The walking shoes are laced, tied and ready to take off at this year's Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk.
Christopher Mervilus participates in honor of family members who died from cancer.
"I never even got to meet my grandparents," he said. "And in case somebody else's grandparents have cancer, can help them."
Over the past 26 years, the Jimmy Fund Walk has raised more than $95 million. Organizers were expecting to hit $100 million Sunday. More than 8,500 people took part.
"Our walkers have been working so hard on raising funds, and all the funds support research and patient care at Dana-Farber," said ASsociate Director Kelly Lepley.
One of those patients was 11-month-old Makenzie Canniff, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Too young to walk, her mom is pushing her along.
Christina Canniff says she's battling through the walk because her daughter is a fighter.
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"She smiles, all she does is smile," she said. "These children are so resilient to cancer, to chemo, to needles, to everything. They have no mindset about it yet, because they're so young."
Little Joey Lauzon battled with neuroblastoma, as well, and is now cancer-free. His UFC fighting dad, Joe Lauzon Sr., says the Jimmy Fund saved his life.
"We're thankful everyday we get to have him," said Lauzon. "The Jimmy Fund made it all possible, so we just want to give back and try to help other families."
Help and hope is what the Lauzon family are giving Christina Canniff, just by walking.
"To know that other people are going through this as well, as a family, is really uplifting," she said. "To know you're not the only one."
The Jimmy Fund is accepting donations for Sunday's walk on their website up until Oct. 15.
