David B. Perini, Jr. Quality of Life Clinic
Support and Education Programs
The Perini Clinic offers a number of programs aimed at providing information and support for survivors of childhood cancers, including:
Survivorship Programs
Saluting Our Survivors
The Saluting Our Survivors program is a biannual event hosted by the clinic that allows childhood cancer survivors and their families the opportunity to meet other survivors. Last year's guest speaker, Doug Ulman, founder of the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults and director of survivorship of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, spoke of his search for support networks aimed at young adult cancer patients after his diagnosis with cancer six years ago. For information on the next Saluting Our Survivors event, please call the clinic at (617) 632-5124.
Facing Forward
The transition to adulthood presents many new challenges such as career decisions, financial responsibilities, and developing more independent relationships. The survivor of childhood cancer faces further issues of emotional and physical well being in addition to these challenges. The Facing Forward workshop explores the ways in which being a survivor affects aspects of everyday life, including self-image, relationships, health worries, and school or work. For information on the next Facing Forward support group, please call the clinic at (617) 632-5124.
Survivors' Weekend at the Hole-In-The-Wall Gang Camp
The Perini Clinic hosts an annual event at Paul Newman's Hole-in-the-Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, Conn. Held in April, participants from Dana-Farber as well as cancer centers around New England and New York are invited to join Perini Clinic and camp staff for a weekend of education, recreation, and support. Throughout the weekend, lectures and discussions on secondary cancers, heart issues, and fertility concerns are discussed.
IMPACT (Improving Life After Cancer Treatment)
Once a year, the Perini Clinic sponsors IMPACT, a conference that addresses improving life after cancer treatment. This past year, the conference focused on Hodgkin's disease, offering a full-day workshop for male and female survivors and their partners. The program brought over 90 survivors together at the Institute to discuss the risks of second cancers, fertility issues, long-term endocrine and cardiac effects, and the risk of breast cancer for women who received chest radiation. For more information on upcoming conferences, please call the clinic at (617) 632-5124.
Just For Me: A Day for Young Survivors
Just for Me is a day-long program dedicated to helping young cancer survivors, aged 10 to 14. To learn more about the program, please call the clinic at (617) 632-5124.
