To see all current volunteer openings, click the “Apply Today” button on this page. If you'd like to volunteer onsite, apply to the location you’re interested in (Longwood or Chestnut Hill), not to a specific role. For example, to be an Ambassador at Longwood, apply to “Onsite Volunteer (Longwood)”. In the application, you’ll be able to choose your top three roles of interest.
Volunteers in our Ambassador Program ensure patients and their loved ones feel comfortable and supported during their time at Dana-Farber. Patients and families often feel overwhelmed, lost, and unfamiliar with the resources available to them at the Institute and in Boston. Navigating complex systems while coping with illness can be challenging and stressful. Friendly assistance, clear guidance, and access to helpful information can ease anxiety and frustration. It can also be empowering. With a welcoming environment, robust support, and raised awareness of resources, patients and families will feel more confident and satisfied.
You'll be the friendly face at patient entrances, ready to guide and accompany them to their appointments. Your care and empathy will provide comfort and support throughout their journey. You'll also be a valuable resource, helping patients understand and navigate their "patient itinerary" and providing clear directions within Dana-Farber locations. Your presence and dedication can transform their care experience by reducing anxiety and equipping them with the knowledge to find their way.
Friendly, caring, and approachable. Great at communication. Good with people from diverse backgrounds. Knows Dana-Farber and nearby hospitals well. Reliable and flexible.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - Longwood Medical Area and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - Chestnut Hill
Volunteers must commit to a three-hour shift for at least one year.
Shifts are from 7:00 – 10:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., or 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.
Volunteers in the Food Basket Packing and Distribution role help support Dana-Farber patients and families experiencing food insecurity, or who may be at risk of becoming food insecure, by assisting with the organization, packing, and distribution of nutritious and culturally responsive foods. By helping maintain a welcoming and respectful environment, volunteers play an important part in reducing barriers and stigma associated with accessing food assistance programs while supporting patient dignity, well-being, and quality of life.
Volunteers support the daily operations of the Dana-Farber Food Basket by receiving and organizing food deliveries, assisting with inventory management and product rotation, assembling food bags and boxes using patient order forms or standardized menus, and helping distribute food to patients and families throughout the building or nearby parking areas. Additional responsibilities may include maintaining a clean, safe, and organized pantry space; disinfecting and sanitizing surfaces; disposing of trash, recycling, and compost appropriately; and sharing information about available Dana-Farber and community-based resources. Volunteers also help ensure patients and families feel welcomed and supported throughout their experience.
Compassionate, dependable, and detail-oriented. Comfortable working in a team environment and interacting respectfully with patients and families from diverse backgrounds. Ability to follow organizational procedures, perform physical tasks, and maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - Longwood Medical Area
Volunteers must commit to one 3–hour shift (10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.) per week for at least one year.
Must be able to stand, bend, and lift boxes weighing 10 to 25 pounds. Read text on paper, tablets, smartphones, or computer monitors. Comfortably use a computer, tablet, smartphone, keyboard, and mouse.
As a Hands-on Care Volunteer, you will provide complimentary hand massages to adult patients to support them during their infusion treatment days. You will be trained by a licensed oncology massage therapist from the Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrated Therapies and Healthy Living. The service is the application of a 15-minute gentle and soothing touch to the hands and is not a treatment.
The Hands-on Care Volunteer Program provides a complimentary, personal program for adult patients to support them during the chemotherapy infusion treatment days. The volunteer, trained by a licensed oncology massage therapist from the Zakim Center, will provide a 15-minute hand massage. The service is the application of a gentle and soothing touch to the hands. The service is not a treatment.
Through the application of a gentle hand massage, patients will experience comfort, care, relaxation, and support during their chemotherapy infusion treatments.
Must be compassionate, warm, sensitive to emotional needs, able to follow directions and work well under supervision. Cultural sensitivity and excellent communication skills required. Volunteers must be ambulatory, able to bend over, and able to carry a bag of supplies weighing 5–10 pounds.
