Sharon’s Sneaker Crew gets ready for Jimmy Fund Walk on Sunday after hosting a benefit crafts fair at the MEG

By Laura Eisener

SAUGUS – Last Sunday afternoon the MEG was alive with crafters and shoppers, all to benefit a good cause – the Jimmy Fund. Sharon Genovese organized the fair, in addition to several yard sales held weeks earlier to raise money for the Jimmy Fund.

Thanks to all the crafters, and the shoppers, the fair surpassed its Goal. Sharon is tireless in her efforts to raise money for cancer research, as it has affected many of her family members. Too many members of her family were lost, but three are survivors, and she finds that cancer has touched everyone’s life, as we all have friends or family members who have fought the disease. Sharon herself is a survivor, and this coming Sunday (Oct. 1) she will be participating in the Jimmy Fund Walk for her ninth year.

Sharon started by walking the longest route – the full marathon 26.2-mile course – in 2014. She has a group of people, all from Saugus, that she will be walking with, known as Sharon’s Sneaker Crew. This year it will include her son, Bobby Genovese, who is doing the 10K route for the third time; also her friends Karen Speziale, doing the 5K for her second year, and Kristin Callahan, who will be doing the 5K for the seventh time.

The Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk is on Sunday, October 1, presented by Hyundai. The finish line is across from Fenway Park at 73 Brookline Ave. in Boston. There are 5K, 10K, half-marathon and full marathon route options, and even options for a “virtual walk” or participating by walking in your own neighborhood. The purpose of the walk is to raise funds for cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This year’s goal is nine million dollars. To register or for more information, go to the website: https://www.jimmyfund.org/events/cancer-fundraising-events/boston-marathon-jimmy-fund-walk/