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Photo courtesy of Jimmy Fund Walk for Dana-Farber. Westwood residents were among over 9,400 walkerswho participated in the October 4, 2026 Jimmy Fund Walk for Dana-Farber to raise funds for cancer care and research.
10-11-2026 12:48am
Westwood Residents Step Up to Support Cancer Care and Research
Darlene Cancell
Editor
Along with more than 9,400 walkers, about 25 Westwood residents participated in the 2026 Jimmy Fund Walk for Dana-Farber, held along the Boston Marathon course on Sunday, October 4, to raise funds for cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Westwood residents who participated included Diana Bezdedeanu, Lisa Fireman, Cara Szczebak, Tara Travers-Araque, and Janice Russell, said event organizers.
After participating virtually for the first time six years ago, this year was Diana Bezdedeanu’s first time walking in person.
“I didn’t really understand how great Dana-Farber was until receiving care there,” said Ms. Bezdedeanu, who shared that she was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin lymphoma in August 2025. “I found out that Dana-Farber has a great Young Adult Program and have made lifelong friends there. There’s nothing like the people who understand it because they’re going through it just like you are.” She said she is doing as much as she can to support those services.
Photo courtesy of Jimmy Fund Walk for Dana-Farber. Ribbons with names and short messages form a ribbon wall to encourage walkers participating in the Jimmy Fund Walk for Dana-Farber.Walkers on Sunday were cheered on by spectators and inspired by the Walk’s “Heroes” - adult and pediatric patient partners – whose images appeared on posters set along the course.
Westwood resident Cara Szczebak was motivated to walk by her 6-year-old nephew, Tyler, who received an unexpected diagnosis of leukemia earlier this year. She expressed gratitude for the medical care and emotional support her family has received, and the “programs that make an impossible journey just a little bit easier for children like Ty and their families.”
Event organizers said this year’s fundraiser is on track to reach its $10 million fundraising goal, following last year’s walk’s historic milestone of raising more than $11.2 million. They noted that in the walk’s 38-year history, more than $200 million has been raised.
“Each year, the Walk brings our community together in a powerful way,” said Jessica Abbott, assistant vice president of the Jimmy Fund. “For more than three decades, this event has been a celebration of hope, where every step helps fuel breakthroughs, support patients, and inspire progress.”
Photo courtesy of Jimmy Fund Walk for Dana-Farber. Participants and supporters gather at the finish line of the Jimmy Fund Walk for Dana-Farber, in this photo from a previous year's walk.Thanks to the Jimmy Fund Walk for Dana-Faber for sharing its news for this Westwood Minute article.
