On Sunday, October 5, Janice Russell, a cancer survivor, Westwood resident, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) employee, will be undertaking her 32nd Jimmy Fund Walk, an event now in its 37th year.
Ms. Russell will be among 24 residents from Westwood and one of thousands of participants who bring their personal stories with them as they walk their choice of a 5K, 10K, or marathon distance along the Boston Marathon course to raise funds for research, prevention, and treatment of cancer.
"Walk Day is more than just an event—it's a celebration of hope and the shared commitment of the Jimmy Fund community,” said Caitlin Fink, vice president of The Jimmy Fund.
This year, Jimmy Fund Walk organizers hope to raise $9.5 million. Ms. Russell, as she has for 32 years, is supporting that goal. She has also added one of her own. As of last year, her team had raised over $500,000. She says her team aims to repeat that achievement and bring their total raised to $1 million.
In the question and answer section that follows, Ms. Russell explains her commitment after more than three decades of participating in the Walk, and shares what motivates her to continue.
Can you describe in a few sentences the experience of the Jimmy Fund Walk?
Russell: It is an experience full of emotions –
Happiness to be part of such a special event that touches so many people.
A day to reflect upon many who have passed from cancer.
An incredible sense of accomplishment knowing – regardless of how many miles you walk or the amount of money raised – it truly goes to an incredible place, supporting the mission to cure cancer.
What is your connection to the Jimmy Fund Walk, and how long have you been walking?
Russell: This will be my 32nd year walking.
My sister-in-law, Ilze, asked me to walk with her. She had participated in one walk and was looking for someone to join her for her second year. She was walking in honor and memory of her dad, who was treated at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
I, of course, said, “Yes, I will walk with you.”
My journey then started and has not stopped.
To take this story full circle, I walked several years with my sister-in-law, then established our walk team. Many years later, Ilze was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma, treated and cared for at DFCI, and unfortunately, she passed away on October 10, 2010.
My brother joined our team walking after she passed away.
What is your motivation to walk?
Russell: I walk to give something back to Dana-Farber as an employee.
I have witnessed the positive outcomes through research and discovery related to curing cancer over the past 37 plus years.
I also am a breast cancer survivor, treated at DFCI in 2018.
I continue to walk in memory and in honor of so many, too many to list.
Can you share a memorable moment from this event? When was it and what happened?
Russell: Crossing the finish line, after the 26-mile journey as a patient was the hardest. I had gone through a few surgeries, chemo and radiation, and crossing the finish line six months post-treatment was so emotional and empowering.
How did you feel?
Russell: Proud that I could still do the full route, but I was emotionally and physically exhausted. 😊
What have you learned?
Russell: Don’t be shy to ask for a donation – it is okay for someone to decline. Be respectful of that. You won’t know if somebody will donate until you ask!
Would you like to share anything else?
Russell: I am honored to have accepted my first job out of college at Dana-Farber, and still be here, hoping to continue my career until I retire from DFCI, while I continue to participate in the walk every year.
If a cure for all cancer is found, that would be the best way to lose my job. Maybe then we will no longer need the walk!
Thanks to Janice Russell for sharing her story with Westwood Minute. If you are interested in learning more about Ms. Russell’s fundraising effort, you can visit her walk page. Interested in volunteering? Submit a volunteer interest form for next year's walk.
Sunny, with a high of 27 and low of 9 degrees. Sunny during the morning, overcast in the afternoon and evening, clear overnight.
14° and Clear