Boston – To inspire those fighting cancer, residents of Salmon at Medway recently donated a handmade display of 1,000 origami cranes to the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center at Milford Regional Medical Center.

Measuring 5 feet by 8 feet, the installation is accompanied by a plaque that reads, “To Dana-Farber: Salmon at Medway is proud to gift this display of 1,000 cranes in honor of hope and love for all those battling cancer. Our residents came together to fold this origami to honor the immense courage and challenges of those affected by cancer and we hope our love and solidarity shine through.”

Brianna Taglione, MSN, RN, OCN, nurse manager at Dana-Farber Brigham at Milford, said the vibrant artwork has been appreciated by staff as well as patients in the infusion suite. In the Japanese culture, origami cranes symbolize strength, resilience, peace, hope, and healing. 

“We’re very grateful to these kind individuals who dedicated significant time and talent to comfort and encourage our patients in treatment,” she said.

According to Les Farrington, a resident ambassador at Salmon at Medway, this was the first project by the independent and assisted living community’s Humanitarian Group which spent six weeks cutting, folding, stringing, and hanging the multicolored paper cranes. In addition to Farrington, members include Nic Estrela, Janet Melanson, Marilyn Corso, Anne Mcllroy, Emily Cox, Gina Colasacco, Joe Kasparian, and Jim Pronko.

“Everyone who works at Dana-Farber is so exceptionally caring,” said Farrington, who has been treated for bladder cancer at Dana-Farber Brigham at Milford for four years. “We’re glad for the chance to give back and do our part to uplift patients during their cancer journey.”

Farrington added that he was “blown away” that Michael Constantine, MD, medical director of oncology at Dana-Faber Brigham at Milford, took the time to thank the group for its generous donation.  

“I am in awe of this incredible gift to honor our patients and families battling cancer,” Constantine said. “It is a show of remarkable care from this wonderful Humanitarian Group who took the time and effort to create this work of art.  I thank them all from the bottom of my heart.”

About Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is one of the world’s leading centers of cancer research and treatment. Dana-Farber’s mission is to reduce the burden of cancer through scientific inquiry, clinical care, education, community engagement, and advocacy. We provide the latest treatments in cancer for adults through Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center and for children through Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Dana-Farber is the only hospital nationwide with a top 5 U.S. News & World Report Best Cancer Hospital ranking in both adult and pediatric care.