Debra Boyle lost her beloved husband Danny to brain cancer in January 2008. It all started with a seizure in the middle of the night and three years later, he was gone. Danny was a local firefighter who left behind a devoted family, countless friends and fellow firefighters devastated by his death. Because of his sudden passing, Debra slept for months barely able to care for her sons. One day, she decided to turn her anger and grief into something productive — an event dedicated to the life of her husband called the Lieutenant Danny Boyle Memorial Run/ Walk. It is held at the Ashley Reservoir/Elks Lodge in Holyoke, Mass. Debra has raised $90,000 through four annual events in support of the Stephen E. and Catherine Pappas Center for Neuro-Oncology led by Tracy Batchelor, MD, MPH. Dr. Batchelor, the Mass General physician who treated Danny, attends the event, alongside more than 400 participants, all of whom are raising funds to support better treatment for brain tumor patients.

Mass General honors 100 individuals and groups for their diverse contributions to the fight against cancer.

There is strength in numbers and Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center proves this each year. the one hundred is the Cancer Center’s annual fundraiser, honoring 100 individuals and groups whose diligence and discoveries, philanthropy and passion have helped advance the fight against cancer. Funds raised at the gala support research, patient care, education and community outreach programs.  Meet the Honorees.