Highlights from the 2025 Presidential Symposium

Progress is powered by partnership. The generosity of our philanthropic community drives transformative advances in cancer research and care. Together, we are building a foundation for breakthroughs that will change lives.

On Oct. 7, 2025, Dana-Farber welcomed some of its philanthropic supporters to the annual Presidential Symposium. The event offered an inside look at the impact of donor generosity, from conversations with executive leaders, to live demonstrations of cutting-edge technology, and the exceptional care that defines our patient experience.

Continue reading to explore highlights from the day, including inspiring conversations, powerful moments, and the innovations shaping the future of cancer care.

Presidential Address

Benjamin L. Ebert, MD, PhD, president and CEO of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, shares an inspiring update on the latest advances in cancer research and patient care.

Shaping the Future of Cancer Care: Transforming Research, Care, Education, and Innovation

President and CEO Benjamin L. Ebert, MD, PhD, joins Dana-Farber leaders Eli Van Allen, MD, Alice Shaw, MD, PhD, and Kimberly Stegmaier, MD, to outline the Institute’s strategic vision for the future of cancer care. Together, they explore four foundational pillars that are driving Dana-Farber's mission forward: world-changing science, transformative care, unrivaled education, and exceptional talent.

The Dana-Farber Research Enterprise:​ Our Enduring Legacy and Funding Landscape

Bradley Bernstein, MD, PhD, shares how Dana-Farber accelerates cancer research through strategic investments and the power of philanthropy. His session underscores Dana-Farber's enduring legacy of innovation and its forward-looking approach to sustaining scientific discovery for generations to come.

The Next Breakthrough: Why the Future of Cancer Medicine Depends on Today's Young Minds

Nobel Laureate William G. Kaelin Jr., MD, and rising investigator Cindy Hahn, MD, PhD, recipient of the Lubin Family Foundation Scholar Award, engage in a candid conversation about how scientific discovery is supported across generations. Their dialogue offers a rare glimpse into the personal and professional realities of pursuing breakthrough research, from navigating funding challenges to embracing the promise of innovation.

The C-Word: A Conversation with Shirley Leung and Ann Partridge, MD, MPH

Boston Globe columnist Shirley Leung joins her oncologist, Ann Partridge, MD, MPH, for a heartfelt conversation about the emotional and medical journey of cancer, from diagnosis through treatment and survivorship. Their dialogue shines a light on the importance of early detection, the evolution of care, and the strength it takes to navigate life after cancer.

Since 1948, the generosity of millions of people has helped the Jimmy Fund save countless lives and reduce the burden of cancer for patients and families worldwide through community-based fundraising events and other programs that solely and directly benefit Dana-Farber. Learn more about how you can get involved at JimmyFund.org, and follow the Jimmy Fund on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram: @TheJimmyFund.