Number of Participants: 26
Hours Donated: 10
Value of Time Served: $2,197
Event Amount Raised: $4,495
Event Type: Health & Medicine
Activity: Girls Volleyball
School: Marblehead High School
Date: October 3, 2024
Location:
Marblehead High School
Humphrey Street, Marblehead
MA
About:
Heather Walker was known for her love of the Boston Celtics, where she worked for nearly 20 years, leaving a legacy that is still remembered fondly at TD Garden. But what she loved even more was watching her daughters, Sammy and Taylor, play the sports they were passionate about. Heather’s fight against Glioblastoma, a relentless form of brain cancer, ended in April 2023, but her impact continues to inspire her family, friends, and the community.
In a heartfelt tribute to Heather, Sammy Walker, now a sophomore on Marblehead High School’s volleyball team, and her teammates joined forces with the Masconomet volleyball team to host a fundraiser during their recent match. The event, dedicated to the Pediatric Brain Cancer Foundation, raised $4,495 to help families affected by this devastating disease.
Sammy’s connection to the cause runs deep. “We chose this foundation because cancer, and specifically brain cancer, is something close to me, and no one should have to go through it,” she explained. Her father, Stephen, has also been actively involved in raising awareness and funds, partnering with sports teams to dedicate games to the fight against cancer.
Heather Walker’s fight against Glioblastoma lasted nearly two years before she passed away at 52. During that time, she established the Heather Walker Glioblastoma Fund at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, which has raised over $700,000 to date. The fund recently organized a Pickleball tournament at Marblehead High to continue the mission of finding a cure.
For the volleyball fundraiser, both Marblehead and Masconomet teams were fully committed. Beyond their league competition, the players came together for a cause that hit close to home. Masconomet’s volleyball captains took the lead in fundraising efforts, organizing a booth at the Boxford Apple Festival where they sold decorated pumpkins and handmade bracelets, raising nearly $1,000 for the Pediatric Brain Cancer Foundation. Their initiative showed a level of maturity and compassion that left a lasting impression on their coach, Jon Wettstone.
“The leadership, selflessness, and dedication these kids displayed were remarkable. They came together, worked hard, and made a difference in their community,” said Wettstone. “I’m incredibly proud of how they are changing lives.”
Before the match, the teams wore “Vs. Cancer” warmup shirts, not just on the court but also at school, showing their solidarity for the cause. The game itself was thrilling, with Masconomet narrowly edging out Marblehead in a five-set match, but the real victory came from the community support and funds raised for cancer research.
For Sammy Walker, the night was especially meaningful. “Having support from my teammates and friends means the world to me,” she shared. “No one understands what losing a loved one to cancer is like until you’ve been through it.”
Sammy’s younger sister, Taylor, a 7th grader, recently picked up volleyball as well, making the event even more special for the Walker family. Using a game they both love to honor their mother’s memory felt fitting, especially considering Heather’s love for sports and her role in the Boston sports world.
“I want to be just like her,” Sammy said. “She had a one-of-a-kind personality—she was a ray of sunshine and my best friend.”
As the volleyball season continues, so does the legacy of Heather Walker and the fight to find a cure for brain cancer. Sammy Walker and her team’s efforts are a powerful reminder of how sports can bring communities together for a greater purpose, leaving a lasting impact on both the game and the world.
You can support Sammy Walker’s fundraising efforts for the Pediatric Brain Cancer Foundation by visiting her page here.
