We are so very excited to announce that the Eric R. Rodriguez Fund for Head and Neck Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), in its first year, raised:

$45,599.84!

Our commitment to DFCI is to reach $100,000.00 in five years!

Eric’s Fund directly supports cutting-edge research essential to discovering more effective treatments for tomorrow’s head and neck cancers. As you probably know, our fund goes directly to a research project led by none other than his former oncologist, Dr. Kartik Sehgal, along with his former oncologist, Dr. Jochen Lorch, as a vital member of the research team. The current focus of their work is to develop more effective immunotherapies specifically targeting the unique needs of each head and neck cancer patient.

We are so pleased to inform you that the progress update from the Division of Head and Neck Oncology has announced that the neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy treatment for head and neck cancer clinical trial being overseen by Dr. Kartik Sehgal has shown that some patients are experiencing exceptional outcomes. This research focuses on using chemoimmunotherapy prior to surgery for patients with recurring head and neck cancer. Some of these patients are experiencing remission after going through this chemoimmunotherapy approach. The goal of this type of treatment plan is to improve the quality of life for patients. This clinical trial is still in the early stages – We look forward to sharing more updates as this research progresses. Please know your support directly impacts this critical research for head and neck patients.

As a result of your donation and support to our goal during the 2023 year, we strongly believe together we can raise $100,000 in five years. Beyond Cancer is extremely fortunate to have walkers, donors, fundraisers, and sponsors like you who believe that together we can support the research needed for a world free of cancer. Our team, Beyond Cancer, comprised of 27 strong members, was so diligent in securing donations to support their efforts on the team. This year, we hope to secure even more on our team. Once you participate in this walk, it is something that spurs you on to do it the following year.

If you would like to support our mission, your donation can be made online at:

Or you can mail your check or money order to:

Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, P.O. Box 3595, Boston, MA 02241-3595.

Please write “for team Beyond Cancer” on the memo line so that all funds go to the Eric R. Rodriguez Fund for Head and Neck Cancer Research.

We are also able to accept matching gifts, gifts of stock, and gifts from donor-advised funds. Please let us know of any questions.

Last year, we had two highly successful fundraisers beyond the Jimmy Fund Walk that was held on October 1.

• Our first fundraiser was a cocktail reception on July 19 hosted by La Scala Ristorante in Randolph. We are most appreciative to owner Bobby Caparella, his family, and their dedicated staff for their time and commitment to the Eric R. Rodriguez Fund. Approximately $4,300.00 was raised at that event. Thank you to all who contributed toward this fundraising event.

• Our second fundraiser was our annual Pizza Party at our home on August 17. We are most appreciative of both my brother Andy Fantasia, for his support in sponsoring this event along with support from George Montilo, owner of Montilio’s Pizza On the Go. This event raised approximately $5,000.00. Once again, thank you to all who supported this fundraising event.

We would love to have you walk with us this year! You can register as part of our team by visiting Team Page and signing up to walk a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, or Full Marathon on Sunday, October 6. If you are not able to make it to the Boston Marathon® Course on October 6, you can register on Team Beyond Cancer as a “Virtual Walker” and can walk on a date and in a location that works for you! You could also consider volunteering at the Jimmy Fund Walk to help hand out water, medals, and other exciting tasks to support those of us who will be walking.

Once again, if you would like to sponsor Beyond Cancer in this year’s Jimmy Fund Walk, your business or family name will be featured on this year’s custom-designed t-shirts for much recognition as we walk along the Boston Marathon route. Last year, we had a total of nine sponsors. A sponsorship costs $500. Sponsorships may take the form of monetary donations to Eric’s fund, or may be dedicated toward other expenses, such as funding the team’s t-shirts or items needed at one of our fundraisers. If you are interested in being a sponsor, please contact us via phone/text at 508.942.3037 or email at anita@erhncrf.org. The deadline for being a sponsor is June 30, 2024.

Last year, we rolled out our own webpage thanks to the skill set and efforts of Net DirXions. On our website, you can see photos of our team, our fundraising events, and learn more about our mission. This year, our new fundraising product will be a cookbook filled with some of Eric’s favorite recipes as well as some of his helpful cooking tips. We hope to make this cookbook available both in hardcopy as well as an electronic version. Hardcopies will be available at our fundraisers as well. Please visit our webpage for information on this year’s fundraising events and more. Please refer to the flyer included in this mailing regarding our fundraising events for this year. We believe together in our lifetime; we can defy cancer and improve the quality of life for those experiencing this insidious disease.

Warmest regards,

Anita and Angelo Rodriguez Co- Captains, Beyond Cancer and Eric’s parents

Carrie Ann and Brian Huntley, Eric’s sister and brother-in-law

Ethan Swift – Eric’s nephew