Donor Stories
Men and women support Dana-Farber and its Jimmy Fund for a variety of reasons. Read their stories of hope:
McGraw furthers philanthropic legacy, names center for population sciences
Population scientists at Dana-Farber cast a wide net in their quest to reduce cancer and the suffering it causes in entire populations. Investigators search for genetic risk factors for common cancers, seek out effective means of prevention and early detection, evaluate the cost-effectiveness and outcomes of treatments, and examine disparities in healthcare.
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Bob Cousy makes commitment to help Dana-Farber win the fight against cancer
He was called "the Houdini of the Hardwoods." A celebrated member of the
Boston Celtics from 1950-1963, Bob Cousy is primarily known by fans as one of
the greatest players ever to step onto a basketball court. In addition to his
role in shaping sports history, Cousy has also been devoted to changing the
world through his philanthropic efforts.
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Dana-Farber Society member extends nephew's legacy of hope
Although losing her nephew Todd Miller to cancer was a tragic event in Elinor
Cohen's life, the memory of the outstanding treatment and compassionate care
he received as a patient at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute remained with her. A
member of the Dana-Farber Society — a group of donors that has made planned
gifts to Dana-Farber — Cohen ensured her nephew's legacy of giving back would
live on. She arranged a $25,000 charitable gift annuity (CGA) followed by a
gift of $10,000 from her IRA to support Dana-Farber's research efforts.
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Reiss expresses gratitude to Dana-Farber with bequest
Marguerite Reiss was no stranger to cancer's devastating effects. At the age of 12, she lost her mother to breast cancer. Later, in 2001, when her sister-in-law Kathleen Mahoney was diagnosed with bronchial alveolar cancer, a form of lung cancer, Reiss was there to offer emotional support during Mahoney's treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Mahoney's Dana-Farber experience provided Reiss with a keen view of the compassion and groundbreaking treatment for which Dana-Farber is world-renowned.
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Burnett gift of a lifetime translates into hope
Throughout her 90 years, Doris Burnett touched the lives of many. During her
younger years in Northampton, Mass., she served as an instructor at Northampton
Commercial College. Later, she dedicated her time to the armed forces, serving
as a transportation agent for the Springfield Armory and the Department of
Defense and a hospital volunteer during World War II, providing aid to wounded
soldiers. In her personal life, she was a loving wife to the late John Burnett
and an important person to her many relatives.
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Keenan bequest marks a life filled with generosity and compassion
Margaret "Peggy" Keenan lived a life dedicated to making a difference in her
community and within her own family. She spent her early adulthood as a teacher
and social worker, helping people try to advance in their lives. Later, she
worked as an administrator with A&P Supermarket for 37 years. In her personal
life, Keenan, who never married, was the primary caregiver for her aging
parents until their deaths.
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Field bequest reflects a life dedicated to furthering research
Frances "Billie" Wilson Field lived her life on her own terms. Born in 1911,
she grew up in an era when it was rare for a woman to pursue an independent
career. But Field followed her own path, eventually into her role as a lab
technician working to find ways to treat and prevent diseases.
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Halpern's CGA Honors his Dana-Farber Caregivers
As a college professor, Lawrence Halpern has spent nearly 16 years teaching finance and ethics to eager business students. But upon his diagnosis with prostate cancer in 1989, the tables were turned. Halpern found himself in the position of a pupil learning from Dana-Farber how to beat the disease.
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Davidson bequest advances breast cancer research
Much like thousands of people everywhere, Polly Davidson was intimately
acquainted with cancer during her lifetime. Her young son, Chips, was a
leukemia patient and though he tragically succumbed to the disease, Davidson
continued to remain involved in the fight against cancer.
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Family's gift transforms helplessness into hope
When Sarah Ann Leake's husband, Peter, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in
1988, she and her five children were confronted with the harsh realities of the
disease. Peter was given just eight months to live. Unfortunately, many
pancreatic cancer patients face a similar prognosis because the disease
presents few symptoms before reaching an advanced stage.
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Hollomon's devotion to Red Sox inspires charitable gift annuity
Nancy Hollomon is the consummate Red Sox fan. To honor her favorite ball club
and its longstanding commitment to fighting cancer, Hollomon created a $10,000
charitable gift annuity (CGA) at Dana-Farber.
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Margie Plotka Levine dedicated her life to empowering others
In 1989, 43-year-old Margie Plotka Levine was diagnosed with the deadliest
form of lung cancer—malignant pleural mesothelioma. Given months to live,
she fought back by adopting her own therapeutic program blending traditional and
complementary medicine.
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Bette Winik extends her legacy of compassion
Bette Winik dedicated her life, both personally and professionally, to
helping others. After her diagnosis with advanced ovarian cancer in 2003,
Winik was treated at Dana-Farber and became committed to the cause of cancer
prevention and research.
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Malkiel's charitable gift annuity keeps on giving
Julian Malkiel has created a legacy of compassion at Dana-Farber. With his
$100,000 gift, the financially savvy retiree established a charitable gift
annuity (CGA) that will help sustain the Institute's lifesaving work and
provides him with a guaranteed annual income in return.
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