In an inspiring display of unity and dedication, the Marblehead and Masconomet volleyball teams recently joined forces to honor Heather Walker, a beloved figure in their community, raising over $4,000 for the Pediatric Brain Cancer Foundation. This special fundraising event wasn’t just about the game—it was about making a difference in the fight against cancer while keeping Heather’s memory alive.
Heather Walker, a long-time Boston Celtics employee, passed away in April 2023 after battling Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. She was not only a cherished member of the Celtics family but also a devoted mother who loved watching her daughters, Sammy and Taylor, play sports. Her courage and strength during her battle with cancer left a lasting impact on her family and the local sports community.
Sammy Walker, now a sophomore on Marblehead High School’s volleyball team, is determined to carry on her mother’s fight. Teaming up with Masconomet Regional, Sammy and her teammates organized a powerful fundraiser during their match to support pediatric brain cancer research. The event not only reflected Heather’s legacy but also highlighted the strength of these young athletes uniting for a cause larger than themselves.
With the support of her father, Stephen, who is now actively involved with the Pediatric Brain Cancer Foundation, Sammy chose this organization because of its deep connection to their personal journey.
Both teams went all in for the cause, and the community followed suit. The players wore “Vs. Cancer” warmup shirts, organized raffles, and raised awareness through various activities leading up to the match. Masconomet’s team even participated in fundraising efforts at the Boxford Apple Festival, where they sold hand-decorated pumpkins and bracelets to raise additional funds.
While the volleyball match itself was fiercely competitive—Masconomet secured a thrilling five-set victory—the true success was the combined effort to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. The dedication of both teams showed the significant impact that young athletes can have when they unite for a purpose greater than the game.
The Walker family’s involvement in these efforts goes beyond the volleyball court. Heather established the Heather Walker Glioblastoma Fund at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, which has raised over $700,000 for cancer research. This volleyball event, along with other initiatives like a recent Pickleball tournament, continues to build on Heather’s legacy, ensuring that her fight against brain cancer lives on through her family, friends, and the wider community.
“Having support from my teammates and friends means the world to me. No one understands what losing a loved one to cancer is like until you’ve been through it,” Sammy Walker shared in an interview with Salem News.
As the Marblehead and Masconomet volleyball teams demonstrated, sports have the power to unite and inspire. Through their efforts, these athletes have shown that they can make a lasting impact both on and off the court, continuing the fight against cancer in honor of those they’ve lost and those still fighting.
If you’d like to support Sammy Walker’s fundraising efforts for the Pediatric Brain Cancer Foundation, you can visit her page here.
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