Strangie Forms Jimmy Fund Team in Son’s Memory

Ritchie Strangie was best known for his sense of humor. At just 8 years old, he was selected as a contestant on the show “Kids Say the Darndest Things,” when his mother, Leighanne Strangie took him for an audition.

“Everybody loved him,” said Leighanne. “He would always befriend those who were lonely or in need of a friend, and one of the biggest pieces of his personality was his sense of humor.”

His sense of humor is often the first thing mentioned when friends and family discuss Strangie’s life. At just 28 years old, Strangie lost his battle with cancer, leaving behind an unbearable emptiness amongst his mother, father, brother (Christopher Strangie, 26) and sister (Stephanie Strangie,18).

As Leighanne still sifts through the many cards given to her that describe how her late son made an impact on someone else’s life, she has decided to give back to those who helped Ritchie during his battle. On Sept. 22, 2019, Leighanne and her dedicated team of walkers, will participate in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, in honor of the young man who left a mark on all those he encountered.

“I started Team Ritchie to show my immense gratitude to the extraordinary people at the Jimmy Fund,” said Leighanne, who got to witness Ritchie’s joy while attending numerous sporting events thanks to the organization. â€œI feel good knowing the money we raise will go to research and for programs that helped us all cope with such a terrible disease. Our team consists of some cancer survivors and a friend who is in treatment. Some team members get together to train for the big day every Thursday. It has become an uplifting event that has helped us deal with the loss of our beloved Ritchie.”

To support Team Ritchie please go to: Danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto/team_ritchie.   Team Ritchie will also be hosting a bake sale in French Square on September 14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., and will be at the I Love Winthrop Festival on Sept. 21, noon – 6 p.m. 

To register for the Walk (#JimmyFundWalk), to support a walker, or to volunteer, visit www.JimmyFundWalk.org or call (866) 531-9255.