Holliston resident Bob McKee is turning his cancer journey into an afternoon of music, community and giving back. On Sunday, Sept. 13, McKee will host a fundraiser at Rushford & Sons Brewhouse for his BBC23 Underdogs Jimmy Fund Walk team, featuring live music from Worcester native singer-songwriter Sam James, a former contestant on NBC’s The Voice. The event will bring neighbors together to enjoy an afternoon of music and community while helping McKee raise money for cancer research and support the mission that has become deeply personal to him.

In the summer of 2023, McKee experienced unexplained bouts of extreme fatigue, brain fog and uncharacteristic lapses in judgment. His wife jokingly suggested that he “get his head checked,” and what began as a passing remark soon became a sobering reality.

When the imaging results came back, McKee’s wife, a nurse practitioner, immediately recognized that something was seriously wrong. The scans revealed three lesions on his brain. 

With a five-year-old son at home and no guarantee of how much time he had left, McKee faced life’s greatest challenge: to survive and make that time count. Nearly three years later, he is still here, and he’s turning his experience into a mission of hope, community and giving back.

In 2024, he delivered the keynote speech at an Expect Miracles Foundation (EMF) gala, helping raise $80,000 for the organization, which has awarded more than $25 million in grants supporting cancer research and financial assistance for families.

That same year, McKee began participating in the Jimmy Fund Walk with members of his family. Together, they have raised more than $14,000. And, on Oct. 4, 2026, he will captain the BBC23 Underdogs for his third Jimmy Fund Walk, with a goal of raising at least another $10,000 for cancer research.

For McKee, organizations such as the Jimmy Fund and EMF represent more than fundraising totals. They demonstrate what is possible when communities come together to support patients, advance research and create hope.

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for these organizations. They are the largest donors to Dana-Farber,” says McKee.

His own experience inspired him to pay it forward. In June, McKee launched BBC23.com. He calls it his “passion project” rooted in his cancer journey and his desire to turn a difficult experience into a source of hope for others. 

When he was diagnosed, McKee recalls, “I didn’t know where to go. I was lost. I did this because it is cathartic for me; let’s see if it’s cathartic for others.”

Through the site, he shares his story, connects with fellow cancer fighters, recognizes those who have supported him and provides resources, encouragement and opportunities to support cancer research.

“It’s unfortunate that this happened, but I am happy to be here. I wouldn’t be if it wasn’t for organizations like The Jimmy Fund. It shouldn’t be the big C-word,” says McKee.

During treatment, McKee found strength in music, which helped motivate him to get out of bed and walk the hospital floor when even that required tremendous effort. Today, music remains a source of inspiration, making acclaimed Worcester native singer-songwriter Sam James a fitting choice to perform at McKee’s Sept. 13 fundraiser. 

James gained national recognition as a contestant on Season 3 of The Voice, where he performed as a member of Team Adam. Known for his soulful vocals and engaging covers, James has also earned co-writing credits with major artists including Dolly Parton and Bebe Rexha.

The fundraiser will take place Sunday, Sept. 13, from 4-8 p.m. with music starting at 5:30 p.m. at Rushford & Sons Brewhouse, 747 Washington St., Holliston. The event will include live music from James, opportunity drawings featuring gift cards from local businesses and a chance to support McKee’s BBC23 Underdogs Jimmy Fund Walk Campaign. A suggested $20 donation will go toward the campaign. 

For McKee, the afternoon is about more than fundraising—it’s a celebration of community, hope and the belief that there is always a reason to keep fighting. Every donation helps support cancer research and the possibility of giving another family what McKee is fighting to preserve: more time together.