By Ishana Irungbam
For the North Star Reporter
At 16 years old, Teagan Ryan is no stranger to adversity.
Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Ryan has spent countless days undergoing treatment. But this coming Sunday, Oct. 6, she won’t be at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute as a patient. Instead, she’ll be walking alongside thousands of others in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, taking strides toward hope. As a Walk Hero, Ryan will inspire and motivate other walkers, while celebrating how far she has come. Heroes are matched with Jimmy Fund Walk teams who walk in their honor. She is matched with team Shine Bright for Teagan.
The Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk brings together many residents from North Attleborough to raise funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s cancer care and research. Along with Ryan, there’s also Domenic Leco, Wendy Jackman, Chelsey Simoni, Madison Partington, Kerri Fournier, Kim Armfield, Kathleen Fisher, Leslie Loomis, Deborah Goff, Heather Hazeldine, David White, and three other residents who will be participating, according to the press release.
The event itself will be taking place on the iconic Boston Marathon course. Over the past 35 years, the walk has raised over $176 million, including a record-breaking $9.4 million in 2023. This year, participants aim to beat that milestone with a $9.5 million goal.
For Ryan, this walk is personal. Since her diagnosis as a young teen, she has undergone rigorous treatments, and it is through these treatments that Ryan has not only received life-saving care but also found a community. Now, as a Walk Hero, she is giving back by walking for the cause that has supported her from day one.
“I hope being a Walk Hero will inspire the other walkers to keep going,” Ryan said, when asked what being a Walk Hero means to her. “I want it to help raise awareness about the event. It’s a good cause.”
And now, she won’t be walking alone. With 13 other North Attleborough residents to walk with her, she’ll be joined on this meaningful journey.
“I’ve done it for all these years,” said Loomis, who has been participating in the event for several years. “It’s a very accessible walk … I began when a friend told me about it, and then asked me if I wanted to do it with her. Now I’ve been with Team Tara for a few years now … If I could say anything about it, I would say that it’s a very important cause. Many people participating have either been affected by cancer themselves or someone they know has had it.”
Armfield, who is a family friend of Ryan said “Two years ago on Memorial Day weekend, I was informed that our family friend Teagan was diagnosed with Cell B leukemia. As you can imagine me and my family were shocked and devastated to learn this news … I saw a beautiful young lady fight everyday, but at the same time have a smile on her face, always look positive and have the strength for two years… If the money I raise can help with research, or help a family with providing breakfast, lunch, dinner or even a place to stay then I have done my part. Every child deserves to be saved.”
For these walkers, the event is not just a fundraiser, but also a chance to stand with those fighting cancer and honor those who have been lost to it. It is a way to stand with individuals who have cancer, and to walk beside them towards a better future.
To learn more about the event, register, or donate, visit Jimmy Fund .
