For the 24th year, Audacy Boston’s WEEI traded box scores for donation pledges, with the 2026 WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon proving the tradition still has room to grow, raising $7.3 million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, topping last year’s record total.
Broadcasting live from Fenway Park, WEEI and the New England Sports Network carried the telethon Monday, August 17, and Tuesday, August 18, with NESN also streaming coverage on YouTube and X.
Jimmy Fund Co-Chairs Tom Caron and Brock Holt led the broadcast, and Red Sox pitcher Garrett Whitlock served as Jimmy Fund Captain. The two-day event featured appearances from Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy, manager Chad Tracy, and players including Jarren Duran, Adley Rutschman and Wilyer Abreu, alongside Red Sox alumni David Ortiz, Johnny Damon and Jonathan Papelbon. Boston Bruins, Celtics and New England Patriots and Revolution alumni also stopped by, along with retired WEEI Red Sox radio announcer Joe Castiglione.
Since WEEI and NESN began their partnership with the Jimmy Fund in 2002, the telethon has raised more than $80 million for adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber. In August 2025, the event set what was then a record total of $5.76 million, and in August 2024, it raised $3.9 million, meaning this year’s total marks a third straight year of growth.
Audacy Sports Format Vice President Mike Thomas said, “Thanks to the unbelievable generosity of our listeners and Red Sox fans, this year’s Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon shattered our record by raising over $7.3 million. Every dollar raised is a home run for Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund. I could not be prouder of our entire team for pulling off such a monumental effort.”
Jimmy Fund Co-Chairs Tom Caron and Brock Holt added, “Thank you to the thousands of supporters who came together for another record-breaking year…Together, we made history in efforts to help strike out cancer. The Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon is an inspiring reminder of the incredible impact we can make together against cancer. We’re so proud to be a part of this team.”
