Area family donates $5 million for breast cancer research, treatment

The Benderson family, which operates one of the largest developers and commercial landlords in the region, has donated $5 million to the Boston-based Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. 

The donation marks the largest philanthropic gift to triple-negative breast cancer research and care in Dana-Farber’s history, according to a press release. The gift will accelerate research in triple-negative breast cancer and strengthen Dana-Farber’s capabilities for treating the disease.

The gift establishes the Benderson Family Program for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, and is family’s second major gift to Dana-Farber in support of TNBC research and treatment.

Under the direction of Dr. Eric Winer, chief of the division of breast oncology in the Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers at Dana-Farber, senior vice president for medical affairs and faculty advancement, and Thompson Chair in Breast Cancer Research, the commitment by the Benderson family provides the resources for Dana-Farber to expand a novel comprehensive TNBC research registry and establish a new endowed fund, the Benderson Family Endowment for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research.

“The Bendersons’ generous gift will allow Dr. Winer and Dana-Farber to continue to lead the way in TNBC research and patient care," says Dana-Farber President and CEO Dr. Laurie Glimcher in a statement. "It will also allow us to fund other initiatives at Dana-Farber that will make a difference in the way cancer is treated and benefit all patients at Dana-Farber." 

Triple-negative breast cancer is one of the most challenging forms of breast cancer to treat.  Chemotherapy remains the backbone of treatment, but with the ongoing clinical trials at Dana-Farber, new therapies including immunotherapies, antibody drug conjugates and PARP inhibitors are being tested for the treatment of this type of cancer.

“Lori and I are thankful to Dr. Winer and his team for the amazing care received at Dana-Farber," says Randy Benderson in a statement, referring to his wife, Lori. "We truly hope that our gift will accelerate triple-negative breast cancer research and bring better treatments to other woman sooner. We are confident that Dana-Farber will lead the way to a cure for this relentless disease.”

The Benderson family operates University Park-based Benderson Development Co., a privately held real estate company that owns and manages over 700 properties encompassing over 40 million square feet in 38 states, according to the company's website. The Benderson portfolio includes retail, office, industrial, hotel, residential and land holdings.