Parents make multigenerational impact on Dana-Farber

Susan and David Cochrane have seen firsthand the devastating impact that cancer can have on families. After both of their mothers passed away from the disease, they wanted to help support Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in the fight against cancer. As a couple, they strive to make a difference and set a positive example for future generations, which is why they chose to give back by naming the skyscraper in The Imagine Display in honor of their daughters, Elena and Courtney.

Located outside of Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund Clinic, which serves pediatric patients, The Imagine Display is a whimsical representation of Dana-Farber’s unique “bench to bedside” research model, seen through the eyes of our youngest patients. The display celebrates the diverse Dana-Farber community united by our commitment to a future without cancer.

“It’s our privilege to be able to support Dana-Farber and the lifesaving work they do every day,” David says. “By supporting The Imagine Display, we’re reflecting our intention that our family’s support for Dana-Farber is multigenerational.”

Massachusetts natives, David and Susan are longtime supporters of Dana-Farber. For decades, they’ve watched the Institute make strides in cancer research and patient care, and their passion and dedication have been passed down to their daughters, Elena and Courtney, who recall feeling grateful and proud when their parents informed them of the gift made in their names.

“We were honored that our parents made this gift in our names and to be part of something that will help save and improve the lives of people fighting cancer,” Elena shares. “We never got the chance to meet our grandmothers due to their lives being taken by cancer, and we witnessed the battle firsthand with a childhood friend. Our parents’ contribution gives us hope for a world where cancer is less prevalent and more treatable.”

Throughout their lives, Elena and Courtney have looked up to their parents and admired their commitment to a future without cancer. They’ve even had the opportunity to tour Dana-Farber’s facilities and learn about current research at the Institute, and see about the impact of their giving.

“We see this gift as a continuation of our parents’ dedication to Dana-Farber, as well as an opportunity for them to model the values they taught us as children, of supporting nonprofits and making a difference,” Courtney says.

Join supporters like the Cochranes by making a gift to any of our naming displays. Your donation will help create a legacy while supporting 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 and how you can get involved at DefyCancer.org.