Photo: Kyle Bray/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Thousands of walkers came together Sunday to raise money for cancer research.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute hosts the annual Jimmy Fund Walk along the Boston Marathon route. The event has raised more than $185 million since it began in 1989. This year the event organizers said they hope to raise $9.5 million more especially with cancer research funding in jeopardy under the Trump administration.
"Philanthropy has never been more important. We're making sure that we the money to keep that needle moving in terms of research. So its days like today that, you know, really make the progress possible even in times of uncertainty," said Jessica Abbott, Jimmy Fund Assistant Vice President.
Every fall, participants like Jerry join the walk to honor someone they love. He's been doing the walk for a decade to remember his wife who died of cancer and has built a strong community here over the years.
Read More: Boston's Bluebikes Have Become Pink For Breast Cancer Awareness Month
"We see the same folks coming down and from when we first started. Now it's grandparents, parents, and kids in strollers," Jerry said. "So it's really nice to see and I got a nice email from a friend of mine who's been donating. He just said it's so wonderful you keep up her memory and raise money for a good cause."
Abbott said that while dealing with an issue like cancer, people can feel helpless. Events like the Jimmy Fund can provide people with some sense of control.
"Often times you feel like you are helpless, to you know, you're not a doctor you can't cure cancer, but you can walk you can raise money. You can donate and you can help out that way," said Abbott.
WBZ NewsRadio's Kyle Bray (@KyleBrayWBZ) reports.