Spring 2026
By Cyrena Musset
Photography by Jamie Phillips/Capehart Photography
As a child, Donald M. Ephraim, when asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, replied “a philanthropist.” The questioner was impressed with the nobility of the answer. But when asked why, he said that compared to his family’s modest circumstances, philanthropists seemed so wealthy. Because of those circumstances, he lived at home and paid his own way through college and law school, built a successful legal career, and in the early 1990s established a foundation. With three sons in college and, later, two in law school, the giving began modestly but steadily. Over time, he found deep satisfaction in directing support to organizations whose work measurably improves lives.
That conviction crystalized when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. When he initially sought care at a major Chicago hospital, his experience was marked by delays and a lack of urgency and coordination. Fortunately, Don’s partner Terri Sriberg, whose late husband and daughter-in-law had both received care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, knew just where to go next. She called her good friend, Judie Schlager, who had extensive ties with Dana-Farber, and who arranged the appointments. Dana-Farber’s medical team responded immediately by scheduling examinations with multiple specialists, arranging critical tests, and setting up a clear treatment plan.
Dana-Farber makes you feel safe. When we go there, we just know they’re going to find a solution to make things better.
Terri Sriberg
At Dana-Farber, Don encountered a culture that matches its expertise: from valet and reception to appointment clerks, testing staff, nurses, and physicians; everyone is upbeat, responsive, and compassionate—on the phone and in person. “From what we’ve heard, many cancer centers are much bigger and really overwhelming,” Terri said. “Dana-Farber makes you feel safe. When we go there, we just know they’re going to find a solution to make things better.”
“My doctor, Alicia Morgans, is wonderful,” Don added, “She is a great caregiver, totally forthright and responsive. I am most appreciative of what she’s done for me and being able to help her continue some of her work is deeply rewarding.”
Don’s philanthropy is focused on impact, which is why he recently gave $1 million to support the research of Alicia Morgans, MD, MPH, in prostate cancer and survivorship. Now at 94, he wants his legacy to remain impactful, helping future patients benefit from more targeted therapies with fewer side effects. Today’s testosterone-blocking approaches can lead to downstream effects; donor support helps investigators develop precision treatments that reduce reliance on broad hormone suppression while maintaining effectiveness. Philanthropy accelerates this work—funding trials, enabling collaboration, and sustaining the patient-centered services that make complex care navigable.
Don’s philanthropic message is clear: Dana-Farber’s combination of excellence and humanity is uncommon and worthy of supporting and amplifying. He has seen Dana-Farber solve problems and restore dignity, and he takes quiet pride in helping ensure that experience for a prostate cancer patient he will never meet. “If I can play even a small part in that,” he said, “I’m quite happy.”