Eleven Grafton residents will join the thousands of walkers on Oct. 5 to raise funds supporting cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, aiming to reach a goal of $9.5 million.

“For 36 years, the Jimmy Fund Walk has been a cornerstone of support for lifesaving cancer research,” said Caitlin Fink, vice president of the Jimmy Fund.

The Jimmy Fund, established in 1948, is a vital supporter of Dana-Farber’s mission to reduce the burden of cancer through groundbreaking research and compassionate care with strong community engagement and partnerships including the Boston Red Sox.

The local walkers are Cathryn Williams, Colleen Caron, Anjali Paranjape, Mary Legere, Brian Langevin, Kelly Magowan, Maria McManus, Bill Nash, Deborah Peak, Kelly Gannon and one other Grafton resident.

The event, which takes place along the Boston Marathon ® course with four different distance options, celebrates hope and community commitment to fighting cancer with virtual participation available. Participants can register via JimmyFundWalk.org and receive medals, T-shirts and bibs. Posters of Walk Heroes along the route will cheer the walkers on, culminating festivities at the Boston Common. 

To register or support a walker, visit JimmyFundWalk.org.