Einar Gustafson was a boy saved from cancer by Dr. Sidney Farber in 1948. His journey started a movement of community members against cancer that lives on to this day. To protect his identity, Einar came to be known publicly as “Jimmy” and has come to represent every patient, doctor, nurse, researcher, and supporter at Dana-Farber who defies cancer thanks to the ongoing support of the Jimmy Fund community.
“As the original ‘Jimmy,’ Dad was so proud to be able to show people that if he was able to make it based on the research and medicines available in 1948, with how improved it is today because of all the donations, that you could make it, too. He wanted to show people hope. That was his legacy: hope.”
Lynn MacLeod & Lisa Patti, Einar’s daughters
Jimmy’s Journey
Jimmy’s Legacy
While the Jimmy Fund has grown considerably since 1948, it has always remained a community: a grassroots movement of people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to raise money for cancer research and care, just like the original donors who gave Jimmy so much more than a TV set.
Whether through organizing runs, walks, bike rides, golf tournaments, video game livestreams, bake sales, or lemonade stands, the generosity of millions with their own inspiring cancer stories has helped the Jimmy Fund directly support Dana-Farber’s mission to turn groundbreaking research into lifesaving treatment.
Together, with Jimmy’s story of survival as inspiration, we have continued Dr. Farber’s promise to never accept the incurability of cancer. Together, we’re dedicated to creating a more hopeful cancer-free future. Together, we’re all Jimmy.