BOSTON – WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon presented by Arbella Insurance raised a record-breaking $7.3 million, and counting, for adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The inspirational two-day event, which has united the community since 2002, has now raised more than $87 million to strike out cancer. 

Featuring stories of resilience and hope from patients, doctors, community leaders, and special guests, the Radio-Telethon continues to be a beacon of support for Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund. This year’s event made history, surpassing $7.3 million for the first time from more than 24,000 gifts. More than 85% of donations were under $250, showcasing the collective power of grassroots generosity. 

The fundraiser was broadcast live from Fenway Park on Monday, August 17, and Tuesday, August 18, from 6 a.m. through midnight. The event included special appearances from Tom Caron and Brock Holt, Jimmy Fund co-chairs; Garrett Whitlock, Jimmy Fund Captain and Boston Red Sox pitcher; Sam Kennedy, Boston Red Sox president and CEO; Chad Tracy, Boston Red Sox manager; Jarren Duran, Adley Rutschman, Payton Tolle, Wilyer Abreu, Willson Contreras, Ceddanne Rafaela, Andruw Monasterio, Caleb Durbin, Anthony Seigler, Boston Red Sox players; Brianna Wakefield, daughter of the late Tim and Stacy Wakefield; David and Jennifer Lucchino, nephew and niece of the late Larry Lucchino; David Ortiz, former Boston Red Sox star; Rich Hill, former Boston Red Sox pitcher; Matt Barnes, former Boston Red Sox pitcher; Jarrod Saltamacchia, 2013 World Series Champion; Johnny Damon, 2004 World Series Champion; Jonathan Papelbon, 2007 World Series Champion; Roger Clemens; former Boston Red Sox pitcher; John Valentin, former Boston Red Sox infielder; Marco Sturm, Boston Bruins head coach; Charlie Jacobs, Boston Bruins CEO and alternate governor; Shawn Thornton, former Boston Bruins right winger; Tuukka Rask, former Boston Bruins goaltender; Jeremy Swayman, Boston Bruins goaltender; Charlie McAvoy, Boston Bruins defenseman; Torey Krug, former Boston Bruins defenseman; Andrew Raycroft, former Boston Bruins goaltender; Leon Powe, 2008 Celtics NBA Champion; Sean Grande, Boston Celtics play-by-play announcer; Mike Gorman, former Boston Celtics play-by-play announcer; Dana Barros, former Boston Celtics guard; Bill Chisholm, Boston Celtics owner; Charlie Davies, former New England Revolution forward; Lawrence Guy, former New England Patriots defensive tackle; Jermaine Wiggins, former New England Patriots tight end; Devon McCourty, former New England Patriots safety; Steve Burton, WBZ-TV sports director, Sarah Wroblewski, WBZ-TV meteorologist; Joe Castiglione, retired WEEI Red Sox radio announcer; Michael Bivins of New Edition and Bell, Biv, Devoe; Bill O’Brien, head coach of Boston College football; Torey Lovullo, Arizona Diamondbacks manager; and other celebrities.

Dana-Farber pediatric and adult patients attended games on both nights and took part in special on-field ceremonies, including singing the national anthem, throwing out the first pitch, and serving as honorary team members alongside the Red Sox lineup. Monday night’s ceremony also included country singer Jillian Cardarelli singing the national anthem and Maria Menounos, Emmy-award winning journalist, actress, and host of Heal Squad podcast, throwing out the first pitch. 

Some of the largest gifts to this year’s WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon include:

“Thank you to the thousands of supporters who came together for another record-breaking year and raised more than $7.3 million during this year’s WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon,” said Jimmy Fund Co-Chairs Tom Caron and Brock Holt. “Together, we made history in efforts to help strike out cancer. The Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon is an inspiring reminder of the incredible impact we can make together against cancer. We’re so proud to be a part of this team.” 

“Thanks to the unbelievable generosity of our listeners and Red Sox fans, this year’s Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon shattered our record by raising over $7.3 million. Every dollar raised is a home run for Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund,” said Mike Thomas, sports format vice president, Audacy. “I could not be prouder of our entire team for pulling off such a monumental effort.”

“This record-breaking year is a powerful reflection of the generosity of this community and the enduring impact of the Jimmy Fund’s mission,” said David Wisnia, president & CEO of NESN. “We’re incredibly proud to help bring the Radio-Telethon to viewers across New England, sharing the remarkable stories of Dana-Farber’s patients, families, doctors, and caregivers and inspiring more people to strike out cancer. Thank you to everyone who tuned in, donated, and helped make this historic year possible.”

“For 18 years, Arbella and Dana-Farber have stood together against cancer,” said Gayle O’Connell, chief marketing officer at Arbella. “The WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon brings so many people together to support Dana-Farber’s efforts to provide care, treatment, and groundbreaking research on finding cures for cancer, and Arbella is proud to be a part of their impact. We look forward to many more years of partnership.”

A special check presentation will take place on the field at Fenway before the Red Sox game on September 2. 

For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.JimmyFundRadioTelethon.org.