FORGE VILLAGE — A resident who survived a rare and aggressive cancer diagnosis is organizing a community fundraiser to support cancer research and treatment for others facing similar battles.
Laura Goodman was diagnosed in September 2023 with a rare and aggressive form of cancer that has only been seen in five known cases in the world. With no established treatment protocol available, the care team at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute had to take an individualized approach, using genetic and DNA testing to develop a targeted “chemotherapy cocktail.”
That personalized treatment plan, combined with extensive surgery and the collaboration of dozens of oncologists, ultimately led to remission. Goodman said not only the physician, but an entire team of specialists contributed to her care throughout the process.
Now, less than two years after completing chemotherapy, Goodman is preparing to take part in her second half-marathon as part of the Jimmy Fund Walk, an annual event that raises money for cancer research and patient care.
Goodman’s connection to the Jimmy Fund Walk stretches back nearly 20 years. After her daughter’s childhood friend, Erika Gould, died from brain cancer, Goodman and her daughter, Taylor Leong, co-founded For the Love of Erika. The nonprofit collects gifts and provides support for children in hospitals.The organization hosts annual community events and fundraisers to help families affected by serious illness, aiming to honor Erika’s memory while bringing the local community together.
The walk, which supports the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, is one of the city’s largest single-day walk fundraisers in the nation. Participants can choose from four distances along the Boston Marathon route: the full 26.2-mile marathon, a half-marathon, a 10K or a 5K.
In support of that effort, Goodman has organized a community raffle featuring donations from local businesses. The goal is to raise $10,000 to help ensure continued funding for research and access to advanced treatment options for patients.
Goodman noted that recent funding challenges have made grassroots efforts like this increasingly important.
“This October, I will be walking my second Jimmy Fund half-marathon in hopes of raising funds so that people can continue to have the same access to research and treatment that I have had,” Goodman said.
Community members can support the fundraiser by purchasing raffle tickets through the provided link or Venmo.
