Grafton’s Williams celebrates 22 cancer-free years on the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk
Cathryn Williams isn’t going to let a pandemic stop her from walking in her 12th consecutive Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk.
Heck, she’s even planning to go the distance while 8.5 months pregnant.
Williams’ dedication to the walk comes from experience — 22 years ago, she was a young cancer patient, and research funded by the Jimmy Fund saved her life.
“Thanks to the efforts of the researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, I have had those 22 years to live my dreams—graduating college, getting married, becoming a mom, and getting my doctoral degree,” Williams writes in a news release.
While Williams is walking to celebrate her own health, she also believes the Jimmy Fund Walk is a great way to raise awareness and funds for ongoing treatment and research.
“Two birds with one stone,” she said. “I am definitely a multitasker, haha.”
The walk takes place on October 4 but COVID-19, as with everything in 2020, has made it a little different. Rather than walking along the 26.2 mile Boston Marathon course route, Williams and other walkers will be creating their own courses, using an app to track their miles — whether they’re on a treadmill, a neighborhood sidewalk or a nature trail.
The Jimmy Fund Walk has raised more than $145 million in its 30+ year history. Find Williams’ donation page here.
Since her diagnosis, Williams has received her doctoral degree in psychology.
“Initially, my experience with childhood cancer inspired me to want to be a medical doctor,” she said. “For my senior project in high school, I was able to have an informal internship on the same floor at Children’s Hospital Boston where I received treatment and it was during that experience that I found myself drawn more to the interpersonal aspect of medicine, which helped guide my decision to pursue psychology.”
To register for the Walk (#JimmyFundWalk), to support a walker, or to volunteer, visit www.JimmyFundWalk.org or call (866) 531-9255.
