62 Newton Residents To Participate In Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk

NEWTON, MA — Sixty two residents from Newton will participate in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai on Sunday, Oct. 2.

Eliza Blay, Lauren Margolis, Nina LeDoyt, Katelyn Stevens, Eudocia Lee, Oliver Lee, Robert Soiffer, Vincent Xu, David Estabil, Ella Hurwitz, and 52 other Newtonians, along with thousands of other walkers, will participate in the annual event that will raise funds to support all forms of adult and pediatric care and cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

In its 33-year history, the Jimmy Fund Walk has raised more than $155 million for Dana-Farber.

“Throughout the past 33 years, the Jimmy Fund Walk has continuously supported life-saving research and cancer care at Dana-Farber. And the pandemic didn’t stop us,” Zack Blackburn, Director of the Jimmy Fund Walk, said in a statement. “Over the past two years, participants walked virtually and celebrated in their own unique ways. Now, we welcome them to walk the course in person. We are back, we are together, and we are stronger than ever.”

Anya Rhodes, age eight, will participate as a Walk Hero for the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk. Heroes are matched with Jimmy Fund Walk teams to give participants an opportunity to connect with patients. Anya was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and is matched with Team Anya.

“I like to rock climb, play soccer, Pokémon, Hatchimals, and to make art,” Anya said in a statement. “Some things I've learned from having cancer is that I am strong and that kindness matters.”

Participants have the flexibility to choose from four distance options: 5K Walk (3.1 miles from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute), 10K Walk (6.2 miles from Newton), Half Marathon Walk (13.1 miles from Wellesley), or Marathon Walk (26.2 miles from Hopkinton).

Participants can also choose to join the event virtually by “walking their way” from wherever they are most comfortable—in their neighborhood, on a favorite hiking trail, or on a treadmill at home. Virtual programming and supporting materials are available.

Along the course, walkers are treated to 12 refueling stations as well as poster-sized photographs of Jimmy Fund Walk Heroes displayed at each mile and half-mile marker as inspiration. All four routes of the Jimmy Fund Walk end at the Copley Square Finish Line Powered by Schneider Electric with a celebration complete with food, music, and a speaking program.

To register for the Jimmy Fund Walk or to support a walker, visit www.JimmyFundWalk.org or call 866-531-9255. Registrants can enter the promo code NEWS for $5 off the registration fee. All registered walkers will receive a bib, medal, and a Jimmy Fund Walk t-shirt.