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Photo courtesy of Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk. Janet Schwartz (No. 18, left) walks in the annual Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, in honor of her son.
3-19-2023 1:03am
Westwood Resident Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award by Boston Marathon Jimmy Walk
Darlene Cancell
Editor
Thanks to Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk for contributing this news to Westwood Minute.
BOSTON — Westwood, Mass., resident Janet Schwartz has been honored with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” for her efforts in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk. Janet was among a select group of awardees recognized for their fundraising and commitment in the 34th Jimmy Fund Walk event, held in-person and virtually, this past October. The year 2022 was a record-breaking year for the Jimmy Fund Walk as the fundraising has officially surpassed $8.85 million.
More than 7,600 walkers and 780 volunteers comprised of patients, friends, family, and Dana-Farber staff and supporters came together for the event. Among them was Janet, the Team Captain of Team Todd.
Janet walks in memory of her son, Todd, who she lost in 2001 after a battle with rhabdomyosarcoma. Janet has been a consistent top fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund Walk and has been an advocate for the need for cancer research. This year, Janet personally surpassed $500,000 cumulatively raised.
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“It is incredible to witness all those who have dedicated their time, passion, and energy to supporting this event in its pursuit to continue critical research at Dana-Farber and ultimately to defy cancer,” said Zack Blackburn, director of the Jimmy Fund Walk. “Janet has demonstrated her commitment to conquering cancer and exemplifies the spirit of this event. People like Janet make this one of the most meaningful ways to honor the heroes we are walking for and inspire other walkers to join the cause.”
In 2022, participants returned to the Boston Marathon course after two years of walking virtually. Participants chose from four distance options: 5K Walk (3.1 miles from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute), 10K Walk (6.2 miles from Newton), Half Marathon Walk (13.1 miles from Wellesley), or Marathon Walk (26.2 miles from Hopkinton). Walkers could also participate from wherever they were most comfortable, whether that was in their neighborhood, on a favorite hiking trail, or on a treadmill at home.
The Jimmy Fund Walk has raised more than $167 million for Dana-Farber Cancer in its 34-year history, with 2022 raising more than $8.8 million. Funds raised from the Walk support all forms of adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The Boston Athletic Association has supported the Jimmy Fund Walk since 1989, and Hyundai has been the presenting sponsor for more than 20 years.
Anyone interested in additional information can email JimmyFundWalk@DFCI.Harvard.edu or call 866-531-9255. The October 1, 2023 Walk will be held during the Jimmy Fund’s 75th anniversary year and organizers aim to raise $9 million in the effort to prevent, treat, and defy cancer.
To register for the Walk (#JimmyFundWalk) or to support a walker, visit www.JimmyFundWalk.org or call (866) 531-9255. Registrants can enter the promo code NEWS for $5 off the registration fee. All registered walkers will receive a bib, medal, and a Jimmy Fund Walk T-shirt.
