Sherborn resident chosen as Dana-Farber Cancer Institute patient partner

Mimi Gallagher, 50, a patient of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, has been named one of the patient partners for the BURGER KING and Valvoline Instant Oil Change A Chance for Kids & Families program. Gallagher lives in Sherborn with her husband Joe and daughters Paige, 15, and Caroline, 13. All proceeds from this program benefit adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Gallagher never missed a gynecologist appointment. Her maternal grandmother died from ovarian cancer in her early 70s, and Gallagher, then 46, was well aware of her risk. Despite her diligence, and years of worry-free trips to the gynecologist, the mother of two was diagnosed with stage III c ovarian cancer.

Troubling symptoms in July 2012, including bloating, constipation, and lethargy, led Gallagher to visit her gynecologist, primary care physician, and a gastrointestinal specialist, but, she says, “Ovarian cancer was never on anyone’s radar.” However, a vaginal ultrasound soon confirmed her cancer, and she was referred to a surgeon who removed all visible signs of cancer.

Gallagher and her husband were shocked: “Within four days, I went from a stay-at-home, active mom to a cancer patient about to undergo a nine-plus hour surgery.

After surgery, Gallagher received four months of intraperitoneal chemotherapy, during which chemotherapy drugs are injected directly into the abdomen through a catheter. Dr. Panos Konstantinopoulos was her oncologist. Gallagher made it through this intensive therapy with the support of her husband, friends, and daughters, and finished active treatment on December 12, 2012 – now her lucky number.

From July 27 through Sept. 6, customers can help fight cancer by contributing $1 to the Jimmy Fund through the A Chance for Kids & Families program at participating BURGER KING restaurants in six New England states and throughout Delaware, New York, and New Jersey, and at participating Valvoline Instant Oil Change locations in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.

With each contribution, customers will receive a promotion card with prizes ranging from an all-inclusive trip from TNT Vacations powered by Funjet Vacations, a hot tub from New England Spas, a Sea-Doo® personal watercraft, American Airlines AAdvantage® miles, theme park tickets, Valvoline Instant Oil Change discounts and free services, and food prizes from participating BURGER KING restaurants. No purchase is required.

Now in its 16th year, A Chance for Kids & Families has raised more than $11.9 million for Dana-Farber. A Chance for Kids & Families helps fund adult and pediatric cancer research and care at Dana-Farber. The innovative research benefits cancer patients in New England as well as patients around the world.

About the Jimmy Fund

The Jimmy Fund (www.JimmyFund.org) solely supports Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, raising funds for adult and pediatric cancer care and research to improve the chances of survival for cancer patients around the world. The Jimmy Fund is the 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. Since 1948, the generosity of millions of people has helped the Jimmy Fund save countless lives and reduce the burden of cancer for patients and families worldwide. Follow the Jimmy Fund on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thejimmyfund and on Twitter: @TheJimmyFund.