Published in the September 3, 2019 edition.

BOSTON — Fourteen residents from Wakefield will walk one of the four designated distances along the historic Boston Marathon course this September in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai, which raises the most money of any single day walk in the country.

Michael Dotto, Shira Faigel, Margaret Leshen, Howard Faigel, Dina Trueheart, Daniel Fantasia, Joan Boodry, Kathy Scanlon, Laura Garrity, Tricia Desrocher and four other Wakefield residents will join 9,000 expected participants in the annual event, which takes place Sunday, September 22. Money raised from the Jimmy Fund Walk will support adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at the nation’s premier cancer center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The event has raised more than $135 million over 30 years. The Boston Athletic Association has supported the event since 1989, and Hyundai has been the presenting sponsor since 2002.

Walk Heroes are matched with Jimmy Fund Walk teams to give participants an opportunity to connect with patients. Wakefield resident Gina Gebhard is a Walk Hero for the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk and will help inspire walkers along the course. Walkers are greeted by poster-sized photographs of Walk Heroes displayed at each half mile along the 26.2-mile Boston Marathon course. Gina was diagnosed with breast cancer and soft tissue sarcoma and is being treated at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Gina writes, “Every day is a gift. Don’t forget to have fun and stop to smell the roses along the way.” Gina is matched with Walk team Such Devotion.

“The Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai gives participants the opportunity to personally support breakthroughs in cancer care and research at the renowned Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,” said Zack Blackburn, director of the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk. “Every step taken in walking and fundraising in our 30-plus year history is a step forward in the journey to conquer cancer.”

There is a distance option for everyone. Participants can choose from any of the below four distances along the historic Boston Marathon course:

5K Walk (3.1 miles) from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; starting at 1:45 p.m.

10K Walk (6.2 miles) from Newton); rolling start from 10:00 a.m. to Noon

Half Marathon Walk (13.1 miles) from Wellesley; rolling start from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Marathon Walk (26.2 miles) from Hopkinton; rolling start from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.

All distance options conclude at the Copley Square Finish Line where participants receive a commemorative 2019 Jimmy Fund Walk medal and celebrate with teammates and volunteers. As Walkers cross the finish line, they will be cheered on by volunteers and fellow walkers. There will be inspiring speakers, games, music, food, and other fun activities.

All walkers must raise a minimum of $325, except for walkers 12-years-old and younger whose fundraising minimum is $125. Pacesetters are extraordinary fundraisers who raise $1,500 or more, or $500 or more for those 12-years-old and younger. There is also a Virtual Walker option for those unable to attend the event on September 22, who still want to support the cause.

To register for the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk (#JimmyFundWalk), to support a walker, or to volunteer, visit www.JimmyFundWalk.org or call (866) 531-9255. Registrants can enter the promo code NEWS for $5 off the registration fee. Walkers who do not have a team to join and want to walk with others from their town are welcome to contact the Jimmy Fund Walk to connect them with other walkers in their area.