Susan F. Smith Center for Women's Cancers

Executive Council Women's Leadership Breakfast Raises over $250,000 for the Susan F. Smith Center

Thank you to everyone who supported Dana-Farber and the Susan F. Smith Center at the Women’s Leadership Breakfast on May 11 at the Westin Boston Seaport District. This was our first event in recent years, and it was wonderful to have so many leaders across the Boston area in attendance. Our speaking program explored the progress Dana-Farber is making to reduce inequities in cancer care and research. In addition to a panel discussion with Dana-Farber experts, we had the pleasure of welcoming several guest speakers including Secretary Kate Walsh, Executive Office of Health and Human Services for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts who spoke eloquently about the need to breakdown systemic racism and ease financial burdens to improve health outcomes. Patient advocate Cheryl McCloud painted a moving picture of her cancer journey and highlighted how she has been working alongside Dana-Farber physicians to help reduce disparities in clinic trials. We learned about the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Equity and Early Detection bill from its sponsors MA State Senator Michael F. Rush (D-Boston) and MA State Representative James M. Murphy (D-Weymouth). Importantly, your contribution helped raise lifesaving dollars for the Susan F. Smith Center to improve outcomes and extend the quality of life for all.

For more information, see our press release about the Executive Council Women's Leadership Breakfast.

Program Agenda and Speakers

Watch the full program

Our Mission

The Executive Council of the Susan F. Smith Center for Women's Cancers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a dedicated group of women devoted to Defying Cancer. Established in 2002, the Executive Council dared to believe that through education, advocacy, and fundraising, they could change the trajectory of women's cancers. The diverse and accomplished members understand that cancer is a disease that impacts women like themselves — and are challenging the status quo.

Education

The Executive Council shares information on the latest research and treatment of women's cancers through a variety of programs including fundraising events, lecture series and on-line forums. Through programming, these women educate thousands who in turn share their knowledge with thousands more.

Advocacy

The Executive Council advocates for cancer patients of the Susan F. Smith Center and their families. Together with the Dana-Farber Legislative Action Network (LAN), the Council advocates for cancer-related issues such as cancer prevention and early detection, strengthening funding for cancer research, improving access to cancer therapies, eliminating disparities in cancer care and clinical trials, and finding equity-focused solutions to address social determinants of health.

Learn more about the Dana-Farber LAN

Fundraising

The Executive Council is an essential philanthropy network for the Susan F. Smith Center. Since 2002, more than $19 million has been raised for the Center. The Council raises funds for groundbreaking research and new forms of treatments for women's cancers. We invite individuals and companies to sponsor the educational fund-raising events and help improve outcomes for women with breast and gynecologic cancers. These funds have given physician-scientists at the Susan F. Smith Center the support they need to make new discoveries that are extending and improving the quality of women's lives.

Join Us

The Executive Council embraces every opportunity to encourage like-minded individuals to Defy Cancer by joining the Council in their mission of education, advocacy, and fundraising. For more information about joining the Council, please email Raquel Morales at rmorales2@dfci.harvard.edu.

Susan F. Smith Center for Women's Cancers Executive Council

Honorary Chair

Susan F. Smith∞

Founding Co-Chairs

Tracey E. Flaherty
Jane P. Jamieson*
Beth F. Terrana*

Executive Council

Kimberly Amsden
Amy Smith Berylson*
Randi Cutler
Diane Davidson
Deirdre Dunn
Hazel Durand
Deborah S. First*
Susan James Geremia
Alicia Grasfeder
Mary Kralis Hoppe
Matina Horner
Deborah Smith Knez
Jessica Knez*
Bette Ann Libby
Pamela Martin
Barbara Marx
Susan Loconto Penta
Terrie Perella
Jennifer Potter-Brotman
Dana Smith
Jill Stansky
Kathleen Stansky
Meredith Beaton Starr
Ann Turley
Laura Van Zandt
Barbara Freedman Wand
Kathleen Whelan

*Dana-Farber Trustee
∞In Memoriam