The Friends of the Mass General Cancer Center
The Difference Friends Make
Treating the Whole Person – Body, Mind and Spirit
The reality is that cancer impacts us all, either personally or through the illness of a loved one. Men have a one in two chance of developing cancer in their lifetime and women have a one in three chance. More patients need our help now than ever before.
When we think about supporting patients with cancer, many people think about research and the pursuit of a cure. The Friends of the Mass General Cancer Center understand that while medical treatment and research are essential for curing the disease, supportive care is what improves a patient’s daily life and makes every day a little easier and a little better.
Improving patients’ quality of life means alleviating symptoms of their illness and the side effects of treatment, such as pain, nausea, fatigue, anxiety and stress. This is achieved through education and emotional support, as well as wellness services such as massage, acupuncture, Reiki, Qigong, yoga, music and art therapy. A visit to the healing garden for quiet reflection can also provide comfort and peace of mind.
That’s why the Friends are committed to funding innovative programs that ease the burden of living with cancer. Because of financial support from the Friends, the Mass General Cancer Center is able to offer an array of free services that really make a difference in the daily lives of patients and their families.
Please join us and make a difference in someone’s life.
Join the Friends – Make a Gift, Make a Difference
The Friends utilize 100% of all donations from individuals, corporations and foundations to fund supportive care services for people living with cancer. Your donation and participation has a direct impact on the lives of our patients and their families. Please join us and make a difference in someone’s life today.
For more information about how you can get involved and become a member of the Friends, contact us.
Programs Funded by the Friends
Through the generosity of individual and corporate donors, the Friends are able to fund these and other important programs for cancer patients and their families:
The Katherine A. Gallagher Integrative Therapies Program
The Katherine A. Gallagher Integrative Therapies Program focuses on improving the quality of life and well-being of patients, their families and friends through free wellness, education and support services. The program, formally known as the HOPES Program, was established at Mass General Cancer Center in 1998. These services have become an integral part of cancer care. Wellness services include music therapy, art therapy, ear acupuncture, massage therapy, Reiki, yoga, and qigong. These services are offered for free so that they are accessible to everyone who needs them.
The Network for Patients & Families
The Network is a peer support program for patients, families and friends who are living with, through and beyond cancer. The Network offers support and builds a community of cancer survivors through information and member activities:
- Peer matching program
- Annual survivorship conference for survivors, families and friends
- Member support and education meetings
For more information about the Network, contact the Maxwell V. Blum Cancer Resource Room at 617-724-1822.
The Financial Assistance Fund for Patients and Families
Oncology social workers see hundreds of patients each year who are facing financial challenges as a direct or indirect result of their cancer treatment. The Financial Assistance Fund for Patients and Families allows the oncology social work team to help both adult and pediatric patients and their families on a limited basis to cover incidental or unanticipated financial needs.
The Toy Box For Patients & Siblings
Each week, the Toy Box distributes more than 35 toys to pediatric cancer patients and their siblings. The toys are the children’s to keep and enjoy. They provide positive memories during a rough time.
Additional Programs Supported by the Friends
- Creation of educational booklets and videos in English, Spanish and other languages
- Contributions to The Howard Ulfelder, MD, Healing Garden, a rooftop sanctuary
- Provision of magazines, toys, music and refreshments for cancer patients
- Support of a newsletter written for patients and families by patients and families
- An annual award to an oncology nurse who is pursuing further education in cancer care
