Aly Raisman Presents Dana-Farber with a $10,000 Donation

Aly Raisman speaks at Dana-Farber/Photo by Hallie Smith

Six-time Olympic medalist Aly Raisman visited Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s (DFCI) Yawkey Center for Cancer Care on Monday to donate $10,000 to Pasi Jänne, the director of the Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology.

Raisman and her parents have a personal connection to DFCI, as her grandmother, Nancy Raisman, was treated there before succumbing to lung cancer. In a short speech, Raisman talked about how much the donation means to her, and would have meant to her grandmother.

“I am very lucky to do so many exciting events after the Olympics, but this obviously means the most to me,” Raisman said. “Thank you Dana-Farber, of course. I know my grandmother—I called her Bubbe—would be very proud, and I know she’s watching us, so I know this means the world to her. I wouldn’t be where I am without all of her love and support.”

The $10,000 gift was donated through Bridgestone’s “Behind the Performance” program, which honors athletes and those who inspire them. It will benefit the Jänne Lab, which researches lung cancer therapies, and will help fund new ways to improve the lives of those with lung cancer.

From left to right: Keith Cawley, a Bridgestone representative; DFCI President Laurie Glimcher, Pasi Jänne, and Aly Raisman/Photo by Hallie Smith

After the ceremony, Raisman visited the pediatric and lung cancer wings, signing autographs and chatting with patients. Raisman and her family even met a patient whose grandchildren had gone to Needham High School, the gymnast’s old school.

Raisman with a patient/photo by Hallie Smith

The Raisman family with a patient/Photo by Hallie Smith

The Raismans with a patient/Photo by Hallie Smith