Spring 2026
By Robbie Merritt
On a sunny Sunday in October 2025, the Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s signature fundraising event, crossed more than just the finish line at Boston Common. For the first time in its 37 years of fundraising, the Walk passed the $10 million threshold, raising more than $11.2 million and bringing its lifetime total to over $197 million raised for groundbreaking research and patient care at Dana-Farber.
Apart from the monumental fundraising milestone, the Walk also saw exceptional participation numbers. More than 9,300 walkers and 1,000 volunteers, made up of patients, families, nurses, doctors, and supporters, came together against cancer on the famed Boston Marathon® course, keeping energy high and helping to drive the massive success. Regardless of which distance they chose—5K, 10K, half marathon, or full marathon—participants were greeted by cheer squads lining the streets and motivational messages on every corner, like the Hero posters that feature photographs and inspirational quotes from adult and pediatric patients. Many walkers also joined virtually from their own communities.
All routes concluded at the Jimmy Fund Walk Finish Line powered by Schneider Electric at Boston Common, the nation’s oldest public park, where a lively celebration awaited finishers. There was music, food, and beverages courtesy of generous sponsors, and impactful speeches from Dana-Farber leadership, patients, and presenting sponsor Hyundai, which has supported the Walk since 1998.
Simply said, the money raised offers a chance at life. That’s the real bottom line.
Barbara Gubb
Also celebrating a milestone year was walker Barbara Gubb, who reached $250,000 in cumulative funds raised. Barbara had been volunteering at Dana-Farber for some time before finding out about the Walk, and between seeing firsthand the incredible care patients receive and experiencing personal brushes with cancer, Barbara knew she had to be part of the solution.
“In 2009, my sister, Natalie, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and my good friend Janet learned she had breast cancer. Around the same time, I discovered that I shared my late sister’s BRCA gene mutation and immediately turned to Dana-Farber for examination and treatment,” Barbara recalled. “All that motivated me to start walking in the Jimmy Fund Walk, and I haven’t stopped since.” Now, Barbara can’t imagine not walking. “The more I walk, the more important it becomes in my life,” she said. “While it helps fund research and treatment, the truth is that I get as much, if not more, in return. The Walk gives me a purpose unlike most other activities.”
Reflecting on her 17 years as a walker, Barbara celebrates her efforts and acknowledges the impact of supporting cancer care and research. “I’m very proud to have generated $250,000 over the years, but just as much credit goes to my friends and family who have been extremely generous,” she said. “Events like the Jimmy Fund Walk are so important because the funds go directly to critical research and care, creating optimism, hope, and, in many cases, survival for patients and families. Simply said, the money raised offers a chance at life. That’s the real bottom line.”