Dear Friends,
As I reflect on this past year, I am filled with immense gratitude for the generosity and unwavering commitment of our Dana-Farber community. Your steadfast support has been a driving force behind so many of our achievements, and it is because of you that we have been able to navigate challenges and embrace new opportunities with hope and determination.
This year brought unexpected uncertainties due to changes in federal policy. However, your belief in our mission never wavered. Your dedication has enabled us to continue our vital work and celebrate remarkable milestones, including the installment of eight leaders into endowed chair and professorship positions. These endowed positions, made possible by your philanthropy, provide permanent funding that will sustain groundbreaking scientific and clinical advancements for generations to come. Together, we are opening doors to extraordinary possibilities, and we are premiering a new section in this issue that highlights some of this work.
We are especially grateful for unrestricted gifts that empower us to innovate and expand our efforts in research and treatment. The largest donor for unrestricted gifts is the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), which we are proud to feature on our cover. Since its founding in 1980, the PMC has contributed well over $1 billion to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a tremendous feat that continues to grow. This year alone the PMC raised a record-breaking $78 million with 100% of rider-raised funds going to Dana-Farber. The compassion and determination of PMC riders inspire us all, and their commitment to defying cancer is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together.
Thanks to your support, we have built a strong foundation for advancing cancer research, treatment, and care for every patient who walks through our doors. As we look ahead, I am filled with hope for all that we will accomplish. I look forward to celebrating each new advance with you, knowing none of these achievements would be possible without your partnership.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Melany N. Duval
Senior Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer
Seven-year Pan-Mass Challenge rider