Local Family Making 10th Apperance in Jimmy Fund Walk

Jess Mulder completed her first marathon nine years ago, as a 1-year-old pushed in a stroller by her parents, Susie and Scott. The toddler was battling neuroblastoma, and the trek was part of the annual Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, which raises money for research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where Jess was being treated.

Today, the Mulder clan, which also includes Jess's siblings Sam and Willy, are walking again, for the 10th year in a row. Jess is cancer-free today, but her family continues its participation in the event, which since its beginning in 1989 has raised more than $66 million.

"As you can imagine, [our time at Dana-Farber] was indescribable," Susie Mulder said Friday evening. "The Jimmy Fund is a combination of our darkest moments and our brightest moments."

Organizers expect more than 8,000 walkers this year – including 33 from Wellesley – and have set a fundraising goal of $6.5 million. Susie, a triathlete, will cover the entire 26.2-mile marathon route; the rest of her family will join her at Babson College for the second half.

The Jimmy Fund Walk also features a five-mile course, beginning at Boston College; and three-mile route for cancer patients and their families, starting at the Dana-Farber campus. There's even a virtual walk for those who can't participate physically but still want to raise money online.

Susie Mulder said Jess's contingent will include extended family and friends this year. Her daughter's 10-year fundraising total exceeds $100,000.

She's even got a new-and-improved team name for 2010.

"For years, we've been kind of boring, just calling ourselves Jess's Team," Susie said. "But this year, we're Jess Do It."