Why the MGH Cancer Center?
It offers the unparalleled resources of a dedicated cancer center located within one of the country's most preeminent hospitals. This environment -- in which the fight against cancer takes place in a single place -- enables surgeons, radiotherapists and oncologists to work side by side and to collaborate across traditional boundaries with experts in cardiology, vascular medicine, transplantation, neurology, urology, fertility and psychiatry. Since cancer often co-exists with other medical conditions, teamwork of this sort is critical to understanding the disease and developing new approaches to treatment.
The Cancer Center is chosen by more people with cancer than any other hospital in New England. While being the largest provider of cancer care in New England -- each year treating more than 7,500 adults and children -- the staff remains focused on providing individualized, compassionate care. They are able to achieve this by supporting our 18 fully-integrated clinical programs with a vast network of support and educational services.
Massachusetts General Hospital has the largest hospital-based research program in the country. This focus on discovery enables internationally-respected clinicians and scientists from diverse specialties to work together to rapidly translate discoveries from the bench into effective treatment at the bedside. Our physician scientists are working together on discovering the fundamental causes of cancer as a guide to prevention, early detection and treatment; on targeting early cancers through precision surgery and focused radiation; and on combating complex and advanced cancer through the development of targeted therapies. Also, as a founding member of the Harvard-wide comprehensive cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute, we accelerate discovery through collaboration with six other Harvard-affiliated institutions.
The Patient and Caregiver Fund will be used to help support efforts that assist breast cancer patients, their families and their caregivers (nurses, social workers, chaplains, administrative staff and others), with the requirement that the efforts supported contribute toward the positive care experiences of breast cancer patients. Efforts supported by the Fund will include:
Caregiver Awards (assistance toward educational and training opportunities for deserving employees, including nurses, chaplains, social workers, technicians and administrative staff. Any employee who positively touches the lives of breast cancer patients and their families would be eligible).
Support for patient needs not covered, or fully covered, by insurance, such as wigs and prosthetic devices.
The Patient and Caregiver Fund will be under the direction of the Dr. Jack Erban at the MGH Cancer Center, who will use the funds to carry out the fund's mission to better the lives of breast cancer patients and to support educational and training opportunities for the staff members who support these patients through the care experience.
