The Center for Education and Support at our Chestnut Hill location and the Eleanor and Maxwell Blum Patient and Family Resource Center at Longwood are spaces for patients and families to learn about and access a variety of resources on cancer types, treatment, nutrition, finance, and other subjects displayed on our digital resource center. At this time, both Centers require visitors to have a confirmed medical or clinical appointment on the same day and cannot accommodate walk-ins.
Our on-site volunteers can help you navigate these resources and provide more information on supportive workshops and programs taking place across the Institute. Patients and families are welcome to come by to explore our resources, read and relax, use one of our computers, or charge their phones. Patients are also invited to pick up a courtesy Hope Bag which contains information about Dana-Farber, as well as complimentary giveaways. Feel free to come in and ask for a tour of either space so you can learn more!
Resource pamphlets are also offered in English and other languages. These materials provide detailed information on a variety of topics, including:
- Managing a new cancer diagnosis
- Cancer in the family / explaining cancer to children
- Caregiver resources
- Treatments: chemotherapy, radiation surgery, and targeted therapy
- Financial resources
- Nutrition
- Symptom management
- Supportive resources at Dana-Farber
In addition, visit our Adult Patient Events and Programs Calendar to learn about our upcoming workshops and events.
Please feel free to email us for more information about any of these resources – we're here to help.
Explore Our Resources, Programs, and Services
On-Site Programs
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.
Art Displays
Located at both Resource Centers, the Digital Art Display showcases artwork made by patients and families. If you are interested in submitting your work to be displayed, please fill out this form. If you are on-site for an appointment, come by to view and appreciate the incredible art shared with us!
"Light One Little Candle"
Light One Little Candle was created in 2005 by Joelle Pauporte, MD, a young physician, wife, and mother who passed away that same year after a two-year battle with breast cancer. From her vision, the organization now delivers new children's books (in a variety of languages) for patients to keep and share with their families, and to promote comfort and support through reading together.
Thank you so much to Light One Little Candle for supporting our patients and families!
Digital Programs
Blum Digital Resource Center
Our digital resource center is an online extension of the resource information and brochures you will find when visiting the Blum Center at our Longwood campus or the Center for Education and Support at our Chestnut Hill campus in person. See the digital resource center for information on different disease types, treatments, Dana-Farber resources, and more.
Digital Library
Dana-Farber’s patient and family resource centers are now offering access to a curated collection of e-books, audiobooks, and magazines on Overdrive, a digital library platform. This is part of our ongoing effort to help bring comfort to patients, families, and visitors. Register for a library card and our team will send you a personal access code. Happy Reading!
Virtual Programs
The Blum Center hosts regular online sessions using Zoom on topics including spirituality and cancer, survivorship, managing your finances, insomnia, and much more. Please check our Adult Patient Events and Programs Calendar for virtual sessions being offered and watch our YouTube playlist for recordings of previous sessions.
Additional Patient and Family Support
From adult social work services to insurance and financial assistance, sexual health, nutrition services, and more — find out about our comprehensive support services for patients and their families.