HAVERHILL — Next month, folks from across the state are expected to raise millions for cancer research, including two Haverhill families whose biggest inspirations will be cheering them on every step of the way.
A total of 24 Haverhill residents are registered to participate in the 38th annual Jimmy Fund Walk for Dana-Farber Sunday, Oct. 4, joining the pack of thousands of others in a fundraising event supporting cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Among the crowd will be Haverhill’s Walk Heroes, Abigail McCarthy and Taylor Laroche. Walk Heroes are adult and pediatric patients who are there to show a little spirit, providing motivation to the walkers along the course. They are matched with teams of walkers who lace up in their honor. Walkers will make their way along the Boston Marathon course, with participants choosing from four distance options, ranging from a 5K to a full marathon.
McCarthy, 3, was diagnosed with infantile fibrosarcoma when she was just 8 weeks old. Her family immediately took her to Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund Clinic for treatment, and by the time she was 2, she had no sign of disease. Those loved ones will be walking as part of her family team, “Don’t Worry, Be Abby.”
“From the very first day we entered the Jimmy Fund Clinic, we were surrounded by hope, love and compassion,” the McCarthy family wrote. “We would never have imagined that just over two years later, Abby is a happy, healthy toddler who spends her days keeping up with her brother George, pretending to be a princess, and play(ing) outside as much as she can.”
Don’t Worry, Be Abby has set a fundraising goal of $5,000, and they are near the finish line with $4,487 raised as of Thursday.
Laroche, 18, was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, and has been matched with her family, Team Taylor. Their group has contributed an additional $1,815 to the fundraising effort.
“The Jimmy Fund Clinic staff and amazing nurses made sure I felt cared for and fearless,” she wrote. “In my life in remission, I enjoy spending time with my family and hanging out with friends, and I plan to head to college!”
At the annual Jimmy Fund Walk last year, attendees broke the fundraising record and collected more than $11.2 million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
“Each year, the Walk brings our community together in a powerful way, with people of all ages supporting Dana-Farber’s groundbreaking research and patient care,” Jessica Abbott, assistant vice president of the Jimmy Fund, said.
“For more than three decades, this event has been a celebration of hope, where every step helps fuel breakthroughs, support patients and inspire people.”