Lewis Silverman, MD, director of the Jimmy Fund Clinic, gives Adams Fenelon a checkup.

For Patients and Families

We understand that a cancer diagnosis is an event that affects the entire family. To make this time as easy as possible, the experts at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children's Hospital Boston work together to meet every medical, physical and emotional need a patient and their family faces before, during and after treatment.

The Cancer Care Team

Each patient treated through Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Care receives care from a core team of pediatric specialists, such as registered nurses, oncologists, hematologists and radiologists from Dana-Farber and Children's. This team is responsible for overseeing all aspects of treatment. It works with other specialists at Children's, including surgeons, endocrinologists, cardiologists, dentists, and gastroenterologists, to monitor every aspect of each child's health. Throughout treatment, support specialists, including social workers, psychologists, physical therapists and dieticians, will join the team, as needed.

The Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Care team also recognizes the very important role families play on the care team, especially when it comes to providing emotional support and comfort. They practice patient and family-centered care and encourage family participation in every healthcare decision.

Visit Children's Web site to learn more about the individual team members.

Family Support Services

The faculty and staff at Dana-Farber and Children's understand that families touched by cancer also need assistance dealing with non-medical needs. In response, Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Care provides access to many family support resources. From financial counselors and new patient coordinators, to resource room specialists, members of the Clown Care unit and Back to School liaisons, patients and families always have someone to turn to for help. A full list of support services is available on Dana-Farber's Web site.

How to Contact Us

Domestic Patients

Patients and families who live in the United States can contact Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Care by calling our New Patient Hotline: 888- PEDI-ONC (733-4662).

International Patients

Patients and families residing outside of the United States must initiate contact through the International Center at Children's. The experienced, multilingual staff members can facilitate the medical review of patient records, appointment scheduling, and provide assistance with customs and immigration, transportation, hotel and housing accommodations. Contact the International Department by calling 617-355-5209, emailing international.center@childrens.harvard.edu, or visiting Children's Web site.