Beam of hope serves as tribute to cancer patients, families

BOSTON -- A beam of hope is changing the face of cancer care.

A 24-foot steel beam, painted with messages from patients, families, and supporters, hopes to empowering anyone who is fighting the disease.

The beam will soon be used to finish the construction of Dana Farber's Yawkey Center for Cancer Care and serve as a tribute to patients and families affected by cancer.

"One of my best friends in college her mother passed away from ovarian cancer so that was very sad," said Kimberly Regensburg. "I signed with hope and happiness to the Yawkey Center for Cancer Care."

Dana Farber invited patients, families and staff to sign and write their own special messages on the beam.

Mayor Menino signed the beam in honor of his own family's experiences at Dana Farber.

"The doctors and the nurses especially really treat you with the utmost respect. I can remember my dad when he was here and the treatment he got it was just the best," said Mayor Thomas Menino.

The beam is one of many that have been signed in the past several months.

In February, iron workers spray-painted the names of cancer patients on steel beams as they were working, not only a reminder of the lives the hospital has touched, but also as a permanent symbol of the hospital's commitment to find a cure.

"So someday we will have a celebration and the celebration is that we found a cure for cancer," Menino said.

When Dana Farber's first building was constructed, they also invited patients to write messages on the beams.

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