November 7, 2006
Christmas Tree Sale to support the Jimmy Fund
For more than three decades during the holiday season, a Randolph cancer survivor has been making a difference in his community, all while making a difference for the Jimmy Fund.
The Jimmy Fund is the fundraising arm of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston raising valuable dollars for cancer research and care that will benefit patients around the world.
In early December, 84-year old Dan Murphy Jr. will turn his yard into a Christmas tree lot. It will be his 37th year opening up shop, and neighbors, who wouldn't expect any less, will come flocking. Dan won't let the cold or snow slow him down. He even keeps his day job as a plumber, so when he's out, his wife helps out with sales.
The Jimmy Fund is dear to the Murphy Family. When Dan's son Dan III was just 6 years old, he was treated for Hodgkin's disease at The Jimmy Fund Clinic, which is Dana-Farber's pediatric care center. Dan Murphy III is now 43 and healthy.
Like father, like son, Dan III is a plumber, too, for the Bridgewater Correctional Facility.
Dan Jr. battled cancer, himself, eight years ago. He was treated for colon cancer at Dana-Farber. Today he says he's feeling great thanks to the treatment, doctors and support he gained at the Institute.
Dan Jr. is a casual salesman who expects all of his trees and wreaths to sell out by Dec. 20th. If people are interested, they just need to knock on Dan's door at 310 Highland Avenue in Randolph, or call ahead to 781-963-5675. He sells trees for $15-$40 and wreaths for around $5. But not everyone who comes to Dan's door is interested in a tree. Some people in the holiday spirit will just give him a kind donation. Last year alone, he raised more than $10,000, all of which went to the Jimmy Fund.
Since 1948, the Jimmy Fund has raised more than $500 million to help researchers and physicians develop more advanced tools to detect cancer earlier, to develop new drugs to prevent and treat cancer more effectively and with fewer side effects, and to gain a deeper understanding of factors that cause cancer.
For more information on Dan Murphy's Christmas tree sales, go to www.jimmyfund.org/trees.
Important Information:
- What: Christmas tree sale to support the Jimmy Fund
- Where: 310 Highland Ave., Randolph, Mass.
- When: Dec. 1 until trees sell out
- How: Knock on Dan's door any time to make a purchase, or call ahead (781) 963- 5675
- Cost: $15-$40/tree or around $5/wreath.
* Dan Murphy is available for interviews. A representative of the Jimmy Fund is also available to comment. Please call to schedule a time.
Contact:
Elizabeth Chernack
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Jimmy Fund
(617) 632-4687
