Medway resident, Lori Bulpett, registered for the  Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai when she was about six years old to honor her friend, Ellen, who was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma and came to Dana-Farber for treatment. Unfortunately, Ellen passed away in August 2020 but her friend’s diagnosis led her into a life of caring for others. 

“Diagnosed at an early age with Ewing’s Sarcoma, Ellen bravely fought for her life, always with a smile and without complaint within a loving family and supportive community,” the obituary describes. “When her cancer unexpectedly returned after the birth of her second daughter, she used the same determination and strength to fight this disease head-on and live within every moment she could, not knowing what may lie ahead. She leaves an indelible memory of strength, courage and grace.” Before she passed, the community rallied together to give Ellen the wedding of her dreams. 

“Ellen’s diagnosis actually led us both down a path in healthcare,” Lori writes. “Her nurses at the time were incredible. I remember them bringing us some syringes and bandages so that we could ‘play nurses’ together. We decided shortly after her treatment that we would both be nurses, and we’d drive to work together in a half pink, half purple Volkswagen beetle. Our plans changed a bit over the years: she became a CNA, I focused more on public health, and we drove normal colored cars.” 

Keeping her promise to her dear friend, Lori is now a Health Education Communications Specialist in DFCI’s Clinical and Professional Development group. “We develop educational content for patients, and using principles of health literacy, break down complex medical terminology into easier-to-understand descriptions,” Lori writes. “I feel every day at Dana-Farber inspires me to do more for our patients. The patients are always in my mind as I do my work, participate in or volunteer at more events, and now I try to donate blood regularly too!”

Lori participates in the Jimmy Fund Walk not only to honor Ellen, but for all those who have been diagnosed with cancer. “I walk to raise money for the important research being done in developing treatments, earlier detection methods, and awareness efforts,” Lori describes. “I’ve walked several times over the past ~24 years! I walked more when I was younger with mine and Ellen’s families. Now that I’m a Dana-Farber employee, I hope to walk every year.” 

Lori is a co-captain of the Dana-Farber employee-led team, Patient Care for a Cure, which hopes to raise $8,000 this year. She will be participating in the 10K route this year. “I think seeing everyone come out on walk day is so inspiring,” Lori says. “We all come together to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. Meeting patients and families and hearing others’ stories is so inspiring.”

For more information on Bulpett’s team, visit https://bit.ly/3aUwPgd. 

The 2022 Jimmy Fund Walk will take place on Sunday, Oct. 2, and raises funds to support all forms of adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at the nation’s premier cancer center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Whether participating for themselves, loved ones, neighbors, or co-workers, each walker shares a common purpose: to defy cancer and support breakthroughs that will benefit cancer patients around the world.

This year, participants will return to the Boston Marathon® course after two years of walking virtually. Participants choose from four distance options: 5K Walk (3.1 miles from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute), 10K Walk (6.2 miles from Newton), Half Marathon Walk (13.1 miles from Wellesley), or Marathon Walk (26.2 miles from Hopkinton). All routes finish at the Copley Square Finish Line. Walkers can also participate virtually by “walking their way” from wherever they are most comfortable—whether that be in their neighborhood, on a favorite hiking trail, or on a treadmill at home.

The Jimmy Fund Walk has raised more than $155 million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in its 33-year history. 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.