Janet Abrahm, M.D., and Saj-nicole Joni, Ph.D., Fund for Innovations in Palliative Care's Fundraising Page

Investing in palliative care innovation and research

Saj-nicole Joni, PhD, is on a mission: to raise funds to drive innovation in palliative care and research. To jumpstart this effort, Saj-nicole made a generous $100,000 commitment establishing a fund at Dana-Farber in honor of Janet Abrahm, MD, a leading pioneer in the field.

Saj-nicole learned the importance of palliative care when her best friend, Patricia Zander, was being treated at Dana-Farber and Abrahm was part of Patricia's care team. Palliative care clinicians can provide support throughout the course of treatment, helping patients manage physical symptoms, address psychological, emotional, and spiritual concerns, and make decisions about the next steps of treatment.

"Patricia was an inspiration to all who met her," said Abrahm. "Despite her advanced cancer, she had much left to do. We were able to bring her pain to a tolerable level without impairing her vitality, intelligence, or drive. Patricia met with her students and shared her last lessons with them. That time was priceless for her and for all who loved her."

As a renowned business strategist and advisor to global CEOs, Saj-nicole knows the kind of impact that is possible when talented people come together with focus, passion, and the necessary resources. Under the direction of James Tulsky, MD, chair of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Saj-nicole's investment will fuel the expansion of innovative research and, she hopes, will inspire others to give.

"If we enable our best researchers to use the newest capabilities of science and technology, we have it within our reach to stop the needless suffering of millions of people," said Saj-nicole. "Working with James to support Janet and the entire palliative care department, I hope to be part of bringing together committed donors and interdisciplinary researchers for this purpose."