Advancing Cancer Care at Dana-Farber - Smith Family Foundation

For over 70 years and across four generations, our family members and foundation have actively supported the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, including gifts totaling more than $100 million.

Sidney Farber Medical Research Award

In 2022, the Richard and Susan Smith Family received the Sidney Farber Medical Research Award. It is the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s highest honor, presented to individuals or groups who have made outstanding contributions to oncology, either through research or public service.

" " — Above, at the award ceremony were (from left): Debra Smith Knez; Institute Trustee Amy Smith Berylson; Dana-Farber President and CEO and the Richard and Susan Smith Professor of Medicine Laurie H. Glimcher, MD; Robert A. Smith; and Dana-Farber Chairman of the Board Josh Bekenstein

Susan F. Smith Center Living Biobank

In 2017, we made a $2.5 million gift in memory of Susan Smith to help create a Living Biobank (PDF) to develop therapeutic ovarian cancer models at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers.

The biobank expands the use of research models known as organoids to shortcut drug development and, ultimately, personalize treatments for the approximately 80 percent of women treated for ovarian cancer who do not respond to first-line therapies.

“Sue Smith believed Dana-Farber could work miracles for women’s cancers. Her many efforts championing Dana-Farber’s vital work were among her proudest accomplishments.”
Richard Smith, Foundation Co-Founder and former Dana-Farber Trustee