BOSTON – On Sunday, Sept. 21, the Rollins family of Southwick will join more than 8,500 people in the Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk.
Walkers are expected to raise more than $7.5 million for the Jimmy Fund for lifesaving adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This year’s event will bring the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk’s 26-year fundraising total to more than $100 million.
The Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk raises the most money of any single-day walk in the nation.
Michael Rollins said his family began walking in 2011 because his daughter works for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Even though they started walking to support her work, they continue to walk and raise money because of the people they help.
“Everybody’s family has someone who has had cancer,” said Rollins, citing his brother-in-law and his aunt as two examples of people in his family who have battled the disease.
Rollins said the walk offers two options to its participants – a half-marathon 13.5-mile walk and a five-mile walk.
“I do the five-mile because I’ve had two strokes,” said Rollins.
Despite his own physical limitations, Rollins said he will continue to raise funds and walk because of the children who benefit from the fundraiser.
“Along the route they have pictures of kids, so you know who you’re walking for,” he said.
The funds raised by walkers in the one-day fundraising event directly benefit New England residents, as well as patients across the globe affected by all types of cancer. Doctors and scientists worldwide use treatment and research advances made at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to care for their patients and to conduct research.
Walkers can choose from four routes along the historic course: Hopkinton 26.2-mile, rolling start: 5:30 to 7:30 a.m.; Wellesley High School 13.1-mile, rolling start: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; Boston College 5-mile, rolling start: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 3-mile: 1:30 p.m., which will include many patients and their families.
Walkers starting from Dana-Farber are escorted by members of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association. The Jimmy Fund has been the official charity of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association since 1953.
For those who would like to fundraise, but are unable to attend the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk there is also a Virtual Walker option.
Rollins said anyone who wishes to make a donation through him can visit www.JimmyFundWalk.org and search for his name, or, he said people could become irtual walkers and raise even more.
The Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk is the only event, other than the Boston Marathon®, that is sanctioned by the Boston Athletic Association to use the official marathon name and historic 26.2-mile route. For 26 years, the Boston Athletic Association has supported the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk.
All walkers agree to raise a minimum of $300 in contributions, said Rollins,except for walkers 12 years old and younger, whose fundraising minimum is $100.
“Last year we raised almost $1,200 and so far I’ve raised $350 and my daughter has raised $500,” said Rollins.
Pacesetters are extraordinary fundraisers who raise $1,500 or more. Pacesetters, the heart and soul of the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, receive special benefits and recognition for their commitment to the event. In 2013, there were more than 1,100 pacesetters.
Participants may walk as individuals or as part of a team. Teams are made up of friends, neighbors, colleagues, and businesses. Many teams walk in honor of someone currently battling cancer or in memory of someone lost to the disease. In 2013, there were 950 teams.
Walkers enjoy refreshments at 12 refueling stations along the course, as well as a celebration at the Copley Square Finish Line complete with food, music, and a speaking program.
On the evening of Sept. 21, the Prudential Center and The Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge will glow in red and yellow to mark the 26th annual Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk.
To register for the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk on Sept. 21, or to support a walker, visit www.JimmyFundWalk.org or call (866) 531-9255.