Dana-Farber - Longwood Medical Area
One day per week, between 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. Volunteers are expected to be available for the same three-hour block, one day per week. A one-year commitment is required.
There are two volunteer placements in the Jimmy Fund Clinic – the Playroom and the Resource Room.
The Jimmy Fund Clinic Playroom is thoughtfully designed to foster a sense of normalcy within the hospital environment for our patients and their families. Through a variety of toys, games, and arts and crafts activities, patients are able to relax and simply enjoy being kids while awaiting their treatment for the day. This welcoming and secure space allows patients of all ages to express themselves and regain a sense of autonomy and control during a challenging time. It is also a place where celebrations occur (whether it’s a holiday or other special milestone), and encourages the formation of supportive relationships among patients and their families. From creative arts projects and board games to toys and video games, the playroom offers a wide range of engaging activities. These experiences are made even more enriching by our dedicated volunteers, who play a vital role in helping our patients embrace moments of joy and playfulness throughout their days.
The Marjorie and Betty Ann Blum Pediatric Resource Room is a comfortable learning center for Pediatric Oncology parents, patients and their families to learn about disease, treatment options, and other cancer related health matters. The room houses a collection of books, brochures, laptops, iPads, and a music room, as well as crafts, games, and toys for all ages. The purpose of these materials is to provide patients with knowledge and ways to obtain support, as well as distraction and coping during appointments. The Blum Pediatric Resource Room is staffed by professionals and volunteers who are committed to helping patients and their families.
Daily tasks depend on placement in either the resource room or the playroom but may include:
Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Dana-Farber's Junior Volunteer Program is a highly competitive program accepting high school students aged 16 to 18 who will learn multiple volunteer roles that allow them to engage directly with patients and families and become familiar with a health care environment.
As a junior volunteer, you will greet patients, help them navigate Dana-Farber, deliver lunches and adult art supplies to patients in infusion, and more.
Must be sensitive to emotional needs, follow directions, and work well under supervision. Cultural sensitivity and excellent communication skills required.
Dana-Farber - Longwood Medical Area and Dana-Farber - Chestnut Hill
The program runs from July 6 – August 14, 2026, with a mandatory orientation on June 29. Applicants must be able to commit to one 6-hour day per week (8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) for the full six weeks. They must be able to attend or call into a weekly meeting that will introduce students to a variety of careers in health care.
Applications open the first week of January and are due by March of each year.
Our free telephone support program connects patients with understanding peers who have walked a similar path.
Must be ONE year out from initial diagnosis
Adult patients and caregivers (family or friend)
Imagine having someone who truly understands, who’s been there themselves, ready to listen. Over 1–2 phone calls, our peer mentors offer heartfelt support and guidance to others who are on their own cancer journeys.
We also have peer mentors who understand the unique challenges that caregivers face and can offer guidance and support for that role.
For any inquiries or further information, call 617-632-4020 or email onetoone@dfci.harvard.edu.
Since our inception in 1998, the Adult Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFAC) have served as a national model for healthcare institutions. By partnering with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center staff members regarding adult patient care, we help improve the patient experience and ensure patient- and family-centered care. The role of a PFAC member is to provide feedback, generate ideas, and offer insight from a patient or family/caregiver perspective. PFAC members may be asked to offer opinions and perspectives based upon their experience with a particular aspect of care, a department, or type of illness. It is important that PFAC members lead with their patient or caregiver perspective, and serve as partners to Dana-Farber staff and leadership.
PFAC members are cancer survivors, caregivers, or family members who have a strong desire to advocate for others. Responsibilities include attending 9–10 monthly meetings in person, serving on 1–-2 projects or committees on an ongoing basis, being timely and responsive through email, assisting with speaking opportunities, events, or other volunteer opportunities, and sharing a personal story and patient/family perspective. A PFAC member has full voting rights on the Patient and Family Advisory Council. Voting responsibilities may include nominating and electing Co-Chairs, revising and updating the Bylaws, and making decisions on Council business.
