Locals take to the streets to fund cancer research

Date: 9/15/2021

WESTERN MASS. – October is just around the corner, and for many, this means raising money for cancer research through The Jimmy Fund Walk. After successfully re-branding the walk last year as the “Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk: Your Way presented by Hyundai,” the organization, which raises funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, is continuing host a virtual walk out of an abundance of pandemic precaution.

The Jimmy Fund Walk has raised over $150 million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in its more than 30-year history. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a world-renown research and treatment resource, working through the Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center and Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center.

Several locals will be among the thousands of participants to map a 26.2 miles course of their choosing and complete the walk Oct. 3.

Sue Kline, of Longmeadow, has participated in the Jimmy Fund Walk for over a decade. She began participating when a friend suggested it to her. She had done the Rays of Hope Walk for breast cancer research at Baystate Health in the past and decided to get involved in the Jimmy Fund Walk, as well.

“It really is having someone say, ‘I think this is something you would find important and find fun,’” Kline said of getting others involved. She remarked that she will often suggest it to people who have been touched by cancer in some way. “Everyone wants to be able to do something concrete.”

Kline, herself, has received care through Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Rather than solicit donations for the walk, she said, she and her husband make a contribution each year.

For the second year, she and other participants from Longmeadow are walking 1.5-mile laps around a field in neighboring East Longmeadow. Kline walks the 13.1-mile option for the fundraiser.  

“It’s hard to match the excitement of walking the Boston Marathon Course,” Kline said, but added, “The cause supersedes who is [walking], or the route, or the weather or anything else.”

Wilbraham resident Susan Burk agreed that not walking the traditional course and meeting other participants changes the event, but that it’s the cause that matters. “It’s not the same as the real walk, but the real important thing is raising money for research into cancers and helping people.”

Burk completes the walk on her own. She began 30 years ago by challenging herself each year to walk the whole length, what she called “philanthropic fitness.” Over the years, she said, it has become more about raising money to fight cancer.  

“I’ve got people I’m thinking about and reminding myself of why I’m doing it,” Burk said. She also keeps a list with names of contributors in her pocket while walking.

Last year, the course she mapped out around her neighborhood was hilly and she walked 18 miles. This year, she said, the course will be mostly flat on sidewalks throughout town. “I might have to do some areas twice because we don’t have 26 miles of sidewalks in town,” Burk said with a laugh. “It’s a long journey, but a good journey.”

Burk said that because she is turning 75 this year and it is her 30th year walking, she hopes to raise $7,530. “It is an ambitious goal. I hope that I get donations on my page,” Burk said, referring to the official Jimmy Fund Walk website.

Other are residents participating in the walk are Betsy Bertuzzi, William Packard and Lori Polep of Longmeadow, Jillian O’Toole and Ellen Shapiro of East Longmeadow and Ellen Phillip and Scott Trombly of Hampden.

The organization’s goal for the virtual walk is “to recreate the most inspiring elements of Walk Day,” despite participants not coming together physically.

“While we can’t see everyone in person this year, we are excited for the virtual programing which will give participants the opportunity to support breakthroughs in cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,” said Zack Blackburn, director of the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk. “Together, from a safe distance, we will take critical strides in the journey to defy cancer.”

To learn more, visit https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org. To donate to a walker, click donate at the top of the page and type in the participant’s name.