For Patients & Families

Since our inception in 1999, the Pediatric Patient and Family Advisory Council (PPFAC) has served as a national model for healthcare institutions. By partnering with staff members of Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, we help improve the patient experience and ensure patient- and family-centered care.

What we do

• Advocate for expanded support services, including our Transitioning Off Treatment program, which guides families whose child is nearing the end of his or her treatment
• Partner with hospital administration for more flexibility, including the Home Hydration Program, which allows patients to hydrate at home instead of overnight at the hospital
• Improve infrastructure and physical spaces, including the renovations to the Jimmy Fund Clinic and Boston Children's Oncology Unit
• Implement more family-friendly initiatives, including the Weekend Initiative, a monthly coffee hour during which patients and families can drop in to share their thoughts and ask pediatric council members questions

Get involved

Do you want to share your voice and experience, guide the development of projects, and shape key decisions that affect the patient care and family experience at Dana-Farber? Contact us today.

You do not need to be a member to provide your input, although new applicants are always welcome. Five to six key administrative staff members serve as voting members of the Councils. Other staff leaders are invited guests and routinely attend meetings.

For more information about the Pediatric Patient and Family Advisory Council, including membership, please call 617-632-4319 or email pfac@dfci.harvard.edu.

Apply to join the Pediatric Patient and Family Advisory Council

Co-chairs, Pediatric Patient and Family Advisory Council (PPFAC)

Deanna Abrams

Deanna's daughter was diagnosed at age 10 with pediatric cancer, and was treated at Dana-Farber and Children's Hospital for seven years. After many years of calling the Longwood Medical Area "home away from home," Deanna decided to return and give back in the most meaningful way – to patients and their families.

Julia Pettengill

Pettengill is executive director of the African Food and Peace Foundation. Raised in southern Africa and educated in South Africa, she has a personal interest in addressing development initiatives in third world countries. Her daughter, Sophie, was treated at Dana-Farber for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and is now an active member of the Dana-Farber community.

Learn about the Adult Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC)