The following is an excerpt from the DFCI newsletter.
The Yawkey Foundation recently awarded $100,000 to the Adult Patient Assistance Program at Dana-Farber, to help provide financial assistance to patient and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a time of uncertainty for many, this program ensures timely support to ease the pressing financial strain felt throughout the crisis.
“Our goal is to help alleviate the financial burden of a cancer diagnosis and provide access to essential resources,” said Deborah Toffler, MSW, LSCW, senior director of Patient Care Services. “Patients and their families have experienced even more challenges with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Gifts like this one from the Yawkey Foundation have a tremendous and long-lasting impact on our patient families facing financial difficulties. They are deeply grateful to have this support and heartened by our awareness of this type of need.”
In 1953, Tom and Jean Yawkey first lent their extraordinary support to Sidney Farber, MD, by initiating the Red Sox relationship with Farber and The Jimmy Fund. This support continued over the decades and in 2011, the Yawkey Foundation made its largest gift to date: a $30 million grant to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
“The Yawkeys’ commitment to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute went beyond financial support during their lifetimes with both Tom and Jean serving as Chairs of the Dana Farber Board of Trustees,” said Maureen H. Bleday, CEO of the Yawkey Foundation. “Our Trustees are honored to perpetuate their philanthropic commitment to the Institute through this most recent grant to help patient families.” This newest gift is one more way they have demonstrated their commitment to Dana-Farber.