Working to defy cancer: meet Janice Long

This post is part of a series highlighting staff members within Dana-Farber Cancer Institute & The Jimmy Fund’s Division of Philanthropy, to give supporters an inside peek at life at New England’s favorite charity. Today, we’re talking to Janice Long, a Senior Associate Director on the Fiscal & Regulatory Management team.

What brought you to Dana-Farber?

When I graduated from school in 1988, Dana-Farber was one of the health care organizations that had job opportunities for graduates. I was offered three positions at organizations around Boston, but I accepted Dana-Farber’s offer with the hope that my daily interactions and responsibilities would make more of an impact.

I recently celebrated by 34th year here! I have stayed all this time because of the growing sense of fulfillment working at Dana-Farber has provided. People here trusted me, relied on me, and depended on me. The donors, their families, the employees I hired, my managers and staff all counted on me. I always want to do my absolute best to help each and every person I can.

Can you describe your role here?

I oversee the timely and accurate processing of 350,000-400,000 gifts each year into our fundraising and events database. Named events such as   the Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk, the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge, the Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl®, and the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon, just scratches the surface of gifts received. In addition, I partner with Philanthropy staff to continually enhance our existing data processing systems.

Day-to-day, I oversee a team of nine dedicated, reliable, and committed individuals all with the goal to provide expert service to our Philanthropy colleagues. We aim to maintain as close to 100% accuracy as possible in all data processing activity.

What does it mean to you to work here and support Dana-Farber’s lifesaving mission to defy cancer?

Working here and supporting this mission means being a part of the bigger picture. Everyone coming together for a greater purpose, to stand united no matter how different we are.

Are there any memories of working here that stand out to you?

I’ve had the sincere pleasure of building and maintaining lifelong friendships at Dana-Farber. I wouldn’t trade that for the world. 

Is there anything you would like to share about working at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund with prospective candidates?

I’d like to share a quote of advice from Maya Angelou: “Know that success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”

Some advice of my own: Authenticity is a gift that should be shared. Don’t be afraid to show up and take your place at the table.

We also encourage you to support Dana-Farber & The Jimmy Fund through The Dana-Farber Campaign, our ambitious, multi-year fundraising effort to prevent, treat, and defy cancer. The Dana-Farber Campaign will accelerate the Institute’s strategic priorities by supporting revolutionary science, extraordinary care, and exceptional expertise. As a community, we have the power to create a more hopeful, cancer-free future—in Boston and around the world. Together, we can defy cancer at every turn. Learn more about The Dana-Farber Campaign at DefyCancer.org.