The Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs) at Dana-Farber include patients, family members, and staff. There are separate councils for adult care (Adult Patient and Family Advisory Council, or APFAC) and pediatric care (Pediatric Patient and Family Advisory Council, or PPFAC). Our Council members share their experiences to make a positive impact on the patient/family experience for others.
Both councils represent Dana-Farber's commitment to patient- and family-centered care by including the following core principles in all discussions and projects:
- Dignity and respect
- Information sharing
- Participation
- Collaboration
Our Mission
Both our adult and our pediatric Patient and Family Advisory Councils share a single, ongoing mission:
- To help disseminate information and implement services that affect our patients and their families
- To support patients and their families becoming informed advocates for their own care
- To offer a patient and family voice
- To initiate ideas for policies, programs, projects, and services within the patient care environment
- To provide ongoing opportunities to hear the voices, experiences, and perspectives of patients and their families
Read our flyer and learn more about us, including how to join.
Read Blog Stories by and About PFAC Members
How Our Patients Help Create a Healing Environment
Adult PFAC Blog Stories
How I Told My Young Children I Had Cancer: Gabby Spear
Beyond Cancer Podcast – Episode #5: Stupid Things People Say: Becky Sail
Five Tips for Facing a Rare Cancer: Becky Sail
A Caregiver’s Perspective: Honoring Your Hopes and Fears: Gina Paglucia
From Teacher to Cancer Caregiver – and Coach: Deb Osborne
The Importance of Taking Care of Your Cancer Caregiver: Allan Osborne
In Sickness and in Health as a Cancer Caregiver: Deb Osborne
Young Breast Cancer Patient Puts Healing in Her Own Hands: Kireina Bell Sancho
Voices Podcast – Episode #5: Balancing Motherhood and Breast Cancer: Gabby Spear
Pediatric PFAC Blog Stories
Stem Cell Transplant Helps Boy with Leukemia to Remission – and New Home
How Boston and Dana-Farber Gave This Family Hope: Ricardo Garcia
The Power of Patient and Family Centered Care: One Mom’s Journey: Sara Dickison Taylor
How to Manage Family Life When Your Child Has Cancer: Valerie Graf
Full Circle: The Journey from Patient to Caregiver: Sara Dickison Taylor
Questions to Ask When Your Child Finishes Cancer Treatment: Julia Pettengill