At the Blum Resource Center, we are dedicated to providing patients and families with access to information about their particular disease and the diagnoses and treatments we offer to address that disease.
At the center, we offer access to comprehensive information that includes:
- Chemotherapy (Oral and Infusion)
- Health Library
- Cancer Prevention and Risk Reduction
- Treatment Centers and Clinical Services
Adult Support Programs and Services
The Blum Resource Center offers a wide array of programs and services for patients and families before, during, and after their treatment at Dana-Farber. Our comprehensive services that include:
Family Connections Backpack Program
Family Connections is dedicated to supporting adult cancer patients who are parents and their children. The mission is to offer guidance, information, and resources to those who are dealing with cancer in their family, and to identify and respond to the needs of parents and children by supporting, supplementing, and empowering family coping. The Family Connections Backpack Program, located at the Blum Resource Center, offers age-appropriate backpacks filled with information and creative relaxation materials to help children though the difficult time of dealing with a parent who has cancer.
In addition, our Caregiver Hope Program (at 617-632-3301) offers a complimentary bag filled with information/Dana-Farber resources and practical tips specifically for any caregiver.
Adult Survivorship Program
Dana-Farber's Adult Survivorship Program, a member of the LIVESTRONG Survivorship Center of Excellence Network, focuses on caring for, supporting, educating, and learning from adult patients in the years after their cancer treatment.
Creative Arts Program
Located in the Blum Resource Center, the Open Arts Studio is a walk-in space that provides materials for, and assistance with, independently exploring creative arts. The Open Arts Studio is open Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is staffed by volunteers. All materials and art instruction are provided free of charge.
Hand Woven Comfort Hats
The Blum Resource Center provides hand-woven hats that have been made just for patients, where patients are able to select a hat that is the perfect color, fit, and style for them. These hats provide both warmth and comfort, reminding patients that they are loved and cared for by many. Please note: If you would like to donate hats, scarves, or blankets, please make sure they are individually wrapped to conform with infection control standards.
Light One Little Candle
The Light One Little Candle Foundation at Dana-Farber makes lasting connections for families through literature. The Light One Little Candle Foundation was created by Joelle Pauporte, a young mother, doctor, and breast cancer patient. It was her wish that even during difficult times, other parents with cancer could find comfort and joy through reading. The program also has a wish list on Amazon.com to help you make book donations. For help in choosing books on the wish list or for any other information about the program, please contact the Blum Resource Center at 617-632-5570.
Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies
Integrative therapies (also known as complementary therapies) range from acupuncture and massage to nutritional guidance and music therapy. Patients treated at the Zakim Center credit its services with easing nausea, improving circulation, and reducing pain, stress, and anxiety associated with cancer treatment.
Blum Resource Van
The Blum Family Resource Center Van is now the home to Dana-Farber's Sun Safety Education and Skin Cancer Screening Program, which provides sun safety and skin cancer-related information and screening at no cost. Sun Safety events are run by health educators, who teach participants about sun-safe practices, according to an evidence-based curriculum. There is also a dermatologist present for skin cancer screenings at most events.
The 39-foot, custom-designed van is outfitted with a classroom that can accommodate up to 15 people, an area with two computer stations for Internet access, and a fully equipped exam room. The van visits health fairs, beaches, private businesses and corporations, public events, and other special events throughout Massachusetts. For information about skin cancer screenings on the Blum Van, call 617-632-2614.
Information about Patient and Family Support
From adult social work, to insurance and financial assistance, to sexual health, to nutrition services — find out about our comprehensive support services for patients and their families.
