Pediatric Patient and Family Advisory Council (PPFAC)
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? Learn more and contact us today.
- Read our brochure about the Pediatric Patient and Family Advisory Council, including how you can become a member.
- Call 857-215-1417 or email pfac@dfci.harvard.edu to speak with someone on the team.
- To apply to join the Pediatric Patient and Family Advisory Council, please review current Volunteer Opportunities and fill out an application.
Co-Chairs, Pediatric Patient and Family Advisory Council (PPFAC)
Suzy Amor
Suzy is a passionate advocate for pediatric cancer patients and their families, driven by her personal journey through loss and her professional expertise in healthcare. Her son was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor (ETMR), leading to treatment at Dana-Farber until his passing in 2021. The exceptional care and unwavering support her family received during this challenging time inspired her to give back to the institution that played such a vital role in their journey. Through her advocacy efforts, Suzy seeks to create a supportive environment for families facing the challenges of pediatric cancer, leveraging her experiences to promote compassionate, informed, and patient-centered care.
Meredith Lepper
Meredith spent 25 months as the primary caregiver of her young adult son while he was treated for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at Dana-Farber's Jimmy Fund Clinic and Boston Children's Hospital. Once she settled into life "after treatment," Meredith joined the Pediatric PFAC so she could use her experience to improve that of future patients and families.
At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we are committed to hearing feedback from patients and families from our Adult and Pediatric oncology units.
Learn about the Adult Patient and Family Advisory Council (APFAC)