‘Selfless soul’: Celtics family mourning executive who lost lengthy battle with rare brain cancer

BOSTON — The Celtics’ vice president of public relations died Wednesday morning following a nearly two-year battle with a rare form of cancer, the family announced. Heather Walker was 52 years old.

Tears were brought to the community after the Boston Celtics shared a heartfelt message honoring Heather and her family.

“Heather Walker was a boundlessly charismatic, giving, and selfless soul. Every room she entered was brighter for her presence,” the Celtics said in a statement. “As anyone who knew her could attest, her abundant positive energy and kindness should not be mistaken for any lack of fortitude or determination when such qualities were 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 was hired by the Celtics in 2006, first noticed symptoms about 22 months ago while running a press conference at the team’s practice facility.

“I was scared, I was really scared,” Walker shared with Boston 25 in January. “And I went home and said to my mother, ‘There’s something wrong with me.’ And she said, ‘Well I noticed you put potato chips in the refrigerator.’”

Walker wound up going to the hospital where she was diagnosed with Stage IV Glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer.

The NBTS reports the five-year survival rate for glioblastoma is under seven percent. While some patients survive 12-18 months, the average lifespan, post-diagnosis, is just eight months.

Walker underwent two surgeries, as well as other treatments. After her diagnosis, Walker established the #Move4Heather campaign, which has raised more than $600,000 for glioblastoma research.

“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 said. “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, a Marblehead resident, is survived by her husband, Stephen, and two young daughters, Sammy and Taylor.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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