College students unite to fight cancer

Jimmy_Fund_DAnce_Party
Dance groups, a bouncy castle, and other fun activities have been planned to inspire participants to stay on their feet for the full 12-hour cancer fundraising event.

When she was nine-years-old, Jennifer learned how cancer can impact a family. Her three-year-old sister, Allison, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Sadly, Allison passed away only four days after her diagnosis. Although she is gone, Allison will never be forgotten. Her smile, laughter, and love live on in Jennifer’s memory.

“Allison is my motivation to fight cancer and support Dana-Farber patients and their families by raising funds for the Jimmy Fund,” said Jennifer, a nursing student at MGH Institute of Health Professions.

Jennifer is one of many college students from across New England who will unite to fight cancer on April 2 at the Jimmy Fund Dance Party presented by Capitol One. The inaugural event brings together campus teams from schools including Babson, Boston College, Boston University, Brandeis University, and The College of Holy Cross, to dance the night away in support of cancer research.

Stephen, pictured here with his mother, is passionate about supporting cancer research and has also participated in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk
Stephen, pictured here with his mother, is passionate about supporting cancer research and has participated in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk.

The 12-hour dance marathon will feature a wide variety of music from throwback jams to the latest top 40 hits. Participants will also enjoy performances by dance groups, a bouncy castle, and be able to compete in a series of challenges throughout the evening. It is a unique way for college students to make a difference in the lives of Dana-Farber patients like Stephen, another participant.

Diagnosed with non-Hodgkin T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia in 2014, Stephen knows firsthand what the funds he raises will support. For the last two years, Stephen has been receiving cancer treatment at Dana-Farber. Today, the college sophomore is excited to share that he has less than a month of active treatment left.

“As a Dana-Farber patient, it holds great importance to me (as well as my family) to support the institution that saved my life,” Stephen said. “This event is one of the many ways in which I can express the gratitude I have for Dana-Farber and all that they have done for me and fellow cancer patients.”

Register for the Jimmy Fund Dance Party and dance to conquer cancer on April 2. Use promo code BLOG to receive $5 off of registration.

Katie Connors
Account Manager/Writer, Development Communications