Disclosure:“I participated in an Ambassador Activation on behalf of Influence Central for the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.”
Why I’m participating in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk
Though I’m only 33 years old, my life has been touched by cancer more times than I care to admit. I’ve seen friends and family members fight like ancient warriors in a fierce battle against a malignant enemy. All fought with every bit of strength they could muster, and I could not feel more blessed to have (or have had, in some cases) these people in my life. They’ve shown me what it means to have the heart of a warrior and to never give up hope, even in the darkest and most bleakest of moments.
One person that I really want to mention who not only fought to the end, but continued to put his family first despite his courageous battle was my mom’s dad, David.
This man in the photo below is my grandpa.
(My grandpa always had an awesome smile.)
My grandpa fought his battle with cancer for many years, and held on as long as he did the year of his passing, in order to give my grandmother and the rest of our family in Georgia one more Christmas with him. He got to watch my cousin get engaged and watch her stomach expand as her unborn daughter grew inside her.
He held on through the pain that controlled his body, and inspired all of us with how strong he was even through the toughest of moments.
(My grandpa YEARS ago, before I was born, I believe.)
I was lucky enough to see my grandpa a few months before he died, and I will never forget that week. It’s forever etched in my mind, and as I sit here writing this post, so many emotions and memories are washing over me.
I remember how skinny my grandpa was in comparison to the man I remembered from my childhood. Though his body wasn’t as I remembered, his personality had not changed.
The same smile. The same laugh.
Unfortunately, during our visit, he ended up back in the hospital. The last time I saw his face was from where he lay on his hospital bed. Even then, he tried to make us all feel better even though we, including him, knew what the end result would be.
(Thank you, grandpa, for all you did, and the smiles you gave us all. You will forever live on in our hearts and minds.)
(Photo credit: John Deputy)
My participation in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk is in memory of my grandpa and for all the others in my life who have been touched by this awful disease. Hopefully one day there will finally be a cure that will be available to all.
If you would like to donate, or would love to participate in the walk, either virtually or in person, please read below for more info.
(Official Jimmy Fund swag!)
Where do your donations go?
For every $1 that is donated to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. $.90 will go towards cancer research funding, cancer treatments, clinical trials, support survivorship programs, etc. The remainder of the money will be used for fundraising activities and events.
Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk info:
- Presented by Hyundai
- When: September 27, 2015
- Where: There are four locations from which you can start.
- Hopkinton – 26.2 miles
- Wellsley – 13.1 miles
- Boston College – 5 miles
- Dana-Farber – 3 miles
- Walk ends at Copley Square where there will be food and music
- You can also participate virtually if you are unable to attend in person.
Fundraising info:
The walk website contains a variety of tools to help you successfully raise money. Ideas include personalized letters and emails, share info on social media, including Facebook, etc.
Sign up for the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk. Enter discount code BLOG to save $5 on your registration fees.
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