Wendy Tyra recognized for her dedication to the Jimmy Fund, supporting adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
BOSTON — Wayland, MA, resident Wendy Tyra was recognized with “Dana-Farber Employee Award: Staff Spotlight” for her efforts in the Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai. Wendy was among a select group of awardees recognized for their fundraising and commitment in the 35th Jimmy Fund Walk event, held this past October. 2023 was a record-breaking year for the Jimmy Fund Walk, as the fundraising has officially surpassed $9.4 million.
More than 8,400 walkers and 700 volunteers came together for the event. Among them was Wendy, who started the Walk in 1996 in honor of her daughter, Elizabeth, who was being treated at the Jimmy Fund Clinic at Dana-Faber. “Today, I walk to celebrate that she is 31 years old—a happy, healthy adult,” Wendy writes. “I also walk in honor and memory of friends and family who have been treated for cancer through the years.” Wendy works at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Information Security.
“It is truly remarkable to see the dedication of individuals who have invested their time, passion, and energy in supporting this event, furthering critical research at Dana-Farber,” said Suzanne Fountain, vice president of the Jimmy Fund. “Wendy has demonstrated her commitment to defy cancer and exemplifies the spirit of this event. We are proud to honor Wendy with the ‘Staff Spotlight’ award to recognize all she does for Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund.”
In 2023, participants walked along the Boston Marathon® course and had 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 could also participate virtually, as well.
The Jimmy Fund Walk has raised more than $176 million for Dana-Farber Cancer in its 35-year history, raising a record-breaking $9.4 million in 2023. Funds raised from the Jimmy Fund Walk support all forms of adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at the nation’s premier cancer center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The Boston Athletic Association has supported the Jimmy Fund Walk since 1989, and Hyundai has been the presenting sponsor for more than 20 years.
The 2024 Jimmy Fund Walk will be held on Sunday, October 6 in Boston. To register for the Walk (#JimmyFundWalk) or to support a walker, visit www.JimmyFundWalk.org or call (866) 531-9255. Registrants can enter the promo code NEWS for $5 off the registration fee. All registered walkers will receive a bib, medal, and a Jimmy Fund Walk T-shirt.
About the Jimmy Fund
The Jimmy Fund is comprised of community-based fundraising events and other programs that, solely and directly, benefit Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s lifesaving mission to provide compassionate patient care and groundbreaking cancer research for children and adults. The Jimmy Fund is an official charity of the Boston Red Sox, the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, the Pan-Mass Challenge, and the Variety Children’s Charity of New England. Since 1948, the generosity of millions of people has helped the Jimmy Fund save countless lives and reduce the burden of cancer for patients and families worldwide. Follow the Jimmy Fund on Facebook, X, and Instagram: @TheJimmyFund.
