Weei/nesn Jimmy Fund Radio-telethon

Last winter, Maria Isabel was experiencing flu-like symptoms and general fatigue for months. She also complained of feeling like her 'bones hurt.' She made several trips to her pediatrician, who chalked up the symptoms to flu and cold season.In March 2018 (3 days before her 4th birthday), Maria Isabel’s nurse called and said that her skin looked jaundiced. After some blood work at the pediatrician's office came back abnormal, Maria Isabel was immediately sent to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.Maria Isabel’s treatment includes chemotherapy and several other medications. She is still undergoing treatment.  Maria Isabel enjoys coloring, blowing bubbles, and playing with her dollhouse. While being sick is not enjoyable, she really appreciates how the Jimmy Fund Clinic works hard to make treatment days fun. She enjoys all the activities that the Clinic organizes, especially all the arts & crafts projects.

Colt had a swollen gland on his neck, under his ear that would not go away. Colt’s parents took him to a doctor out of concern, and in February 2018, a biopsy was performed. It was determined that Colt had cancer.Colt was in the hospital for a month for the induction phase where he received high doses of chemotherapy and steroids. He now receives weekly rounds of chemotherapy for two years, with 3 week cycles.In July he developed Pancreatitis due to one of the chemotherapy medicines. He was in the ICU and hospital for 3 weeks. Due to that negative reaction, Colt can no longer receive that form of chemo. The doctors are working to find a suitable replacement moving forwardColt currently has diabetes due to his pancreas suffering a major hit from the Pancreatitis. His family constantly manages his blood and glucose levels. Colt continues to be a trooper and amazes his parents every step of the way.Colt comes from a family of 5 including 2 brothers, Nash (7) and Clark (3).Colt enjoys riding his bike, watching mo

Robert was lifting weights at his local YMCA before a routine doctor’s appointment revealed he had stage 4 lung cancer.Robert’s doctor estimated he only had one year to live. Following nine months of chemo- radiation, Robert’s cancer went into remission. However, after only one month the cancer returned.Although a native of Alabama, Robert’s wife and her family are from New England and recommended Robert seek treatment at Dana-FarberSince then, Robert has been under the care of Dr. Chris Lathan and his team.Robert started in an immunotherapy clinical that lasted for two years. He was removed from the trial in May 2018 due to the cancer’s progression and is not being treated with Alimta. His scans have shown positive momentum. Throughout his treatment Robert thanks his wife, who has been there for him throughout it all.Dr. Christopher Lathan is an oncologist who specializes in cancers of the chest, including lung cancer.He sees patients and has published many research papers, mainly on cancer disparities for m

Sox' outfielder Mookie Betts joins Glenn, Lou, and Christian to discuss the work his team does with the Jimmy Fund as well as share some fun baseball anecdotes.

Madie met OMF when they visited the Jimmy Fund Clinic earlier this summer.In 2016, Madie went to the doctor after having a fever and chills. It was there that her tumor was discovered. Madie was in treatment for a year but relapsed in February 2018 after being off treatment for about a year. She’s received 7 cycles of IV chemotherapy thus far, a total of 12 cycles altogether, and had some radiation in May 2018.Madie's hobbies include doing makeup, photography, sports, reading and blogging. In the future, Madie wants to become a travel nurse or oncologist.She is currently writing a blog on Instagram to help other kids going through cancer or hard times find support. She loves sharing her experiences in the goal of helping others. Madie is supported by her loving family, including her mom, Deanna, step-dad, Chad, brother, Brodie, 7, and sister, Mackenzie, 19.

In June 2017, Brody had had strep throat for a month and antibiotics were not working. Brody was taken to the hospital for fluids, while his mother left his four other siblings at home--she thought it would take just a quick IV.  The ER doctors did a routine blood test and found results that "couldn't be right."  They needed to see a blood specialist in Boston and took an ambulance straight from the ER. From there, Brody did not leave the hospital for 30 days. His treatment has included 27 months of chemotherapy. At least 20 lumbar punctures with intra-catheter chemotherapy. His family includes his siblings, Conor (13), Taylor (12), Madison (8), and Piper (6).Brody's hobbies include building with Legos, doing all kinds of sports, and playing with anything superhero and Star Wars.This September, Brody will enter pre-kindergarten.What is special about the Jimmy Fund: The Clinic is the most amazing place.  Everyone at the Clinic knows us by name, which makes us feel special and like friends. While I wish that we

