Canton Resident Honored for Efforts in Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk

Canton resident Tara Shuman was named “First-Time Team Captain of the Year” for her efforts in last year’s Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai. Tara was among a select group of awardees recognized at the Walk’s annual Extra Mile Brunch for her fundraising and perseverance in last year’s event.

The Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, the nation’s most successful one-day fundraising walk, allows participants to choose among four route options along the historic Boston Athletic Association’s (BAA) Boston Marathon course. Whether participating for themselves, loved ones, neighbors, or co-workers, each walker shares a common purpose: to raise money for the Jimmy Fund for lifesaving adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Last year, Tara recruited more than 100 walkers to join Team Tara. On the day of the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, Tara set out to walk the full 26.2-mile route from Hopkinton to Copley Square despite her 2012 diagnosis of an aggressive form of breast cancer. At mile 25, Tara became faint and was unable to complete the last mile. With support from her husband, two children and members of her team, the following Sunday Tara completed the last 1.2 miles.

“Walking the 26.2 miles last year was so important for me,” said Shuman. “Each mile represented an important step in facing my diagnosis and helping others like me. The support I got from my team members really embodies the spirit of Walk Day and is why I will walk again this year.”

Team Tara was a top 10 fundraising team for last year’s Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk raising over $79,500. Last year, more than 8,500 walkers crossed the finish line and raised more than $8 million, bringing the event’s 26-year fundraising total to more than $100 million.

“Tara’s enthusiasm, passion and energy exemplify the true spirit of the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk. It is a pleasure to have Tara and her teammates participate,” said Zachary Blackburn, Assistant Vice President, Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk. “The success of first-time teams like Team Tara provide a wonderful foundation for what we hope will be a long lasting relationship with the event.”

To register for the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk or to support a walker or volunteer, visit www.JimmyFundWalk.org or call (866) 531-9255. Registration is simple and walkers can enter the discount code NEWS for $5 off.