Eastie Residents on Jimmy Fund Walk Team Raising Money for Dana-Farber

The annual Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk to raise money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute will look a lot different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic for three East Boston residents who are part of ‘Team Richie’, and will take part in the ‘virtual’ fundraising effort. 

Eastie’s Patricia Grifoni, Donny Grifoni, and Dottie Marcella will participate in virtual programming during the Walk that aims to recreate the most inspiring elements of Walk day. While the event will not physically bring the three Eastie walkers  together along the famed Boston Marathon course, the Grifonis and Marcella will choose their own route on October 4 for the annual event. 

The Grifonis and Marcella are encouraged to walk wherever they choose–around their neighborhood, a local hiking trail, a treadmill, or anywhere else they are comfortable to help raise funds to support all forms of adult and pediatric care and cancer research at the nation’s premier cancer center. 

“You will be helping to support my goal of raising $500 for Team Ritchie,” said Marcella. “Ritchie Strangie lost his battle to cancer in June of 2018, but not without waging a courageous fight. When you make a gift to my walk, you’re directly supporting Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s unique 50-50 balance between cutting-edge science and highly compassionate cancer care. Your support allows Dana-Farber leaders to enhance programs and initiatives that serve pediatric and adult patients and their families. Thank you for supporting my participation in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk. Together, we can conquer cancer.”

This year’s event will have a lower fundraising requirement–$100 for adults and $25 for those 12 years old and younger–and everyone will pay just a $5 registration fee. Each walker who registers will receive a bib, and medal and the first 5,000 walkers to register will receive a commemorative Jimmy Fund Walk T-shirt.  

“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 conquer cancer.”

To register to walk (#JimmyFundWalk) or to support a walker visit www.JimmyFundWalk.org or call (866) 531-9255. You can also download The Jimmy Fund Walk App in Charity Miles. The app will allow you to track the miles you walk leading up to, and on Walk day, create a team and walk with your friends, family, and teammates, share your miles and activities via social media to boost fundraising, and see important Walk day news, content, training and fundraising challenges

Anyone interested in additional information can reference the Jimmy Fund Walk: Your Way frequently asked questions or can send an email to [email protected].

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