Note: After 40 years selling Christmas trees and wreaths to support the Jimmy Fund, Dan Murphy retired from selling them in 2009. The Jimmy Fund gives its deepest thanks to Mr. Murphy for his tireless dedication and his many years of generous support to our cause.
December 3, 2008
Christmas trees and wreaths support the Jimmy Fund
Dan Murphy
For nearly four decades, Dan Murphy Jr., a Randolph resident and cancer survivor, has sold Christmas trees and wreaths to support the Jimmy Fund. The sale now holds a special meaning for the 86-year old: He lost his sister-in-law to pancreatic cancer last year.
"I do this sale year after year with the hope that one day there will be a cure for cancer," says Murphy, who battled colon cancer nearly ten years ago. His son, Dan Murphy III, who is now 45, is also a cancer survivor, beating Hodgkin's disease at the age of six. Murphy, his sister, and his son were treated at Dana-Farber.
For the 39th year, Murphy is turning his yard into a Christmas tree lot, and neighbors, who wouldn"t expect any less, will come flocking. "Everyone who buys a tree or makes a donation is making a difference," says Murphy. "I tell them that maybe it will be their $1 that will solve the problem. This is my way to give the good doctors at Dana-Farber money so they can proceed and get rid of cancer."
Murphy, who keeps his day job as a plumber, expects his trees and wreaths to sell out by Dec. 20. To make a purchase, simply go to his house at 310 Highland Avenue in Randolph, or call ahead to (781) 963-5675. Trees cost $40-$55 and wreaths go for about $7. Murphy accepts additional donations for the Jimmy Fund. Murphy has raised an estimated quarter of a million dollars for Dana-Farber.
Founded in 1948, the Jimmy Fund supports the fight against cancer at Boston's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, which is a leading cancer research and care center for adults and children and a National Cancer Institute designated comprehensive cancer center. Unrestricted support from the Jimmy Fund is an integral part of Mission Possible: The Dana-Farber Campaign to Conquer Cancer, a $1 billion capital campaign to accelerate cancer research, speed development of life-saving therapies, and expand the Institute's signature patient- and family-centered care.
What: Christmas tree & wreath sale to support the Jimmy Fund
Where: 310 Highland Ave., Randolph, Mass.
When: Dec. 1 until sold out
How: Knock on Dan Murphy"s door any time to make a purchase, or call ahead (781) 963-5675
Cost: $40-$55/tree or about $7/wreath.
Contact
Kristin Kacewicz
(617) 632-5379
