Skip Navigation

Visiting Dana-Farber? See our prescreening and mask requirements.

75 Years. One Mission.

  • Sidney Farber, MD, looking out his office window

    "I have never accepted the incurability of cancer. And, I have remained hopeful, not because of wishful thinking — that's not progress — but because of the factual evidence of progress."

    — Sidney Farber, MD



  • When Sidney Farber, MD, founded the Children's Cancer Research Foundation 75 years ago, he gave a newfound sense of hope to young patients with cancer and their loved ones, and set the course for a mission dedicated to the research and care of cancer for all patients.

    He also gave rise to what would become one of our community's most cherished organizations with a global reputation for excellence. For 75 years, Dana-Farber has cared for patients with expertise and compassion, forged new frontiers in cancer research, and provided a sanctuary for bright and curious minds to pursue their passions.

    As we mark the 75-year anniversary of this amazing organization, we can take pride that we remain anchored by the core principles of Sidney Farber's mission: to make scientific discoveries and turn them into life-saving treatments. Equipped with that sense of pride and breadth of knowledge and skill we've gained, we can look boldly ahead to the future, filled with an enduring sense of hope for all the possibilities that lie ahead to help patients everywhere who are counting on us.

    Together, we continue the great promise of this organization, and continue our progress to reduce the burden of cancer for all.

    — Laurie H. Glimcher, MD
    President and CEO


  • Dana-Farber's 75th Anniversary Kickoff
    Watch our celebration of Dana-Farber's milestone anniversary — 75 years of research, discovery, and exceptional care dedicated to eliminating cancer in children and adults.

  • Dana-Farber Through the Years

  • What Does Dana-Farber Mean to You?

    Whether you are a staff member, patient, caregiver, community member, or donor, we want to hear from you! What does Dana-Farber mean to you? What memories of the Institute do you have? To participate, make a public post (text, photo, or even video) on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. Please include the hashtag #DanaFarber75 so we can find it and publish it here on our page.

    Not on social media or prefer to contribute directly? Submit your story here instead.

  • Researcher at microscope - What we do here changes lives everywhere

    Dana-Farber's Momentum of Discovery

    Dana-Farber has led the way in cancer breakthroughs for 75 years. Learn more about our momentum of discovery and why what we do here, changes lives everywhere.
    ironworker spray painting names on beam

    Ironworkers Paint to Cheer Children with Cancer

    During construction of the Yawkey Center in 2009, ironworkers spray-painted the names of some of our young patients onto the building's steel beams. Today, some of those names are still visible in a specially created corner of the Yawkey Center. Watch the video and learn more about this heartwarming story on our blog.
    David Nathan, MD, and William Kaelin Jr., MD

    Care and Innovation: Medical Oncology at Dana-Farber

    Trace the remarkable growth and development of medical oncology at Dana-Farber — from its early roots to today's mission-driven commitment to excellence in research, care, collaboration, and training.
    The Dana-Farber Campaign Defy Cancer

    The Dana-Farber Campaign. Defy Cancer.

    The Dana-Farber Campaign will advance our mission by raising funds to defy cancer with revolutionary science, extraordinary care, and exceptional expertise.