12th annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon raises more than $3.3 million in 36-hour broadcast

August 29, 2013

More than $34 million raised in 12 years for adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

The Boston Red Sox, WEEI Sports Radio 93.7 FM, NESN (New England Sports Network) and the Jimmy Fund are proud to announce that the 12th annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon raised more than $3.3 million for adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The event has raised more than $34 million since its inception in 2002.

Broadcasting live from Fenway Park on Tuesday, Aug. 27 and Wednesday, Aug. 28, from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, this year’s WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon featured moving, emotional interviews with Dana-Farber patients about their experience with cancer, and insight from the doctors and nurses who have treated them.

The event also included commentary from several Red Sox players, including David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Daniel Nava, and 2013 Jimmy Fund co-captains Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Will Middlebrooks. Red Sox President and CEO Larry Lucchino, who is a former Dana-Farber patient, spoke about his treatment and the important relationship between the Red Sox and Jimmy Fund, which is celebrating its historic 60-year partnership — one of the most remarkable partnerships between a team and a charity in the history of professional sports.

Throughout the event, celebrities, including actor and Massachusetts native Michael Chiklis, clothing designer Joseph Abboud, Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, former Red Sox Manager Terry Francona, former Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez, Boston Bruins Owner Jeremy Jacobs and Bruins players Shawn Thornton and Tuukka Rask phoned in or appeared to lend their support on air.

"The outstanding generosity of our listeners across New England year after year not only supports a great cause but betters the lives of those who need it most," said Jeff Brown, VP/Market Manager at Entercom Boston. "These past two days have been the most emotionally rewarding for the entire WEEI and Entercom Boston family this year. We remain both humbled and thrilled to have played a role in helping the selfless team at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in their fight against cancer."

"We are grateful that we have had the opportunity to work with Dana-Farber again this year," said Sean McGrail, President and CEO of NESN. "We’ve heard from the patients, doctors and staff about the outstanding progress they are making on cancer research and treatment. Red Sox fans from all 50 states have once again responded with an outpouring of emotional and financial support to help the Jimmy Fund improve the lives of people afflicted with this disease."

During both nights of the event, the Red Sox held special on-field ceremonies prior to the start of each game against the Baltimore Orioles. Before the August 27 game, the 2013 Boston Red Sox Jimmy Fund Award was presented to Dana-Farber Trustees Eileen and David B. Perini to honor their decades of support to the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber for adult and pediatric treatment and survivorship programs. The new Jimmy Fund Chorus, which includes past and current Dana-Farber patients, sang the National Anthem to open the game.

A heartfelt moment came in the seventh inning when Jimmy Fund Clinic patient Darla Holloway, 4, of Stoughton, sang "God Bless America" to raucous applause from the Fenway crowd.

On the evening of August 28, a group of Red Sox players’ wives volunteered at the event by answering phones to accept contributions. On field before the game, family members of slain MIT Police Officer Sean Collier, who was a dedicated Jimmy Fund supporter, threw out the ceremonial first pitch in honor of his long time support.

Dana-Farber pediatric and adult patients attended both games and took part in special on-field activities such as starting the game by exclaiming "Play Ball," announcing batters, and dancing with "Wally" on the Red Sox dug out. The event served as the highlight of "Jimmy Fund Month at Fenway Park," which is held each August in support and recognition of the Jimmy Fund mission.

The two-day fundraiser has become a treasured August tradition at Fenway Park for our players and our entire organization," said Red Sox President/CEO Larry Lucchino. "In addition to raising funds for cancer, we hear candid, heart wrenching, funny, and inspirational stories from patients, doctors, and caregivers at Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund. Those stories compelled New England, and much of the country, to contribute to this important cause as we celebrated 60 years of partnership. We are thankful for the generosity of those who contributed or volunteered, grateful to those who give care to patients and families affected by this terrible disease, and we salute the researchers who work tirelessly every day in pursuit of new treatments and cures. Thank you, all."

"As they do over two days every summer, our patients, doctors and special guests shared their stories with tremendous grace and courage during this year's WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon," said Suzanne Fountain, director of the Jimmy Fund. "We are so grateful and humbled by the generosity of people across the country in sending in more than $3.3 million to support cancer care and research at Dana-Farber. We are incredibly fortunate to have the critical support of our fabulous partners in this event and are honored to team with WEEI, NESN and the Boston Red Sox for this important cause."