Bellingham Resident Gary Bastarache Honored with ‘Extra Mile Award’
by Jimmy Fund Walk
Bellingham, MA, resident Gary Bastarache was honored with the Extra Mile Award for his outstanding efforts for the Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai. Bastarache was among a select group of awardees recognized for their fundraising and commitment to the 36th Jimmy Fund Walk, held last October. 2024 was another exceptional year, with nearly $9.4 million raised for adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber.
More than 8,400 walkers and 1,000 volunteers came together for the event. Among them was Gary Bastarache, a devoted fundraiser and the team captain of Team Defeet Cancer. Bastarache has walked for 32 years and has individually raised more than $71,000. Over the course of his tenure as a team captain, Gary’s teams have cumulatively raised nearly $200,000. Team Defeet Cancer is a Hero Match Team and Gary is passionate about making a difference for their Hero every year, always walking in their honor. Gary is creative with his fundraising and hosts a bottle and can recycling drive every year. Gary’s commitment and dedication to the Jimmy Fund Walk is unwavering.
“Every year, we witness the profound commitment, passion, and dedication from individuals who unite against cancer to support this event. Their efforts raise funds that advance critical research and exceptional patient care at Dana-Farber,” said Caitlin Fink, vice president of the Jimmy Fund. “Gary has demonstrated a strong commitment to defying cancer and exemplifies the spirit of this event. We are proud to honor Gary with the Extra Mile Award to recognize all he has done for Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund.”
In 2024, participants had the option to choose from four distances along the Boston Marathon®course: a 5K walk from Dana-Farber, a 10K walk from Newton, a Half Marathon walk from Wellesley, or the full Boston Marathon route starting in Hopkinton. Walkers could also participate virtually in their own communities.
Over its 36-year history, the Jimmy Fund Walk has raised more than $185 million for Dana-Farber. Funds raised from the Jimmy Fund Walk support all forms of adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at the Institute. Hyundai has proudly served as the presenting sponsor for more than 20 years.
The 2025 Jimmy Fund Walk will be held on Sunday, October 5. 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. All registered walkers will receive a bib, medal, and a Jimmy Fund Walk T-shirt.
About the Jimmy Fund
The Jimmy Fund is comprised of community-based fundraising events and other programs that, solely and directly, benefit Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s lifesaving mission to provide compassionate patient care and groundbreaking cancer research for children and adults. Follow the Jimmy Fund on Facebook, X, and Instagram: @TheJimmyFund.
About Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is one of the world’s leading centers of cancer research and treatment.
We provide the latest treatments in cancer for adults through Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center and for children through Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.
