Tricia Severns, NP, a nurse practitioner at Dana-Farber, found out that she was pregnant just five days after her breast cancer diagnosis. But with the guidance of experts in the Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers at Dana-Farber, Severns was able to carry and deliver a baby boy—and both Tricia and her son are … Read more
In three decades with the National Forest Service and other federal agencies, Deb Shea helped fight forest fires and floods, mend broken limbs (including those of four-legged creatures), and save habitats across the country. She credits her grandfather for her love of all things outdoors, but when it comes to her ability to conquer new … Read more
When Fran Austin’s ovarian cancer recurred after two rounds of chemotherapy, she found herself looking for a silver lining to the dark cloud of her disease. And she found it: Genetic profiling of her tumor identified her as an ideal candidate for an immunotherapy clinical trial, which has since shrunk her tumor by 60 percent … Read more
After two relapses, Janet Sheehan went on a clinical trial for her ovarian cancer. Four months later, her newest tumors were completely gone—and today, she’s relishing in a growing list of family milestones.
Ever since she was diagnosed with a form of aggressive breast cancer six years ago, Tara Shuman has channeled her abundant energy and optimism into getting through and beyond her cancer, and also on doing everything possible to help others facing it.
A clinical trial at Dana-Farber has kept Sharon DeCosta’s stage IV metastatic breast cancer stabilized for three years, allowing her a full life of traveling and doting on her three young grandchildren, with a fourth due in December.
Julie Wisnia was undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer at Dana-Farber when she became inspired to participate in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), a 163-mile bike-a-thon that raises funds for Dana-Farber.
Dave Mittelman died in May 2017 from brain cancer. The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) team he helped co-found, Team Lizard, will soon ride to honor him and the many other close friends and family members who have dealt with cancer. “At our core, we ride because we believe in a future without cancer,” says his wife, Michele Mittelman.
CNS lymphoma patient Rosette Becker was able to paint her way through the ups and downs of her successful treatment—and she remains in remission more than four years later.
Cameron Smith has spent decades traveling the country on his motorcycle, but nothing quite matches the car ride he took to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute this summer—his first visit in 40 years to the cancer center where Institute founder Sidney Farber, MD, saved his life in 1961.
Nancy Hale was given a 30 percent chance of surviving three years when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. But today, six years after her initial diagnosis and because of an immunotherapy clinical trial, Hale is in remission—and “blazing the trail” for other patients.
A year ago, Kelly Lamphere’s multiple myeloma was not responding to treatment, and her legs were so weakened by the cancer in her bones that she relied on a wheelchair and a walker. Today, because of CAR T-cell therapy, Lamphere’s disease is under control—and she can walk unaided again.
Keith Rohleder was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive blood cancer that most people have never heard of. But a new clinical trial put him into remission.
One doctor had initially forecast that Acra Samuels had no more than six months to live. Targeted treatment through Dana-Farber has almost certainly extended her life significantly.
In 2009, Drew was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a rare blood disorder. Because of a stem cell transplant, he was cured—and now, he has his mind set on becoming a pediatric oncologist.
Two years after being given six months to live, Mullan’s cancer is still at bay because of immunotherapy and targeted chemotherapy – and through it all, he achieved one of his dreams: graduating from Harvard Law School.
Behind every marathon runner, there’s a story of personal inspiration. That’s definitely true for Katie Janeway, MD, a pediatric oncologist with Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center who is also a cancer survivor.
Hurricane Maria made it impossible for these patients to be treated in Puerto Rico. Now, they’re receiving care at Dana-Farber.
During a “couples chemo” session, Kevin got down on one knee and popped the question to Tim, his partner of 37 years. They tied the knot in the Healing Garden at Dana-Farber.
“A caregiver and a patient are a team, like a coach and a quarterback,” says caregiver Deb Osborne. “You do a lot of work strategizing together beforehand, and then as the coach you send your quarterback into the action.