Patients and families often find themselves overwhelmed, lost, and unfamiliar with the many resources available to them at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Navigating complex systems while coping with illness can be challenging and stressful. This is especially true when coming to a new location. Friendly assistance, clear guidance, and access to helpful information can ease anxiety and frustration. It also can be empowering. With a welcoming environment, robust support, and raised awareness of resources, patients and families will feel more confident and satisfied.
Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.
Volunteering at Dana-Farber is a rewarding and enriching experience. Dana-Farber staff, donors, and volunteers all work toward a common goal of defeating cancer. As a supplemental resource for patients and families, volunteers who work at Dana-Farber are closely linked to this mission, as are those who volunteer at events that raise essential funds to support it. Volunteers are committed and reliable people who make a very real difference, everywhere they work.
In this role, you will reach out to patients visiting Dana-Farber - Chestnut Hill, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Boston Medical Center – Brighton, and Dana-Farber Brigham - Foxborough for the first time. Your care and empathy will provide them with insight and answers to any questions about resources and navigation. You will also provide one-on-one support to help a patient or family member who might otherwise feel lost and overwhelmed, as well as provide information about Dana-Farber programs and resources.
Limitations
- Do not give medical advice, opinions, or assumptions regarding a patient's illness, diagnosis, or treatment options.
- Volunteers should refer patients to their physician if they have questions about their current treatment plan, protocol, and medications.
Commitment
- One 3-hour shift per week for one year
At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty, staff, and volunteers. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.