Millis resident Scott Oliver has registered for the Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk to raise awareness for healthy living, cancer research, and community connection.  

 Scott began his cancer fighting journey a few years ago when he joined the Relay for Life in honor of his friend’s father who had been battling cancer. Once Scott was on the course, he was amazed by the community of people who were all walking under one common goal—to defy cancer. 

“Being a part of that community and hearing everyone’s stories was a life-changing experience,” Scott says. “I learned so much that night about not only myself, but the importance of community. By sharing our stories that night, a bond and connection was formed. Something changed me.” 

After being inspired by the Relay for Life, Scott knew he wanted to continue the fight just a little bit closer to home with this year’s Jimmy Fund Walk. “I grew up here in Boston and I’m very familiar with the Jimmy Fund, the Red Sox, and all the work Dana-Farber does,” Scott explains. “I have lost some family and friends to cancer and I thought joining the Walk would be good way to get involved and raise a little bit of awareness.” 

Scott is excited to challenge himself to the full marathon route this October. “I want to see if I can do it,” he jokes. “But you may have to bring a shovel to get my butt off of the pavement somewhere in Wellesley.” 

In order to get prepared, Scott goes on two mile walks each weekday and five-to-six-mile walks on the weekend. He has met some cool people during his routine walks and has enjoyed seeing the Millis community. He hopes that his involvement in the Jimmy Fund Walk can help others see a path forward in their health journey. He has lost over 50 pounds through walking and loves to stay active and promote healthy living. “I walk for those who can’t,” he explains. 

The 2024 Jimmy Fund Walk will take place on Sunday, Oct. 6, and raises funds to support all forms of adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at the nation’s premier cancer center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Whether participating for themselves, loved ones, neighbors, or co-workers, each walker shares a common purpose: to defy cancer and support breakthroughs that will benefit cancer patients around the world. 

Participants have the flexibility to choose from four distance options: 5K walk (from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute); 10K walk (from Newton); Half Marathon walk (from Wellesley); or Marathon walk (from Hopkinton). Walkers can participate virtually, as well.

The Jimmy Fund Walk is presented by Hyundai and has raised more than $176 million for Dana-Farber Cancer in its 35-year history, raising a record-breaking $9.4 million in 2023. To register for the Walk (#JimmyFundWalk) or to support a walker, visit www.JimmyFundWalk.org or call (866) 531-9255.

 

Submitted by The Jimmy Fund Walk