The Story of Jimmy

Einar Gustafson appears on Ralph Edwards’ national radio program, “Truth or Consequences,” under the pseudonym “Jimmy” to protect his identity, speaking to Edwards in his Hollywood studio all the way from his Boston hospital bed. During the appearance, which was organized by the Variety Children’s Charity of New England, a plea is made for listeners to send contributions so Jimmy can get a TV set to watch his favorite baseball team, the Boston Braves, while in treatment for leukemia. To help the appeal, members of the Braves surprise Jimmy in his hospital room live on air, gifting him T-shirts, autographed photos, and other memorabilia.

Not only does Einar get his wish for a TV, but more than $200,000 is collected across the country from mail-in donations. Some donors in Boston even came to the hospital that same night to donate in person. This marks the birth of a decades-long quest to support lifesaving cancer research and care, and that generous community of donors, who rallied together so a young boy could watch baseball, is the origin of what we know today as the Jimmy Fund.

After entering remission and returning home to his family farm in Maine, Einar fades into anonymity and no one knows what happened to “Jimmy.” Most assume he died, as survival rates for pediatric cancers were still unspeakably low at the time. 

Then, in 1997, the Jimmy Fund receives a donation and a letter from Phyllis Clauson: Einar Gustafson is her 61-year-old brother, and he is alive and well. Since his brush with celebrity, Einar had finished school, married his high school sweetheart, raised three daughters, and started a construction business. A life no one—including Einar—imagined he could have was made possible by Sidney Farber and the money raised by the Jimmy Fund.

Einar is reintroduced to the nation as “Jimmy” on the 50th anniversary of his original radio broadcast. He catapults back into celebrity, with features in People Magazine and Sports Illustrated, a Recognition Day in his honor throughout his home state of Maine, and an honorary Chairman of the Jimmy Fund designation. Einar also finally meets Ralph Edwards, now former host of “Truth and Consequences,” in person at a game at Fenway Park during the celebrations.

Einar Gustafson passed away from a stroke at age 65 on January 21, 2001. His legacy lives on, all the way through the Jimmy Fund’s 75th anniversary celebration in 2023. His story of a life made possible by the power of community continues to provide hope to adults and children with cancer and inspiration to thousands of Jimmy Fund supporters.