Marblehead resident and Boston Celtics Vice President of Public Relations Heather Walker passed away Wednesday morning after a nearly two-year battle with brain cancer.
Walker, who was hired by the Celtics in 2006, dedicated most of the past two years to raising money for a rare type of brain cancer known as glioblastoma.
The Heather Walker fund, which benefited the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, raised more than $500,000 over a two-year span. Walker is survived by two daughters and her husband Stephen, who announced her passing in a post on her charitable organization’s Facebook page, Move4Heather.
“She is with so many who have gone before her that I’m sure she was welcomed with open arms,” he said in the post. “There is so much to say, but I just can’t right now. It hurts too much. I love you so much, Heather. The girls, too. Now it’s your turn to rest and be at peace.”
In a statement on the team’s Twitter, the Boston Celtics called Walker a “boundlessly charismatic, giving, and selfless soul,” who displayed an abundance of positive energy and kindness. The team changed its profile picture to a pink heart with “HW” in the center in honor of Walker.
“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 post reads. “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 honored last year by the team as a “Hero Among Us,” an award given to those who have made a significant impact on the lives of others.
