the 2023 Jimmy Fund Walk.
Richard fought his cancer for close to 14 years and became a fierce advocate not only for Dana Farber but also for the many cancer warriors he met over the years. He battled his own disease and he also helped others fight theirs. He approached each day as a great gift. Richard loved his Tuesdays at Dana Farber. His positive attitude endeared him to the medical professionals who cared for him.
Richard was a great supporter of the Jimmy Fund Walk. He completed the 10K for many years when he felt stronger and became a virtual walker later when his health declined. When my husband, Marshall Gould, was diagnosed and treated for the very same cancer that afflicted my brother, I decided I would give back to Dana Farber by raising money and doing the walk. Richard and I loved sharing our fundraising numbers. It was my greatest wish for him to be healthy enough to do the 10K with me, but sadly that never happened.
I cannot say enough about the wonderful care that my brother and my husband received from the Head and Neck team at Dana Farber. My family feels so grateful that we have had access to this world-class facility that treats not only the disease, but also the whole person.
This will be a special year for me. I am dedicating my Walk to my wonderful little brother. I miss him every day, but I know that it would be important to him that I walk for both of us in the years to come. It is my goal to continue raising the money that will fund the research that will someday make this a cancer-free world.
Thank you for supporting my participation in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk and honoring Richard. It means everything to me.
