Black and white photo of adults and children watching TV

The Story of Jimmy

Saved from cancer in 1948, Einar Gustafson, the original “Jimmy,” inspired a movement that lives to this day.

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

May 22, 1948

“Jimmy” is born

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...

Black and white photo of children opening presents while adults look on and smile
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May 22, 1948

“Jimmy” is born

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.

1948

Jimmy Fund origin

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...

A black and white photo of an early plea to give to the Jimmy Fund
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Black and white photo of an early plea to give to the Jimmy Fund

1948

Jimmy Fund origin

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.

1950 – 1997

What happened to “Jimmy”

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....

Black and white photo of Einar in a baseball uniform at home on his family farm in Maine
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Black and white photo of Einar in a baseball uniform at home on his family farm in Maine

1950 – 1997

What happened to “Jimmy”

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.

1998

Jimmy is reintroduced

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...

Black and white photo of the original Jimmy Einar Gustafson and his grandchildren
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Black and white photo of the original Jimmy Einar Gustafson and his grandchildren

1998

Jimmy is reintroduced

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.

2001 – present

Jimmy lives on

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...

Einar’s daughters with Dana-Farber President and CEO Emerita Laurie H. Glimcher holding a Gustafson jersey
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Einar’s daughters with then Dana-Farber President and CEO Laurie H. Glimcher, MD, holding a Gustafson jersey

2001 – present

Jimmy lives on

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.

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.