Monthly Spotlights

Cancer and the Family

When a parent is diagnosed with cancer, the whole family feels the effects, whether you are the patient dealing with the responsibilities of parenthood while undergoing treatment, the spouse who has been thrust into the role of caregiver, or the children who must cope with the concerns for their parents' well-being while struggling through the changes to their everyday lives. Social workers and other clinical staff at all hospitals, including Dana-Farber, are trained to help families navigate this journey.

Personal Stories

June Levinson and Julie Ross — Sharing cancer, sharing a gift

With breast cancer diagnoses nearly 30 years apart, a mother and daughter discover they have much more in common than cancer. They recount with candor their disparate (yet similar) journeys, discovering a bond that would sustain them through cancer and inspire their support for research. read more
The Blanc Family — Having the hope and courage to plan a future

The Blanc family was prepared for the worst when they learned that Rick was diagnosed with a brain tumor. A Dana-Farber doctor offered them hope, and five years later they welcomed the birth of their second child, a boy. read more
Debby Rosoff — A gift for Debby

During Debby's lengthy battle with breast cancer, she and her husband, Larry Katznelson, struggled to find a single resource that provided the advice and information they needed to help guide them and their young children through this difficult time. After Debby died, her family decided to help create such a resource in her memory. read more
Shannon McBain — Helping her mother heal

A fourth grader at Henry T. Wing Elementary School in Sandwich, Mass., Shannon McBain reminds us that cancer effects more than just those diagnosed with the disease. She learned this firsthand when her mother was recently treated for breast cancer. read more
The Wittbolds — Program helps families 'connect'

When Bill Wittbold learned he had advanced lung cancer, he and his wife, Karen, gathered their seven children around the kitchen table so he could tell them the news. read more
Scott Viera — Becoming a cancer warrior

Using his experience as a wrestling coach, Scott Viera has mapped out a detailed strategy for beating his cancer. His reasons for doing so are much simpler: Kelli, Courtney, and Sydney, his wife and two daughters. read more
Liz Gruber and Rus Lodi — Couples coping with cancer

It is early on a Tuesday morning at the Newton home of Liz Gruber and Rus Lodi, and the scene is one of frenetic activity. read more