Curing Cancer is a Family Affair for These Burlington Residents
Some families play board games together on the weekends; others like to lounge by the pool. But one Burlington family takes quality time a step further.
When Joe McPherson was diagnosed with kidney cancer, he wanted to do everything he could to build a future with improved treatment options and survival rates. He knew the best way to achieve this dream was to support cancer research with direct dollars. And, gregarious, generous, and family-oriented Joe also knew he could motivate his family and friends to rally around him and support this cause.
In 2015, Joe assembled the first "I'm With Joe" team to participate in the Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk. Since then, the walk has evolved, and now the team of around 40 participates in the "Walk Your Way" walk along the beach on Cape Cod. "It's so much more personal than walking with 8,000 people in Boston," said Joe's wife, Annie McPherson. And people of all ages are participating, including 9-year-old Burlington residents, and Joe's granddaughters, Marin and Rose McPherson. Sadly, kidney cancer took Joe's life in 2022. But Annie, sons Matthew and Ryan, and a host of their family and friends have continued the tradition of walking to raise money for cancer research, down to the annual gift to participants—a special touch initiated by Joe. "We're just so fortunate that people drive all the way from Burlington, Boston, Concord...to walk with us," said Annie.
Now, in their 10th year of walking, the team is hoping to cross a threshold they never could have imagined. With this year's contributions, "I'm with Joe" is striving to reach $400,000 total raised. You can support the McPherson family in meeting their ambitious goal using this direct link. The walk is on October 6, but fundraising will be open until the end of October.
The Jimmy Fund Walk, which benefits Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, is in its 35th year. “Fighting cancer is what we do," says Caitlin Fink, Assistant Vice President of Event Fundraising, noting that the walk has raised $176 million to date and a record-breaking $9.5 million last year alone. "The Walk unites our community under a common goal—to defy cancer together.”
To register for the Walk (#JimmyFundWalk), 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 Jimmy Fund Walk T-shirt.