Allie Young felt a lump in her breast while breastfeeding her infant son earlier this year. She was subsequently diagnosed with HER-2 positive breast cancer.Allie went to Dana-Farber where her treatment has included surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation. Allie has been in treatment for seven months so far, and she has another 7 months of targeted antibody therapy to complete.Through her treatment, Allie has had husband Seamus, daughters Reagan, who is almost 5, and 3-year-old Caroline, and 11-month-old son Owen by her side. The hardest part of cancer and treatment for Allie has been worrying about the impact on her kids and balancing the need to care for herself while still being a mother and wife. Allie loves being outside and active with her family. They love to hike, ski, swim, sightsee and take advantage of all Boston and New England has to offer.Allie works as a stock trader for a mutual fund company.

In March, Madison had repetitive sinus and ear infections and long-term abdominal pain. Her pediatrician decided to conduct blood work and found abnormal results. Further tests and procedures confirmed that Madison had leukemia.Her treatment has consisted of many different rounds of chemotherapy, steroids, bone marrow biopsies, and lumbar punctures.Madison's family includes her mother, Julie, 38, father, Chris, 39, and sister, Kennedy, 6.Madison is a rising junior at East Bridgewater Junior Senior High School. In her spare time, she loves hanging out with her friends and family.Her favorite part of the Jimmy Fund Clinic is hanging out with the nurses. She also loves Dr. Place for his sense of humor throughout her treatment.Dr. Place specializes in the treatment of childhood leukemia and lymphoma.  Dr. Place is also a clinical investigator studying novel targeted therapies in relapsed acute leukemia.He is a nationally recognized clinical trialist in pediatric oncology and serves on leadership committees of sev

The former Bills great joins Glenn, Lou, and Christian as he discusses being cancer free and his numerous positive experiences.

John initially went to the doctor in May 2017 to treat what he thought was strep throat. Multiple doctor visits revealed a larger issue and John was diagnosed with HPV cancer of his left tonsil and lymph node region.After his diagnosis, John underwent rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. However, he has now completed his treatment.Dr. Hanna completed his residency training in internal medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and fellowship training in hematology & medical oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in 2016.Dr. Hanna’s research focuses on understanding mechanisms of response and resistance to immunotherapies in head and neck cancer.The American Thyroid Association has awarded a 2017 Research Grant, funded by the Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. to Dr. Hanna to open a phase II study of the effect of two combined immune-checkpoint inhibitors on advanced thyroid cancer.John initially chose Dana-Farber for his care because of its affiliations and its reputation for excelle

Carlos was diagnosed with non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma in April 2017 after suffering from a chronic, non-productive cough that would not go away. Doctors prescribed antibiotics to treat his cough, but nothing seemed to be working. His doctor sent him in for a chest CT, and that is when Carlos’ cancer was first detected.For the past year, Carlos has been on a phase 1 clinical trial of a RET kinase inhibitor, which consists of taking pills twice a day.Carlos spends his free time sailing, skiing, and reading books. He is supported by his wife, Shawn, and children, K, Alec, and Isabel.Last August, Carlos ran into a series of complications with his diagnosis that left him in the hospital for 2 weeks. Both the level of care at the hospital and the close coordination between specialists was critical to getting him back on his feet. This is part of the reason that Carlos chose Dana-Farber initially. He appreciates the scientific excellence and patient care that the Institute provides.Dr. Oxnard is a lung cancer

David Price and Brock Holt join Dale and Rich to discuss the Sox' history with the Jimmy Fund as well as the emotional attachment the two have developed for the cause. 

Lenny has been fighting kidney cancer in one form or another since 2008. After doctors discovered a tumor in his kidney ten years ago, Lenny underwent several surgeries to remove tumor growths and eventually had his entire kidney removed. Unfortunately, Lenny's disease came back in 2013, and this time surgery was no longer an option. He now had an inoperable form of the disease that had spread to other parts of his body as well.Lenny started on clinical trial of a targeted drug that helped to shrink his tumor dramatically. Lenny was also feeling good and experienced minimal side effects while on the trial.When his disease returned in 2015, Lenny had additional treatment options at Dana-Farber. He started on a new form of therapy called immunotherapy. Immunotherapy harnesses the body's own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells, much the same way our immune system seeks out a virus or infection. Lenny's tumors have not grown since he has been on this new medication. While every day is challenge in

In April 2017, Kindy ended up in the hospital with what doctors thought was the flu. It was not until her hospital release check-up that doctors realized that she had leukemia.Her treatment consisted of chemotherapy, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant. Kindy is no longer undergoing treatment, and just came up on her one-year anniversary of her marrow transplant.At the time of her diagnosis, Kindy was six months pregnant. Her OB-GYN recommended that she be treated at Dana-Farber.Kindy is an artist—she spends her time doing make-up, writing and drawing. She loves any activity that uses her creativity.Prior to her diagnosis, Kindy was finishing up cosmetology school. She is now enrolling in classes to study entertainment business and management.Dr. Soiffer is world-renowned in the field of bone marrow and stem cell transplant procedures.Throughout her treatment, Kindy has been supported by her daughter, mother, step-mother, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandmothers.