PFAC members commit to:
The PFACs advise on projects and initiatives covering many disciplines across Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in partnership with Institute staff and leadership. The goal is to provide the highest quality of care to our patients and families by advising staff and leadership from adult and pediatric oncology at Dana-Farber and Boston Children’s Hospital.
Participation may be in person, by phone, by Zoom or other electronic means, and may involve a one-time effort or participation in an ongoing project or committee.
Activities may include:
Questions regarding the Patient and Family Advisory Councils can be directed to pfac@dfci.harvard.edu.
The goal of the Resource Cart is to provide newspapers, magazines, mobile games, and other resources that can improve the patient experience at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The resource carts will also be a place for patients to obtain information about Dana-Farber programs and services from compassionate volunteers. Magazines and the New York Times are funded through a generous donation by the Marc Adam Dwares Fund.
Volunteers will travel throughout the adult clinics offering reading material and supportive resources for patients and their families. Volunteer will provide comfort to patients through conversation and general support, explaining the different services and programs that help the patients through their cancer journey.
Adult patients and their families
Must be able to push a 40-pound resource cart
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - Longwood Medical Area and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - Chestnut Hill
The Resource Cart goes around the Institute, Monday – Friday, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Volunteers must commit to one three-hour shift per week for at least a year.
In this role, you will help patients and families navigate the resources available at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - Chestnut Hill and at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - Longwood Medical Area, as well as provide more information on supportive workshops and programs going on across the Institute.
You will help answer phone calls, triage questions, give tours of the space, and work with program staff on other projects that aim to elevate the patient experience. In addition, you will help patients to access a variety of resources on cancer types, treatment, nutrition, finance, and more. You will help welcome patients and their families to explore our resources, read and relax, use one of our computers, or charge their phones.
Great at communication. Good with people from diverse backgrounds. Friendly, excellent customer service skills, and commitment. Ability to recognize and support the emotional needs of patients and their families.
Dana-Farber - Chestnut Hill and Dana-Farber - Longwood
Volunteers must commit to one three-hour shift each week between Monday – Friday, from 8:00 – 11:30 a.m. for at least a year.
Retail Hospitality Volunteer Role
Volunteers in the Retail Hospitality role help create a warm, welcoming environment in the Friends' Corner Gift Shop and Friends' Place. These spaces provide comfort and care to patients, families, and staff — whether through unique gifts, everyday items, or personalized support for those experiencing appearance changes during or after cancer treatment. By greeting visitors, offering assistance, and supporting shop staff, you'll help ensure these important spaces feel inviting and supportive.
You'll welcome patients, families, and staff, offering friendly assistance as they browse the gift shop or visit Friends' Place. Your role includes answering questions, making product recommendations, helping with displays, and stocking inventory. You may also support special projects such as assembling gift baskets. Your presence and care make these spaces more accessible and comforting, helping patients and families feel supported throughout their experience at Dana-Farber.
Friendly, approachable, and service-oriented. Good communication skills. Comfortable interacting with people from diverse backgrounds. Reliable, flexible, and attentive to detail.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - Longwood Medical Area
Volunteers must commit to one four-hour shift per week for at least one year.
Shifts are available Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Patients and families often find themselves overwhelmed, lost, and unfamiliar with the many resources available to them at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Navigating complex systems while coping with illness can be challenging and stressful. This is especially true when coming to a new location. Friendly assistance, clear guidance, and access to helpful information can ease anxiety and frustration. It also can be empowering. With a welcoming environment, robust support, and raised awareness of resources, patients and families will feel more confident and satisfied.
In this role, you will reach out to patients visiting Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Sturdy Health - Attleboro, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Boston Medical Center – Brighton, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - Chestnut Hill, and Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center - Foxborough for the first time. Your care and empathy will provide them with insight and answers to any questions about resources and navigation. You will also provide one-on-one support to help a patient or family member who might otherwise feel lost and overwhelmed, as well as provide information about Dana-Farber programs and resources.
Great communication skills. Good with people from diverse backgrounds. Friendly, excellent customer service skills, and commitment.
Remote
Volunteers must commit to one day of the week Monday – Friday, and be available for a three-hour shift from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
