Two East Boston residents will choose their own route on October 3, and raise money for cancer research during the socially distanced Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk.
Eastie’s Patricia Grifoni and Donny Grifoni, along with thousands of other walkers, will participate in virtual programming during the Walk that aims to recreate the most inspiring elements of Walk day.
The Grifonis, who are part of Team Ritchie, will take part in the Jimmy Fund’s “Walk Your Way” event from wherever they feel most comfortable. The Grifonis can walk in the neighborhood, on their favorite trail, or from a treadmill in their own home.
While the event will not physically bring walkers together along the famed Boston Marathon course, it will unite the community to raise funds to support all forms of adult and pediatric care and cancer research at the nation’s premier cancer center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The event has raised more than $150 million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in its 30-plus year history.
Team Ritchie has raised $3,030 so far towards their goal of $20,000 for Dana-Farber.
“I am walking the Jimmy Fund Walk to honor our dear friend, Ritchie Strangie, Jr,” said the Grifonis. “This fight never ends and we need to raise donations for research to find a cure and end this horrible disease. Please help in any way you can, no donation is too small. Thank you for all your support. Go, Team Ritchie! 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 compassionate patient care. Your support allows Dana-Farber leaders to enhance programs and initiatives that serve pediatric and adult patients and their families.”
Domnations to the Grifonis or Team Ritchie can be made at https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/TR/JimmyFundWalk/JimmyFundWalk?team_id=8919&pg=team&fr_id=1660.
“While we can’t see everyone in person this year, we are excited for the virtual programming 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.”
This year’s event will have a lower fundraising requirement, $100 for adults and $25 for those under 18, with a $5 registration fee. All registered walkers will receive a bib and medal and the first 5,000 to register will receive a Jimmy Fund Walk T-shirt.
Established in Boston in 1948 the Jimmy Fund is made up of community-based fundraising events and other programs that solely and directly benefit Dana-Farber’s lifesaving mission to provide compassionate patient care and groundbreaking cancer research for children and adults. The Jimmy Fund is an official charity of the Boston Red Sox, the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, the Pan-Mass Challenge, and the Variety Children’s Charity of New England.