Saila was diagnosed with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer in June 2017.  After her diagnosis at another hospital, she transferred to Dana-Farber for treatment. Saila’s treatment currently includes a clinical trial of alternating Tagrisso and Iressa.In her spare time, Saila is an athlete. Whether she is running for miles, competing in triathlons, or practicing yoga, Saila loves to work out. She also finds her happy place when cooking, drinking wine, and spending time with her friends and family.Throughout her diagnosis, Saila has been supported by her mother, Arja, father, Markku, and younger brother, Jesse.Saila originally chose to be treated at Dana-Farber because she likes that its sole mission is cancer research and treatment. She was also driven to Dana-Farber because of Dr. Pasi Janne and his research in the field. Saila started a foundation, JAKSAA, to raise awareness and support fundraising for Dr. Janne’s research efforts. Over the last year, Saila has raised about $100,000 for the organization.Dr.

Marc was diagnosed with polycythaemia vera after doctors thought he had atypical congestive heart failure. He had several vague, but culminating symptoms that led to his initial hospitalization.While Marc’s cancer has been progressing slowly, his treatment includes on-going, therapeutic phlebotomy. The secondary symptoms that stem from the thickening of his blood have given him the most trouble throughout his diagnosis.Marc previously worked as a nurse for many years. His patients were the first ones to notice that something wasn’t right with Marc’s health and encouraged him to see a doctor.Throughout his treatment, Marc has been supported by his wife, JoAnne.Dana-Farber seemed to be the obvious choice for Marc’s treatment. He says that everyone he knew suggested he go to the Institute as they are the “A-Team” for cancer care. Marc is so grateful for Dr. Steensma’s care and attention.Dr. Steensma joined Dana-Farber in 2009. He is an internationally recognized expert in myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloprolifer

Marlin was diagnosed with ALL in December 2017. She was having pain in her hips, knees, shoulders and elbows. The doctors did a blood test and a bone marrow biopsy that determined she had cancer. The doctors at Dana-Farber put her on a two-year treatment plan. Marlin is currently undergoing treatment and has had several hospital admissions, weekly outpatient and home therapies.Marlin's family consists of her mother, Erika Baert, and her father, Kevin Welcome. Marlin also has grandparents and several cousins. Marlin's maternal grandmother passed away from multiple myeloma when Marlin was almost 2 years old.Marlin has hosted yard sales and a lemonade stand this spring where she raised $160 for a local animal shelter and $1,000 for Dana-Farber. She is always thinking of others and wants to help anyone who might be suffering in any way. She enjoys life and is a joyful, positive person who you rarely see without a smile on her face!Marlin enjoys swimming, skiing, and especially surfing. She hopes to be cancer-free

Owner and CEO of the Boston Bruins Charlie Jacobs joins Dale and Keefe at the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon to donate and discuss the Bruins and state of the NHL.

Liza began suffering from bloating, fullness, and pelvic pain around July 2015. When she went to the doctor to get her discomfort checked out, Liza was diagnosed with Stage IIIC ovarian cancer.Liza’s treatment has consisted of three weekly rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, and a clinical trial when her cancer reappeared in March 2016. Her treatment is ongoing and began just over two years ago.Despite her battle, Liza has been fortunate to have her family by her side. She is supported by her husband John, daughters, Cara and Peri, 25 and 20, and son, Johnny, 13. Liza speaks about how the nurses at Dana-Farber love when John comes with her to appointments!Liza works in marketing for Citizens Bank Wealth Management, but in her spare time, loves going to the Cape with her family, wandering the Museum of Fine Arts, walking through Audubon Parks, and exploring downtown Boston.Liza is incredibly grateful for her team at Dana-Faber, who have helped her and her family get through the hiccups that she has faced. They ha

Former Sec. of State John Kerry calls into the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon to donate and discuss his new book about his experience with cancer.