Christian Wheeler named Jimmy Fund Walk Hero

Christian Wheeler, 4, of Hopkinton, has been named a Hero of the 23^rd annual Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai.

As a Walk Hero, Wheeler will inspire nearly 9,000 participants to walk up to 26.2 miles along the historic route of the Boston Athletic Association’s Boston Marathon.

Witgh many starting in Hopkinton, these particpants will raise money for lifesaving adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and its Jimmy Fund.

The Walk, slated for Sept. 18, aims to raise $7.5 million. Since its 1989 inception, the Walk has raised more than $73 million.

Wheeler was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in June of 2010 and is being treated at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Jimmy Fund Clinic.

 The Walk Hero Program matches Dana-Farber patients with Walk teams.

It offers an inspiring opportunity for walkers to connect with children and adults who are being treated for cancer.

Being a designated Walk Hero is an exciting experience for children and adults that distracts them from their treatments while introducing them to new friends who will be among their biggest cheerleaders.

The Walk Heroes become a part of a large group of people committed to fighting the disease for which they are being treated.

Walkers offer companionship and support to the patients and their families.

On Sunday, July 24, Walk Heroes, their families, and the teams walking for them will meet for the first time at the Hero Match Party at Fenway Park.

There, they will get to know each other, play games, have lunch, and take in a Red Sox game.

They will also create personalized and inspirational posters that will be displayed at the Walk’s Copley Square Finish Line on Sept. 18.

“Walk Heroes encourage participants to keep walking and enable them to have a personal connection with the miles they’re logging and dollars they’re raising,” says Ann Beach, director of the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk.

 To register for the 23^rd annual Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk on Sunday, Sept. 18, to support a walker, or to volunteer, visit www.JimmyFundWalk.org or call 866-531-9255.

About the Jimmy Fund

The Jimmy Fund supports Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, helping to raise funds for adult and pediatric cancer care and research and improve the chances of survival for cancer patients around the world.

It is an official charity of the Boston Red Sox, as well as 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 more information, visit www.jimmyfund.org.