Friends of Dana-Farber renews its long-standing commitment
The Friends of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an all-volunteer organization that has championed DFCI's mission for the last 30 years. Since its founding in 1976, the Friends has given more than $18 million to expand the Institute's cutting-edge research and care initiatives. Now, the 1,500-member organization is renewing that commitment by pledging $1 million to establish the Friends Head and Neck Cancers Research Fund as part of Dana-Farber's planned comprehensive capital campaign.
Managed by Marshall Posner, MD, director of DFCI's Head and Neck Oncology Program, the Friends' gift will support the creation of new screening techniques and treatments to improve patient outcomes and, ultimately, reduce morbidity and increase survival rates.
"Every form of cancer is devastating," said former Friends Co-president Alice Cutler. "But head and neck cancers are especially grueling because patients often experience disfigurement and lose their ability to communicate. This is a very underfunded area, and we are extremely impressed by Dr. Posner's research."
Taking action
Head and neck cancers are particularly aggressive. Though patients typically respond well to intensive treatment, Posner says that in the past the vast majority with advanced cancers did not survive. Recent clinical studies led by DFCI and other institutions have greatly improved cure rates. Now, as more patients survive, they often suffer a dramatic loss in their quality of life due to the serious side effects associated with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation treatments.
Unfortunately, limited funding often hampers research efforts. But thanks to support from the Friends, Posner and his team will recruit a translational scientist who will help answer challenging questions: Which patients should receive aggressive therapies? How can radiotherapy-induced toxicity be limited? How can intricate forms of the disease—such as nasopharyngeal cancer, a disease that affects the tissue in the upper part of the throat, behind the nose—be treated?
"I was completely surprised and bowled over when I received news of this wonderful gift," said Posner. "All I could think was, 'Wow, now we can create a lab-based translational program.' I have been grateful to the Friends for its past support, which has allowed us to pursue novel clinical research. This new gift provides a terrific level of funding."
Steadfast mission
The Friends' faithful efforts—from assembling patient gift bags and securing artwork for exam and waiting areas, to scheduling performances for patients and operating the Friends' Corner Gift Shop—have helped enrich the lives of the Institute's patients, families, visitors, and staff since the organization's founding.
Friends members, many of whom have friends and loved ones who were treated at Dana-Farber, say that their involvement with the organization gives them a wonderful sense of empowerment and fulfillment.
"I've gotten more out of it than I've given," said Cutler. "It's a great group, and I'm happy to volunteer for such a warm, friendly place."
This story first appeared in the Spring 2005 issue of Impact. Updated in March 2006.
