October 2nd marked my 17th time walking in the annual Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk. Traditionally our team has walked 13.1 miles, but this year, two of us laced up to walk the entire 26.2 miles, for the very first time(!).
Team Bucky Rogers formed when my grandfather, Harold "Bucky" Rogers lost his battle to acute leukemia on August 27, 2006. Gramps was like a father to me and my best friend. Since his passing, I have vowed to always raise awareness and monetary support of cancer research and treatment. I walk because I care. I walk because I can. I walk because someday, someone might have to walk for me. But until a day comes that I physically can't, I won't stop walking.
All of our teammates have lost someone close to cancer. I have watched my best friends lose their beloved grandparents, both parents, and dear friends. In 2018, we lost our dear friend Carlos Padilla--he entered my life when my grandfather passed and together we bonded over the same love of the Red Sox that my Gramps and I had.
Last winter my "Auntie" Claire Fowler was diagnosed with a rare stage 4 neuroendocrine carcinoma. Thanks to the treatment plan she has received from Dana-Farber, they have been able to prolong her life as her cancer is incurable. Watching her battle this disease has taught me to let go of the trivial and focus making the most of each day. Claire is like a second mom to me and my sisters, and a best friend to my mom. I have never pictured a world without her in it, and thus, I dedicate this year's walk in honor of her brave battle, in honor and in memory of your loved ones, and those who will face this in the future.
It is my hope that you will join me in supporting such a wonderful cause. To date, Team Bucky Rogers has raised over $78,000. With your help, we hope to surpass $90,000 this year.
Please consider donating today, in honor or in memory of a loved one in your life. We will always proudly wear their names on our shirts on walk day.
With utmost appreciation and love,
Kimmy and Crew
P.S. Our team was featured in the local paper and on WCVB News Channel 5 in 2021. Click here to read the article, and click here to watch the interview with Doug Meehan.
