Dana-Farber researcher sits in the lab

Impact on Cancer Research & Care

The funds we raise here impact cancer care everywhere.

When you donate to the Jimmy Fund, your money helps Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists and doctors find new ways to treat, prevent, and defy cancer. This research benefits both adults and children with cancer, not just in the United States, but all around the world.

Improving Outcomes

Dana-Farber has led the way in cancer breakthroughs for more than 75 years. We're helping cancer patients around the world by testing new treatments and developing advanced equipment to make important discoveries. 

1954

Childhood cancer remission rates improve

Dr. Sidney Farber and his team are the first to achieve remissions in Wilms tumor, a common childhood cancer, increasing the cure rate from 40% to 85%.

Black and white photo of Dr. Sidney Farber with a microscope
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Black and white photo of Dr. Sidney Farber with a microscope

1954

Childhood cancer remission rates improve

Dr. Sidney Farber and his team are the first to achieve remissions in Wilms tumor, a common childhood cancer, increasing the cure rate from 40% to 85%.

1973

Clinical trials raise leukemia cure rates

Dana-Farber starts the first clinical trials for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). These trials greatly improve treatment and help raise today's cure rates to 85-90%.

Black and white photo of a Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researcher in a laboratory
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Black and white photo of a Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researcher in a laboratory

1973

Clinical trials raise leukemia cure rates

Dana-Farber starts the first clinical trials for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). These trials greatly improve treatment and help raise today's cure rates to 85-90%.

1998

Drug development changes cancer treatment

A drug called imatinib (Gleevec), developed with early work at Dana-Farber, shows great success in treating patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia.

A scientist dropping liquid into a petri dish
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A scientist dropping liquid into a petri dish

1998

Drug development changes cancer treatment

A drug called imatinib (Gleevec), developed with early work at Dana-Farber, shows great success in treating patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia.

2011

Research program helps targeted treatment

Dana-Farber launches Profile, a research program that allows all adult patients to have their tumor tissue checked for genetic mutations linked to cancer. This collection of data helps determine which therapies are likely to be effective in...

A lab technician analyzing data at a sequencing machine
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A lab technician analyzing data at a sequencing machine

2011

Research program helps targeted treatment

Dana-Farber launches Profile, a research program that allows all adult patients to have their tumor tissue checked for genetic mutations linked to cancer. This collection of data helps determine which therapies are likely to be effective in treating individual patients.

2019

Dana-Farber scientist wins Nobel Prize

William G. Kaelin Jr., MD, wins the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his research on how cells sense and adapt to different oxygen levels.

Dana-Farber scientist William Kaelin Jr., MD, after being awarded the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
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Dana-Farber scientist William Kaelin Jr., MD, after being awarded the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

2019

Dana-Farber scientist wins Nobel Prize

William G. Kaelin Jr., MD, wins the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his research on how cells sense and adapt to different oxygen levels.

2024

FDA drug development

Dana-Farber researchers are recognized for playing a major role in developing over half of all cancer drugs approved by the FDA from 2018 to 2022.

A Dana-Farber researcher using lab equipment
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A Dana-Farber researcher using lab equipment

2024

FDA drug development

Dana-Farber researchers are recognized for playing a major role in developing over half of all cancer drugs approved by the FDA from 2018 to 2022.

Fundraising Priorities

We are determined to identify personalized solutions for every patient and develop new approaches that transform the future of cancer care. Funds raised provide seed funding for revolutionary, high-reward research, ensure that innovative patient care programs are sustained, and further equitable outreach efforts throughout Boston and around the world.

T lymphocytes and cancer cell on colored scanning electron micrograph machine

Revolutionary Science

We look for solutions for each patient as we prevent, treat, and defy cancer.

Pediatric patient

Extraordinary Care

Dana-Farber is changing the way we treat cancer patients worldwide.

Dana-Farber staff member working at a lab bench

Exceptional Expertise

Dana-Farber is committed to recruiting the best clinicians and scientists from around the world.

A researcher at Dana-Farber conducts an experiment in a lab

Essential Opportunities

We depend on donations to continue to improve cancer care for our patients.

Where Your Money Goes

Your support fuels Dana-Farber's lifesaving work, funding innovative research and personalized patient care.

Non-Reimbursable Patient Care Services

Support services and expertise that insurance companies won’t cover, like social workers, nurse navigators, and consulting radiologists. 

Community Benefits

Initiatives like Dana-Farber's Mammography Van, Cancer Care Equity Program, and Sun Safety Education that help to reduce the burden of cancer in medically underserved populations.

Institute Supported Research

Investment in advanced tools and technology, research initiatives, state-of-the-art facilities, as well as faculty support.

Strategic Initiatives

Special projects that help advance Dana-Farber's mission, like clinical research pilot studies and supporting the Center of Immuno-Oncology.

Patient and Family Programs and Services

Needs-based patient assistance for expenses like utilities and transportation, pro-bono legal services, and covering the costs of things like cooling caps and hair preservation therapy.