Poppies With Purpose's Fundraising Page

Welcome to Team Poppies with Purpose, where we lace up our shoes with determination and courage as we participate in the 2024 Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai, our team is making every step count toward the ultimate finish line: a world without cancer.

Your support goes directly to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s unique balance between cutting-edge research and compassionate patient care. Funds raised through the Jimmy Fund Walk enable Dana-Farber leaders to enhance programs and initiatives that serve pediatric and adult patients and their families.

Poppies with Purpose is a shoe brand dedicated to brightening the spirits of those impacted by cancer, we understand the power of color and hope in the face of adversity.

The journey began for founder Lisa Carlin with a single, life-altering moment: hearing the words "you have breast cancer." For anyone who has experienced this, it's a moment of disbelief, questioning how such a diagnosis could be possible. But for her, like too many others, the reality set in, and she found myself thrust into a world of uncertainty and fear.

In her late 30s, with a loving family and no history of cancer, she faced the daunting task of fighting this disease head-on. With the unwavering support of her husband,  two young daughters, and a team of dedicated doctors, she embarked on a journey of learning, fighting, and ultimately overcoming cancer.

Hoping that a double mastectomy would be the end of her treatment, she soon discovered that more challenges lay ahead. Eight doses of chemotherapy followed by six weeks of daily radiation awaited. It was a grueling regimen that tested her strength and resolve every step of the way. As the reality sank in that she would lose her long hair, a symbol of femininity and identity, she felt painfully defeated.

But amid darkness, she found a glimmer of light. Lisa made a decision to wear her bright pink ballet flats to each treatment session, a small but powerful gesture that lifted her spirits and reminded her of the courage within. The vibrant color served as a beacon of hope in the sterile hospital environment, sparking conversations with fellow patients, nurses, and doctors alike. It connected her to her young daughters, who proudly wore their own pair of pink shoes in solidarity.

Those shoes became more than just footwear; they were symbols of bravery and resilience, reminders that she possessed the strength to overcome whatever challenges lay ahead, bald head and all. They served as a source of inspiration not only for her but for those around her, igniting a sense of hope and empowerment in the face of adversity.

With each step, I honor the resilience of those battling cancer and the unwavering support of organizations like the Jimmy Fund. Together, we walk with courage, determination, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.