Grafton walkers honored as Pacesetters, 2012 Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk raised nearly $7 million

GRAFTON, Mass. — Seven Grafton residents were recently honored as Pacesetters for the 2012 Boston Marathon^® Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai. Pacesetters are dedicated walkers who last year raised at least $1,250 each for Dana-Farber. The Grafton Pacesetters laced up their sneakers and collectively raised nearly $13,200 of the nearly $7 million in last year’s Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, which supports adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

On March 10, the Pacesetters were recognized at the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk’s Extra Mile Brunch at the Boston Marriott Copley Place. In 2012, 1,386 of the 8,000 walkers achieved Pacesetter status.

“We are grateful to everyone involved in the 2012 Walk, especially to the Pacesetters, who are committed to raising a significant amount of money to benefit the advancement of research and treatment for all types of cancer,” said Ann Beach, director of the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk.

The Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, a one-day charity walk that supports all cancers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, gives participants the unique opportunity to walk the historic Boston Athletic Association’s (BAA) Boston Marathon route and to raise money for Dana-Farber. The BAA has supported the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk for 25 years.

To register for the 25th anniversary Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk on Sept. 8, or to support a walker, visit www.JimmyFundWalk.org or call (866) 531-9255. Registration is easy and walkers can enter the discount code NEWS for $5 off the registration fee. An expected 8,500 people will participate in the event with the goal of raising more than $7 million. Since 1989, the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk has raised nearly $87 million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

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.  This year celebrates the 60th anniversary (#JFRedSox60) of the Jimmy Fund and Boston Red Sox relationship, and represents one of the most remarkable partnerships between a team and a charity in the history of professional sports. The Jimmy Fund is also the official charity of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, the Pan-Massachusetts 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.