Marblehead, Swampscott Family Members On 'Team JJ' For Jimmy Fund Walk

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — A Mablehead mother and great aunt from Swampscott are taking part in this year's Jimmy Fund Walk as part of "Team JJ" in honor of a 3-year-old boy undergoing cancer treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Beth Shribman is a longtime participant in the annual Jimmy Fund Walk, but this year the effort hits close to home as she joins Samantha Weiss, JJ's mother, on Team JJ after the boy was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma last year.

JJ underwent a craniotomy to remove most of the tumor in his brain. As a result, he suffered from Posterior Fossa Syndrome and was nonverbal for a long time. He needed to relearn how to use his arms and legs and is undergoing high-dose chemotherapy.

"The biggest gains he has made in his recovery are when he goes home and runs after his twin brother and baby sister," Weiss said. "Just this past weekend, after months in a wheelchair, JJ walked across the kitchen in a moment of triumph. The hospital and clinic were instrumental in enabling him to be home, even if it was just for a day.

"This year, with every step we take, we will continue to help with JJ’s battle and so many others. We walk for the siblings who miss their brothers and sisters, and for all the parents who would do anything to trade places with their child."

The 2025 Jimmy Fund Walk will take place on Oct. 5, and raises funds to support all forms of adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Participants have the flexibility to choose from four distance options: 5K walk (from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute); 10K walk (from Newton); Half Marathon walk (from Wellesley); Marathon walk (from Hopkinton). Walkers can participate virtually, as well.

The Jimmy Fund Walk has raised more than $185 million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in its 36-year history.

Those wishing to support Team JJ can do so here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)