Fall 2025
By Lucy McDonald
Distinguished Trustee Michele Kessler and her husband Howard have long stood as pillars of innovation and philanthropy, consistently championing medical research and initiatives that drive advancements in cancer care. Their commitment to these causes is rooted in a profound belief in the power of collaboration. “In my opinion, I think there is a cure. If everyone collaborated like the Manhattan Project, in two or three years, we could solve it. We need people to have that same intention,” Howard said, reflecting on his unwavering belief in a collective effort to defy cancer. A visionary in both business and civic spheres, Howard is no stranger to transformative endeavors.
The Kesslers have been steadfast leaders in Dana-Farber’s philanthropic community. Michele, who became a Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Trustee in 2000, has consistently supported the Institute’s mission through her leadership of various events and campaigns. Their relationship with Dana-Farber deepened when Howard began receiving treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This personal connection has only strengthened their commitment to support cancer research and treatment.
Howard’s approach to tackling complex and challenging causes is marked by determination and a straightforward, guiding principle: “I want to make a difference by creating alternative solutions,” he said of his goal. “Helping people realize what we can do to overcome cancer.” His passion for finding solutions for people with cancer is matched only by his admiration for his wife of 55 years, Michele. “She gave me confidence. She made all the difference in my life,” he shared, highlighting the personal support that fuels his philanthropic spirit.
In a recent demonstration of their enduring generosity, the Kesslers donated $1 million to advance AML research led by Robert Soiffer, MD, chief of the Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Worthington and Margaret Collette Professor of Medicine in the Field of Hematologic Oncology at Harvard Medical School. This substantial gift will empower Soiffer and his team to continue their vital work pursuing personalized approaches to optimize donor cell efficiency, which is crucial in AML treatment. With this funding, Soiffer is poised to leverage findings from previous clinical trials and investigate how new techniques could be applied to AML treatment. Together, these methods represent the most comprehensive approach to enhance transplant success and improve patient outcomes.
This gift embodies a shared vision between Soiffer and the Kesslers: working together leads to innovative solutions. The support not only enhances the potential for groundbreaking discoveries but also reinforces the importance of fostering collaboration to provide a rich foundation for future research. As a result, the future of AML treatment looks brighter, offering renewed hope to patients and families around the world.