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The one hundred honoree: Dana-Farber / Harvard Cancer Center–Faith Based Cancer Disparities Network

Hospital News

The one hundred honoree: Dana-Farber / Harvard Cancer Center–Faith Based Cancer Disparities Network

by
Mass General Giving

The Faith-Based Cancer Disparities Network (FBCDN), a collaborative coalition of nine area churches, the Black Ministerial Alliance of Greater Boston, Inc., the American Cancer Society and the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, focuses on improving the health and well-being of faith-based communities by reducing cancer mortality and eliminating cancer disparities among populations of color.

Whether providing support services for patients and their families, increasing access to screenings, or organizing the Walk for Wellness to increase physical activity, the FBCDN works closely with faith-based communities to bring hope and support to as many people as possible.

Most recently, the Faces of Faith photo campaign, launched in March 2013, created a unique opportunity for survivors to share their stories, raise awareness for cancer disparities and inspire fellow survivors. Cancer survivors from churches in the FBCDN network were photographed and interviewed so that their stories could be displayed within network churches.

Since the launch, the exhibition has also been shown in art studios, colleges, libraries and healthcare institutions, and expanded to include 13 new faith-based survivor stories. A documentary is also under way. The photo campaign has brought survivorship and faith-based stories to a wider audience than FBCDN could have ever imagined. By breaking through the silence of cancer and sharing stories of hope and strength, FBCDN and their community of survivors are able to empower others to see beyond their diagnosis.