Wilmington’s Allison Casella Honored As “Volunteer Of The Year” By The Jimmy Fund Walk

Below is a press release from the Jimmy Fund Walk:

WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington resident Allison Casella was recently recognized as Volunteer of the Year for her outstanding efforts at the Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai. Casella 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 Allison Casella. 2024 marked Allison’s third year volunteering as a finish line site captain at the Walk. In each of those three years, she saw a different finish line location. Allison was a site captain at the Volunteer Check-In & Info tent during last year’s event, where she helped to manage over 275 finish line volunteers over the course of a 12-hour shift. As one of her nominators put it, “Allison goes out of her way to help so many people.”

“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. “Allison has demonstrated a strong commitment to defying cancer and exemplifies the spirit of this event. We are proud to honor Allison with the Volunteer of the Year award to recognize all she 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. The Jimmy Fund is an official charity of the Boston Red Sox, the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, the Pan-Mass Challenge, and the Variety Children’s Charity of New England. Since 1948, the generosity of millions of people has helped the Jimmy Fund save countless lives and reduce the burden of cancer for patients and families worldwide. 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. Dana-Farber’s mission is to reduce the burden of cancer through scientific inquiry, clinical care, education, community engagement, and advocacy. Dana-Farber is a federally designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School.