Marblehead's Heather Walker, Celtics VP, Dies After Spirited Cancer Fight

MARBLEHEAD, MA — Heather Walker, the Marblehead resident and former Celtics Vice President of Public Relations whose public battle with brain cancer inspired the Move4Heather campaign and last spring's Walk on Preston Beach to support those with cancer and front-line workers amid the COVID-19 crisis, died early Wednesday morning two years after being diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma. She was 52.

Walker was honored as a Celtics "Hero Among Us" on March 13, 2022, on the same day as the Kevin Garnett No. 5 retirement ceremony, for her campaign that raised more than $600,000 to fund cancer vaccine research. Weeks later, she helped lead the 2-mile walk down Preston Beach in Marblehead where more than 150 people in her hometown gathered in a show of support for those battling cancer, as well as all the teachers, students and health care workers who persevered through the challenges of the COVID-19 health crisis.

"It absolutely means so much to me," Walker told Patch in an interview shortly before the walk. "So many negative things have happened over the past couple of years. I thought this is one positive thing that could bring people together.

"Marblehead has been so supportive of me. Walking along the beach in town was one simple thing we could all do. I get goosebumps just thinking about it."

The beach walk was part of the #Move4Heather campaign that encourages people to use gestures great and small to help make a big difference in the fight against cancer. The Heather Walker Fund for Glioblastoma Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute went toward helping her doctor, Dr. David Reardon, and his work with the Neovax vaccine that Walker was using to slow the disease.

Her friends and family posted frequent updates on Walker's progress, and painful setbacks, on a Facebook page over the past two years, and announced her death on Wednesday.

"These posts have never been easy, and this will be the hardest ever," the social media post read. "Heather has let go and passed this morning at 5:43 a.m. She isn't fighting anymore and can finally rest.

"She is with so many who have gone before her that I'm sure she was welcomed with open arms. There is so much to say, but I just can't right now. It hurts too much. I love you so much, Heather. The girls, too.

"Now it's your turn to rest and be at peace."

Walker joined the Celtics in 2006 the day before legendary coach and team president Red Auerbach died — her first media call came from CNN for a reaction to Auerbach's death — and two years later she joined the team in Rome for training camp in what would become a championship season.

Her "Heroes Among Us" honor was scheduled to coincide with Garnett's return to Boston after they became close friends during his five years playing with the Celtics.

In her role as VP of Public Relations, Walker was in charge of coordinating player involvement in the community relations wing of the Celtics Foundation, as well as game-day and practice interaction between players and media, and was often the point person for visits to Boston Children's Hospital, Greater Boston Boys & Girls Clubs and other service-related events.

"Heather Walker was a boundlessly charismatic, giving and selfless soul," the Celtics said in a statement late Wednesday morning. "Every room she entered was brighter for her presence. As anyone who knew her could attest, her abundant positive energy and kindness should not be mistaken for any lack of fortitude or determination when such qualities were required.

"She thrived in chaos, always able to recognize the humor that the adventures of her life brought her. Each of these attributes were on display through the best days of her life, and remained intact, sharpened even, when she encountered her cruel diagnosis. ... She will remain part of our fabric as long as the Celtics go on."

This past fall, the Celtics produced a 45-minute-long video gift to celebrate Walker's birthday.

"Hey Heather," Celtics star Jayson Tatum said in the video. "Just wanted to say happy birthday. Thinking of you. Praying for you and your family. Can't wait to see you again in the Garden."

"I just want you to know that we're pulling for you, we love you, and we wish you a happy birthday," Celtics legend Paul Pierce added. "Keep your spirits high and we're all pulling for you.

"Love you."

(To support the Walker family amid this fight please go to this GoFundMe page here.)

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)