Monthly Spotlights

Childhood Cancers

While pediatric cancer is rare, it is still the chief cause of death by disease in children between the ages of 1 and 14.

For more than 60 years, Dana-Farber and Children's Hospital Boston have worked together to provide the best care available for children with cancer, and have been responsible for dozens of advances in research and treatment that have directly resulted in the improved survival rates for virtually every variety of childhood cancer.

Patient Stories

Valerie Bradley — A teen friendship flowers

When she became hospital roommates with Chelsie, who was the same age and had received the same diagnosis, Valerie Bradley learned that cancer can bring people together in a way nothing else can. read more
Matt Shea — College student/cancer patient inhabits two worlds

As a sarcoma patient, Matt Shea found the Jimmy Fund Clinic to be a warm, welcoming place, which is one of the reasons why the college senior spent his Fridays there as a volunteer. read more
Molly and Russ O'Neill — One family, two heroes

As she goes through treatment for acute lymphocytic leukemia, this 11-year-old Jimmy Fund Clinic patient draws strength from her beloved big brother, an Army National Guard member stationed in Iraq. read more
Nicholas Frith — Young athlete strikes out cancer

Now in remission, brain tumor survivor Nick Frith aims to spend more time at Fenway Park and less time at the hospital when in Boston. read more
Charlotte O'Shea — Family prevails in face of young child's brain tumor

Jim and Janet O'Shea have always been careful to devote equal attention to each of their four young children, but that balance was tipped when their daughter Charlotte was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive brain tumor. read more
James Lansing — Accepting a difficult situation

James Lansing claims that having cancer doesn't make much of a difference in his life. "I still do the same things, only I have a little less energy," the fifth-grader says. "And, my friends are cool with it." read more
Dianna Marcellus — Young survivor puts the polish on an invention

Cancer and its treatment pose many obstacles in a young person's life. Yet, the power of imagination and intelligence can help to overcome such challenges. For one young survivor, technology presented such an opportunity. read more
Jenny — A young survivor fulfills big dreams

To see 11-year-old Jenny skate it's hard to imagine her parents were once told she might never walk normally again after she was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma when she was 3. read more
Lindsay Roache — Young cancer survivor chooses oncology nursing

When nursing student Lindsay Roache cares for teenagers with cancer at Children's Hospital Boston, she knows exactly how they feel. She's been there. "I came back to face the past," says the 22-year-old, who is going full circle from patient to caregiver. read more
Jordan Leandre — Bringing hope (and luck) to Fenway faithful, Red Sox

Boston Red Sox fans witnessed the power of perseverance and hope at Fenway Park on Monday night, even before their baseball team rallied for yet another unpredictable playoff victory. read more