Winter 2024
By Nathalie Sczublewski, Robbie Merritt
Photography by John Deputy
The WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon presented by Arbella Insurance helped strike out cancer for the 22nd year at Fenway Park in August, with the help of thousands of generous supporters from across the country. The two-day event, which features inspiring stories from patients and doctors at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, community leaders, and other special guests, raised nearly $4 million for adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber.
Broadcast live from Fenway Park Aug. 13 and 14 from 6 a.m. through midnight, the fundraiser featured Dana-Farber pediatric and adult patients who shared their stories on-air and took part in special on-field ceremonies. Threaded throughout the event were moving tributes to two Boston Red Sox and Jimmy Fund heroes who passed away over the past year: Chairman of the Jimmy Fund and Institute Trustee Larry Lucchino, and the first-ever Jimmy Fund Co-Captain Tim Wakefield.
Kicking off the fundraising each morning was a special matching challenge from Rob and Karen Hale, who pledged to match the first $775,000 raised between 6 and 10 a.m. over the two days. Other special appearances included new Jimmy Fund Co-Chairs Brock Holt and Tom Caron; Jimmy Fund Captain and Red Sox pitcher Garrett Whitlock; Red Sox Manager Alex Cora; Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman; New England Revolution head coach Caleb Porter, and many others.
“We feel extremely lucky to join the team every year at Radio-Telethon,” said Gayle O’Connell, executive vice president and CMO of the Arbella Insurance Group. “I think we all know someone who is fighting a battle with cancer, so supporting the important work that the heroes at Dana-Farber do each day is an honor for us.”
“At a time when life is more expensive than ever, our listeners, clients, and partners stepped up and gave once again!” said Mike Thomas, senior vice president and market manager of Audacy Boston, parent company of WEEI. “The athletes and celebrities who took the time to come on and help us raise money are inspiring.”
“The overwhelming generosity of our viewers and partners demonstrates the deep commitment that the audience has to fighting cancer,” said Sean McGrail, president & CEO of NESN. “Together, we will continue to make a significant impact in the lives of patients and their families.”