Founded by Boston Bruins Hockey Hall of Famer, Cam Neely and his brother Scott, their project began in 1997 with the opening of Neely House, a home away from home for cancer patients and their families, located at Tufts Medical Center. They doubled the space in 2000, opening a second wing. This was all made possible through the generosity of donors. Cam, Scott, and their sisters dedicated their efforts to the memory of their parents, both victims of cancer.

Having just celebrated the 10th Anniversary of Neely House, their work on behalf of cancer patients has not stopped. They have developed The Neely Center for Clinical Cancer Research, The Neely Cell Therapy and Collection Center, The Neely Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, and the new Michael Neely Center for Brain Tumor Care and Research.

The creation of the Neely Cancer Center was a natural evolution of the Foundation. Neely House focuses on supporting the family while the Fund will support the patient. The Neely Foundation continues the overall care and immediate support for cancer patients and their families, through the initiatives created by the Neely family.

“Spahn and Sain and two days of rain” was the old “war-cry” of the Boston Braves Baseball Team. Although the Braves moved out of Boston in 1952, they left behind a legacy that remains in the hearts of loving fans. They were also the Club that led a special drive to raise money for a little kid who was battling cancer. They called it the “Jimmy Fund.” When the Team moved to Milwaukee, the Boston Red Sox adopted the fundraising effort and helped lead the battle against cancer.

Today, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, located in Boston, is the nationally designated center of excellence and home to the “Jimmy Fund.” Their unique blend of basic and clinical research helps to unravel the complicated workings of cancer and rapidly delivers new treatments. At Dana-Farber, they are dedicated to discovery and committed to care.

Long before the discovery of Penicillin or other vaccines, mothers would bring their ailing children to the Floating Hospital Ship located near T-Wharf in Boston. The only way they could deal with a child’s high fever was to take them out beyond Boston Harbor aboard the Floating Ship and let the cooling sea breezes take over.

The 2008 version of Floating Hospital for Children is also a Research Center and is within the Tufts Medical Center Complex in downtown Boston. The “Friends of Floating” is a volunteer organization and support group made up of staff, friends, and parents. One of the group’s goals is the support of the Child Life program, that provides activities and emotional support for pediatric patients.

Another goal is to provide an ongoing network of support and assistance to parents and families that includes the “Parents Meals Program,” the “NICU Transportation Assistance Program,” and the Pet Therapy Program.” The Friends of Floating Hospital takes pride in making sure the parents of sick children are never forgotten.