Community Corner

Grafton Residents In Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk

Mark Leahy, Rebecca Cintron and Anjali Paranjape join thousands raising money for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute on Sunday, Sept. 23.

GRAFTON, MA—Some 18 residents from Grafton walk up to 26.2 miles along the historic Boston Marathon course this September in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk.

These residents— Mark Leahy, Rebecca Cintron, Anjali Paranjape, Rajpinder Braich, Kim Drapkin, Esha Paranjape, Robin Sommers, Normand Crepeau, Timothy Myers, Maria McManus, Tricia Ross, Suneetha Pochiraju, Ann Davidson, Andrew Davidson, Nina Scott, Cathryn Williams, Rao Kandukuri, and Radhika Prabhu—join 9,500 expected participants in the annual event, which takes place Sunday, Sept 23.

The goal for the walk is to raise more than $9 million. The money goes to the Jimmy Fund for adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at the nation’s premier cancer center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The event has raised more than $128 million in its 30-year history.

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“The Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk gives participants the opportunity to personally support breakthroughs in cancer care and research and join the extended Dana-Farer team responsible for these developments,” said Zack Blackburn, assistant vice president of the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, in a statement. “Every step in walking and fundraising in our 30-year history is a step forward in the journey to improve people’s lives.”

Walkers can choose from four routes along the course:

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- Marathon Walk (26.2 miles from Hopkinton); rolling start from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.

- Half Marathon Walk (13.1 miles from Wellesley); rolling start from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

- 10K Walk (6.2 miles from Newton); rolling start from 10:00 a.m. to Noon

- 5K Walk (3.1 miles from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area); starting at 1:45 p.m. This route will include many patients and their families.

Walkers are treated to 12 refueling stations along the course as well as poster-sized photographs of inspiring Walk Heroes at each mile and half mile marker, said the announcement. All routes conclude at the Copley Square Finish Line where participants can celebrate with food, live entertainment, and a speaking program.

All walkers must raise a minimum of $325, except for walkers 12 years old and younger whose fundraising minimum is $125. Pacesetters are extraordinary fundraisers who raise $1,500 or more, or $500 or more for those 12 years old and younger. There is also a “Virtual Walker” option for those unable to attend the event.

To register for the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai (#JimmyFundWalk), to support a walker, or to volunteer, visitwww.JimmyFundWalk.org or call 866-531-9255. Registrants can enter the promo code NEWS for $5 off the registration fee.

Photo via Shutterstock

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