Friends of Dana-Farber

Friends of Dana-Farber The Friends, an all-volunteer organization, takes pride in serving Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through supporting research, patient services, and fundraising.

05/11/2026

This week we’re taking a look at Flights of Fancy Gala. These inspiring evenings began in 1982 and became a beloved tradition for decades. Thanks to Filene’s, guests enjoyed incredible decor year after year.

05/01/2026

With six In the Bags already down, we’re ready to begin counting down to number seven this fall👜✨

Each year, this luncheon brings together an incredible group of supporters for an afternoon that’s equal parts fun and impactful. Great people and energy, all in support of Dana-Farber. From the tables to the auction to everything in between, it’s become one of our favorite traditions.

We can’t wait to do it again on September 17 at Pine Brook Country Club. Sponsorships are open now. We hope you’ll join us!💛

We’re celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Week 💛From hospital gift shops and holiday hospitality tables to assembling car...
04/24/2026

We’re celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Week 💛

From hospital gift shops and holiday hospitality tables to assembling care kits and showing up wherever help is needed, our volunteers have always been at the center of what Friends does. These photos might span decades, but the throughline is pretty clear: people consistently showing up, doing the work, and making things better for patients and families at Dana-Farber.

04/17/2026

Joins us in taking a look back at some of our past invitations. From Symphony Hall programs to Flights of Fancy themes, you can see the unique personality of each event, all reflective of their time! how each event had its own personality. Despite the variety in types and styles of events over the years they’ve always focused on the same mission. 💛

04/13/2026

Friends at 50! Meet Our Gala Co-Chairs and Celebrate the leaders behind an unforgettable night ✨

Suzanne Bloomberg:
A Friends Board member since 1990, Suzanne’s decades of leadership have helped shape the organization’s most impactful traditions. Following the loss of her first husband to cancer, she has dedicated her work to advancing research and honoring patient experiences—launching initiatives like Friends 10, Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, the Gala tribute book, In the Bag, and other major fundraising partnerships.

Lauren Frei:
A former Co-President of Friends, Lauren’s involvement began with a simple but powerful moment—helping a young patient regain her confidence at Friends’ Place. From assembling gift bags with her family to co-chairing the 30th Anniversary Gala, Lauren’s work reflects a deeply personal commitment to patient care and community. For Lauren, giving back is a family tradition – she was brought onto the Board by her mother-in-law, Dori Frei.

Andrea Segel:
A retail leader turned consultant, Andrea brings both professional expertise and deep personal connection to Dana-Farber. After witnessing the exceptional care her mother and father received, she was inspired to give back—raising funds through co-chairing the first In the Bag event. Andrea has since chaired every In the Bag event, and served as the Vice President of Fundraising and Treasurer!

Dana Gerson Unger:
With a background in retail and a passion for philanthropy, Dana has played a key role in advancing fundraising efforts across multiple organizations. A dedicated Friends Board member, she has co-chaired major events and continues to champion initiatives that support lifesaving research.

Marilyn Wolman:
A cornerstone of the Friends community since our beginning, Marilyn’s leadership has spanned nearly every aspect of the organization. From serving as Treasurer to co-chairing multiple galas, her impact is both lasting and profound—earning her the first Friends’ Sidney Farber Volunteer Award. Her dedication continues to inspire generations of volunteers.

04/10/2026

↩️ Let’s go back 10 years! ↩️

On May 20, 2016, the Friends celebrated its 40th anniversary at RISE, an evening honoring the power of leadership. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker joined us to recognize Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Dana-Farber President and CEO Edward J. Benz Jr, MD, for their leadership. Showcasing the , the event raised an incredible $417,000 for cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute! 🎉🥰

Family Service Day! Spent the day making cards for patients at Dana-Farber! It’s always a good reminder that even the si...
03/31/2026

Family Service Day! Spent the day making cards for patients at Dana-Farber! It’s always a good reminder that even the simplest gestures can bring a little extra comfort and connection to someone going through a tough time. Grateful to everyone who showed up and helped spread some kindness!

03/31/2026

The Sidney Farber Volunteers of the Year Awards honor individuals whose dedication, leadership, and generosity have made a lasting impact on Dana-Farber’s mission, advancing research, supporting patients, and strengthening the Friends community.

From funding breakthrough cancer research to supporting patient assistance, art programs, and quality of life initiatives, each honoree has helped move critical work forward impacting countless patients and families along the way.

For decades, this award has recognized the people behind the progress, those who show up, give back, and help turn compassion into action.

We are so grateful to every honoree, past and present, who continues to make Dana-Farber what it is today.

Join us in celebrating this incredible legacy! Link in bio for the full list!

For more than a decade, this unforgettable night brought together Boston’s culinary stars in support of Dana-Farber. Fro...
03/13/2026

For more than a decade, this unforgettable night brought together Boston’s culinary stars in support of Dana-Farber. From award-winning cocktails to signature dishes crafted by over 50 of the area’s most celebrated chefs — including Jody Adams, Tiffani Faison, Andy Husbands, Jeremy and Lisa Sewall, and honorary chef Michael Schlow — Chefs Cooking for Hope was truly a feast with a purpose.

Hosted by the Friends of Dana-Farber, this annual culinary extravaganza united our community around incredible food, generosity, and a shared commitment to advancing cancer research and patient care. What began as Chefs Cooking for Hope later evolved into our beloved Dinner with Friends events, continuing the tradition of gathering for good.

We are so grateful to the chefs, sponsors, volunteers, and guests who made this event such a powerful force for impact year after year. Because of you, every bite helped fuel breakthroughs and support patients and families when they needed it most.

Here’s to the memories — and to the Power of Friends. 💙🍴✨

PowerOfFriends

Bring your whole family and help brighten a patient’s day through creativity and kindness. Join The Friends at Dana-Farb...
03/12/2026

Bring your whole family and help brighten a patient’s day through creativity and kindness. Join The Friends at Dana-Farber for a family-friendly card-making morning, where kids and caregivers can design uplifting cards for patients facing cancer.
🗓️  Sunday March 29th @ ⏰ 1:00 PM
Link in our bio to register to attend

Friends holiday cards are back! Wish your friends and family a bright holiday season and support research and patient ca...
11/18/2025

Friends holiday cards are back! Wish your friends and family a bright holiday season and support research and patient care programs through the Friends of Dana-Farber! Thanksgiving and winter holiday cards are available now! https://dana-farberholiday.ourproshop.com/

Address

450 Brookline Avenue
Boston, MA
02215

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Friends of Dana-Farber posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category