Heather Walker, a longtime Celtics government and the group’s vp of public relations, died on Wednesday following a virtually two-year battle with most cancers. She was 52 years previous.
“Heather Walker was a boundlessly charismatic, giving, and selfless soul,” the Celtics mentioned in a press release. “Every room she entered was brighter for her presence. As anybody who knew her may attest, her plentiful constructive power and kindness shouldn’t be mistaken for any lack of fortitude or dedication when such qualities had been required.
“She thrived in chaos, always able to recognize the humor that the adventures of her life brought her. Each of these attributes were on display through the best days of her life, and remained intact, sharpened even, when she encountered her cruel diagnosis.”
Walker, who had labored with the Celtics since 2006, was recognized with stage 4 glioblastoma in July 2021. Since then, she had been working relentlessly to boost consciousness and cash to analysis the uncommon and aggressive type of most cancers. She began the Heather Walker Fund for Glioblastoma Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the place she was being handled.
The #Move4Heather marketing campaign raised greater than $644,000. Following her prognosis, she joined a medical trial for a vaccine to struggle her most cancers.
As a part of the #Move4Heather fundraising initiative, she requested individuals to do one thing that strikes them – a bucket checklist merchandise or a easy exercise – and publish a photograph and video with the hashtag #m4h, an effort to boost consciousness and funds.
“Displaying exceptional courage, she made a point of raising awareness for glioblastoma through the Move4Heather movement, wanting to use her situation to help the lives of others, which was entirely consistent with her character,” the Celtics mentioned. “Through her illness, she was resolute and extraordinary in boosting the spirits of those around her, and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and essential awareness in hopes of easing the suffering and saving the lives of others.”
Walker is survived by her husband Stephen and two daughters, Samantha and Taylor.
Celtics’ Heather Walker continues the struggle
“We will miss her for her energy, the joy and laughter that followed her everywhere she went, and we are grateful for everything she provided her Celtics family and the countless people that she positively impacted along the way,” the Celtics mentioned. “Our hearts and sympathy are with Heather’s loving family and friends, whom she cherished. She will remain part of our fabric for as long as the Celtics go on.”
Walker was beloved within the Celtics neighborhood, which supported her fiercely all through her struggle. Last March, on the night time Kevin Garnett’s No. 5 was retired within the TD Garden rafters, she was honored in a halftime ceremony because the recipient of the group’s Heroes Among Us award, when she was in a position to reconnect with the 2008 championship group.
“Oh my God. You even mentioning it gives me goosebumps, it was so incredible,” Walker mentioned in an interview with the Herald final yr. “I believe it was simply superb to see these guys. I haven’t seen loads of these gamers in a really very long time. James Posey, and Eddie House. Of course it’s superb to see Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, who I’ve seen just lately. We’ve all the time linked. Then Kevin Garnett – he was superb and had some nice phrases for me.
“He said stay strong. He said you continue your fight and stay strong, and he just gave me a big hug and was so motivating, just really, really nice.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com