Receives Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk “Walker of the Year” award
MEDFORD, Mass. – Donald Ferry, 45, of Medford, is a champion fundraiser for the Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai, a one-day charity walk that raises funds for the Jimmy Fund for all cancers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. On March 23, he was recognized as the Walker of the Year at the Walk’s Extra Mile Brunch, an event that celebrates Pacesetters, walkers who raised more than $1,500 each.
Earlier this month, he was also honored during Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund’s Third Annual Summit on Fundraising. The Annual Summit on Fundraising is an opportunity for the charity’s top fundraisers to come together to hear the latest advances in cancer from Dana-Farber’s doctors and researchers, network with fellow fundraisers, and learn exclusive fundraising tips from the pros at the Jimmy Fund. The award at the third Annual Summit on Fundraising was presented by WCVB-TV/Channel 5 Boston’s Pam Cross.
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The Walker of the Year winner is nominated by walkers and volunteers, and is given to a walker who stands out among participants as a dedicated fundraiser who inspires others and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to help Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund conquer cancer.
Ferry was motivated to register for the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk because his family has had a history with lung cancer. Prior to the event he lost two uncles, his paternal grandmother and more recently an aunt to the disease. His mother, Sylvia Ferry, 72, of Medford, was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in August 2011 and is part of a clinical trial at Dana-Farber to help prevent her cancer from spreading.
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“I’ve had a string of people in my life, some smokers, some non-smokers, who were diagnosed with lung cancer and I’ve seen its grave affects,” says Ferry. “Their experiences have heightened my awareness about the need for funding to advance cancer research and treatments. My mother is on a clinical trial that is helping keep her alive. Without funds raised through events such as the Jimmy Fund Walk, she would not be able to afford the exceptional treatments she has received at Dana-Farber. Nor, would such treatment options likely exist.”
As a Two-Star Pacesetter, a participant who raises $2,500 or more, Ferry is a top fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund Walk. Last year, he walked the full 26.2-mile route as part of Team Lung Cancer, a group of 38 walkers representing doctors and other Dana-Farber employees as well as friends and families affected by lung cancer. Ferry was nominated for the Walker of the Year award by several of his teammates who were inspired by his enthusiasm and commitment to the cause as a first-time participant.
“We are grateful to everyone who participated in the 2013 Jimmy Fund events, especially to Walk Pacesetters, who are committed to raising awareness and funds to benefit the advancement of cancer research and treatment,” says Suzanne Fountain, director of the Jimmy Fund.
On Sunday, Sept. 21, Ferry will join more than 8,500 participants in what will be his second experience walking in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai. The 2014 event goal is to raise more than $7.5 million, bringing the Jimmy Fund Walk’s 26-year fundraising total to more than $100 million.
“Participating in the Walk is truly a unique and rewarding experience as you become united with thousands of strangers, each with moving stories about how cancer has affected their lives,” says Ferry. “These stories coupled with seeing my mother’s face at the finish line are what fuel my desire to continue walking for the cause. I am honored to receive the Walker of the Year award but feel that everyone who participated is a walker of the year.”
The Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk gives participants a unique opportunity to walk one of four routes along the historic Boston Athletic Association’s (BAA) Boston Marathon® route and to raise money for Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund.
To register for the 26th annual Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai (#JimmyFundWalk) on Sept. 21, 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.
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. 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-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.
About Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (www.dana-farber.org) is a principal teaching affiliate of the Harvard Medical School and is among the leading cancer research and care centers in the United States. It is a founding member of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, designated a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute. It provides adult cancer care with Brigham and Women’s Hospital as Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center and it provides pediatric care with Boston Children’s Hospital as Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Dana-Farber is the top ranked cancer center in New England, according to U.S. News & World Report, and one of the largest recipients among independent hospitals of National Cancer Institute and National Institutes of Health grant funding. Follow Dana-Farber on Facebook: www.facebook.com/danafarbercancerinstitute and on Twitter: @danafarber.
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