Summer 2026
By Kathy Clute
Photography by B.A.A. & MarathonFoto and Bryce Vickmark
Every year, thousands of patients, friends, and families come together to give back, build community, and fuel Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s exceptional care and revolutionary research through a variety of events and activities.
Running the Boston Marathon® for the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team in April or participating in the annual Jimmy Fund Walk for Dana-Farber presented by Hyundai in October are two ways to contribute to our mission while having fun outdoors. Both events aim to raise nearly $19 million this year in support of Dana-Farber’s efforts to prevent, treat, and defy cancer.
I did the marathon on Monday and got chemo the next day.
Tim Kelly
Tim Kelly said about running the Boston Marathon® in 2023 while being treated for follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma. “It was amazing to turn the corner from Hereford onto Boylston and cross the finish line.”
When his cancer recurred in 2025 and he joined a clinical trial at Dana-Farber, he decided to tackle the storied race again with the encouragement of his daughters. In April, the Boston biopharma executive ran for the second time on the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team, raising tens of thousands of dollars for cancer research and care.
“I am benefiting from people who made donations years ago, and I am living the value of investing in cancer research,” said Kelly. “Innovation is happening very quickly so that new treatments allow you to continue living your life while also improving survival.
In 2025, Pam Gagnon was involved in a clinical trial for stage IV metastatic breast cancer when she was nominated to be a “Walk Hero,” one of many patients whose story inspires those participating in the Jimmy Fund Walk for Dana-Farber.
“At the time, I wasn’t sure if I’d even be able to walk a mile because I was in active treatment, but when the team nominated me as their Walk Hero, I knew I needed to try,” the New Hampshire resident said. “Having access to trials at Dana-Farber allows me to keep fighting, and the fundraising gives other people like me more opportunities to keep fighting.” she said. “The people walking and the supporters along the route sent a warmth through me that I didn’t think I’d feel during my cancer journey.”