About Dana Farber

I didn't just randomly pick a charity organization for which to run the Boston Marathon, and I hope that once I describe Dana Farber and their mission and work you will understand why I chose to run for them.

The Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge (DFMC) enables people to run the Boston Marathon while raising money to benefit the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The DFMC directs 100% of funds raised to the Barr Program, which enables scientists at the leading edge of discovery to achieve better cure rates and to enhance patients' quality of life.

"Dedicated to Discovery. Committed to Care." is the mission of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), described as "one of the world's premier cancer centers" by the National Cancer Institute. Founded in 1947 by Dr. Sidney Farber, DFCI is renowned for its unique blend of basic and clinical research, and for using its discoveries to improve the treatment of adults and children with cancer. It is a founding member of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center ¾ one of 39 nationally designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. A teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber is also one of 19 federal centers for AIDS research in the United States.

Dana Farber boasts a few things that almost no other charity organization can. Most important to me was:

1.) As noted above, they give 100% of all donations towards funding the Claudia Barr research and care program. Not one cent of money that people donate is going to be used towards administrative costs or hidden fees that are skimmed off the top
2.) Dana Farber is battling cancer on two fronts: they are both searching for cures while also focusing on patient care and ensuring that those afflicted with cancer are given the best treatment available.

It's really unfortunate that so many of us know someone who has cancer or had cancer, but that's why it is crucial for us start supporting these institutes that are working diligently to find a cure and to take good care of those who are already battling disease.

After going to a few marathon meetings to this point I have to say that this organization is just bubbling with enthusiasm and that Dana Farber gives hope to a lot of people, so please help me give more hope to people.

Below is a link to my personal fundraising page with Dana Farber. I've set two lofty goals;my fundraising total and total miles in the marathon, but I can tell you that any donation will help me achieve the first goal and inspire me to achieve the second goal.

http://www.runDFMC.org/ryanmeehan2009