ATHOL — Area residents who may be wondering what they can do to help children and adults battling cancer, tonight’s your chance – and you can have a little fun while doing it. A Jimmy Fund Walkathon Dance Party is being held from 6 to 9 p.m. in Memorial Hall at the Athol Town Hall.
The event has been organized by Danalynn Stockwood, her family, and friends in the hope of moving closer to their goal of raising $2,500 for their participation in the Jimmy Fund Walkathon to Conquer Cancer, which takes place on Sunday, Sept. 22. The walkathon offers four distances for participants to trek – from a 5K walk starting at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to the full 26.2-mile length of the Boston Marathon.
Among those benefiting from the Jimmy Fund’s seven decade-long effort to cure both pediatric and adult cancer is 7-year-old Cheyenne Stockwood of Athol.
Cheyenne was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, resulting in optic pathway glioma, when she was just 19 months old. At the age of two, she began chemotherapy, which kept the tumor from progressing. However, in April of this year, doctors found the tumor had started to grow and that a second was detected.
“Chey,” as she is known to family and friends, is currently undergoing a 13-month chemo protocol which began in April. A day of treatment at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston begins at 7 a.m. and the day doesn’t end until the family returns to Athol, typically between 5 and 7 p.m.
Says her mother Danalyn, “Cheyenne at times is tired but her spirit is amazing. She’s a happy and loving girl.”
Cheyenne will participate in the Walkathon as a Walk Hero, greeting walkers along the way to give them a chance to meet those they are helping through their efforts. The event is expected to draw as many at 9,000 participants.
Tonight’s dance will feature music from Majesstic Entertainment of Athol. In addition, there will be raffles featuring items donated by businesses from Athol and Orange and by local residents. Refreshments will be available, and there will also be face painting.
“We’re hoping one day there will be medical advancements to allow Cheyenne and other cancer victims to be tumor-free,” said Danalynn Stockwood.
Tickets are $15; children are free.