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Monthly Spotlights

Patient and Family Advisory Councils

Martie Carney and Joe Nies were founding members of the adult council in 1998.

At Dana-Farber, patients and families aren’t just on the receiving end of cancer treatment. They actively participate in how the Institute approaches care. Our Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs) are made up of Dana-Farber patients, families, and staff members. Working side by side with clinicians and staff, council members share their needs, opinions, and experiences. They have served on more than 100 committees and planning groups at the Institute, influencing everything from how long a person spends in a waiting room to what the plans are for the new Yawkey Center for Cancer Care. The councils also publish Side by Side, a quarterly newsletter for patients and families. Learn more about how these councils help Dana-Farber fulfill its mission to provide truly patient-centered care.

• The Adult Patient and Family Advisory Council
• The Pediatric Patient and Family Advisory Council

What are PFACs?

The stories below detail the mission, impact, and accomplishments of the PFACs:

• Leading the way: Council members spread the message of patient-centered care
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts honors Dana-Farber with second annual Health Care Excellence Award: Dana-Farber's patient and family-centered care seen as industry best practice
• PFAC members who work on the Legislative Action Network: Spotlight on Dana-Farber Advocates
• Councils have offered ‘counsel’ for 10 years
• Dana-Farber now providing patients and families with wireless Internet access
• Side by Side, the quarterly newsletter for patients and families

Personal Stories

• Judie Ham – 'Never say never'

  

  Energetic and full of humor, Judie Ham gets the most out of every day. For this five-time cancer survivor, that includes sharing her story with Dana-Farber patients and their families. read more

• Martha Hayward – A sister's gift leads to breast cancer education

  

  Since her and her sister's cancer diagnoses, Martha Hayward has thought about ways to encourage women to be diligent about screening and early detection. She has come up with an idea that she hopes will make a difference. read more

• Maryann MacIntyre – Crossing off cancer

  

  Maryann MacIntyre, a busy banking executive and stomach cancer survivor, has returned to Dana-Farber as a volunteer. "I found so much competence and compassion here," she said. "I wanted to give back." read more

• Marjorie Cotton Supple – Breast cancer survivor offers wisdom at Faulkner satellite clinic

  

  As a patient at Dana-Farber's clinic at Faulkner Hospital, Marjorie learned a lot about the kindness of others. Now that she has finished treatment, she gives back by supporting others on their cancer journeys. read more

• Andres Trevino: Member of the Pediatric Patient and Family Advisory Council

  

  Andy joined the PPFAC in April 2005, and represents two types of minorities at Dana-Farber and Children's Hospital: Spanish-speaking families and patients with rare diseases. read more

How to Get Involved

If you are a patient, parent, or family member of a patient who has received care at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center or Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Center (including our satellite sites) and are interested in joining and/or learning more about the Councils, please call the Patient and Family Advisory Council office at (617) 632-4319 or e-mail pfac@dfci.harvard.edu.

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