Spring 2025
By Kayla Carcone
Photography by Bryce Vickmark
In mid-November, as the season of gratitude unfolded, the Dana-Farber community gathered to celebrate Richard and Nancy Lubin, the 2024 recipients of the Sidney Farber Medical Research Award (SFMRA). As the Institute’s most prestigious honor, this award highlights remarkable contributions and changemakers for cancer science and care. The Lubins, through their visionary philanthropy and unwavering commitment, have redefined what’s possible for the field of academic cancer medicine, earning their place among the other extraordinary individuals, families, and organizations honored with the SFMRA for their transformative impact on cancer care and discovery.
For over three decades, Richard has been a pillar of the Dana-Farber community, serving on the Board of Trustees, where he currently holds the position of Vice Chair. Together with Nancy, their partnership with the Institute combines business expertise, a commitment to the community, and a passion for advancing cancer research. Currently, their contributions, with support from the Richard K. Lubin Family Foundation, exceed $30 million, having driven projects such as the Yawkey Center for Cancer Care and the establishment of the Richard and Nancy Lubin Family Chair and Research Fund.
The Lubin Family Chair, held by Bradley Bernstein, MD, PhD, supports his pioneering research into chromatin structure and epigenetic regulation. By delving into how these molecular mechanisms malfunction in cancer, Bernstein’s work—enabled by the Lubins’ generosity—is opening pathways to new and more effective therapies. Beyond this, Richard played an instrumental role in the historic Dana-Farber Campaign as a member of the Campaign Cabinet, where his strategic vision and influence helped amplify the Institute’s reach and impact.
In 2022, the Lubin Family Foundation Scholar Award was launched under the direction of Nobel Laureate William G. Kaelin Jr., MD, to mentor and fund some of the most promising physician-scientists in oncology, ensuring a strong future for academic research and innovation. The program has already named 12 Lubin Scholars from Dana-Farber and other prestigious institutions. This initiative reflects Richard and Nancy’s long-held commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders, ensuring a brighter future for patients and families everywhere.
Benjamin L. Ebert, MD, PhD, president and CEO of Dana-Farber, reflected on the legacy of the Institute’s founder Sidney Farber, MD, and the Lubins’ embodiment of his vision. “Dr. Farber never accepted the incurability and finality of cancer—and always remained hopeful about the future,” Ebert said. “These are traits Richard and Nancy exemplify in spades, and we are honored to add their legacy on these walls in perpetuity,” he continued, in reference to the SFMRA Display, located in the lobby of the Dana Building.
As the evening drew to a close, the sense of admiration for the Lubins was palpable. Reflecting on their journey, Richard and Nancy expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to such a vital cause. “We are deeply honored to receive this award,” Richard said. “Our partnership with Dana-Farber is a testament to what can be achieved when we come together with a shared purpose. We believe in the power of research to change lives and are committed to supporting the brilliant minds at Dana-Farber.”
The Lubins’ contributions have helped to reshape Dana-Farber’s mission, accelerating discoveries that bring tangible hope to patients and their loved ones. Their legacy is not just one of generosity but of measurable progress—a commitment to breakthroughs that will redefine cancer care for generations to come.