The James Rosatto Walk on Water took place June 10, and was a great success according to organizer Stacy Egan VanPutten.
The walk was part of the family’s healing journey after losing James, an East Boston resident, to liver cancer only a few weeks after diagnosis.
The purpose was to honor James by doing something he did every day while at the same time raising funds for Dana Farber Cancer Institute Liver Cancer Early Detection and Screening.
In a statement from Dr. Abrams, the doctor in charge of the initiative stated, “My research efforts are focused on liver cancer early detection, prevention, and surveillance. In partnership with a muti-disciplinary team, we are working on numerous studies, including the world’s largest liver cancer prevention study, which aims to better understand who is at greatest risk for developing liver cancer and why. Philanthropic support enables us to follow patients longitudinally, collecting blood, stool, antigen, and biomarker samples. These patient samples provide important clues as to who is at greatest risk for developing liver cancer and the best ways to screen for it in the future. For patients and families who are waiting for the next breakthrough, we look to the partnership between medical science and philanthropy to help shape the future of care. Thank you for your commitment to this important work in memory James.”
As a first-year fundraiser the team did an amazing job exceeding their goal of $5,000 for Dana Farber Cancer Institute, rounding up over 75 participants. “It brought a tear to my eye looking down the beach to a “sea of green”, the color to represent liver cancer, said Stacy VanPutten. “I know my dad did not want for much in terms of material things. This was the perfect birthday gift, to see his family and friends walking his walk. I think he would have been really touched”. James’ wife Isabel Rosatto added comment to the rain holding out making the walk a comfortable temperature for all who participated. “It started out as a damp morning, not really a beach day that turned into a perfect walking morning”
The organizers hope to bring the community together every year to support this important cause. “Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves walking their own pace and distance. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning in June. For me, the finish line is always a greatest moment. This year pizza was sponsored in part by Bianchis. That helped me pick up the pace a bit,” said Stacy. She also wanted to thank the numerous sponsors and people who participated. “Two years ago this cause was not at all on my radar. Now it is my commitment of service. Organizing the walk also helps me keep my dad present every day. I am eternally grateful to you all.”