Where medicine fails, compassionate care can help a patient and family cope with the most harrowing diagnosis.

Kathleen and Bobby Penza met with Lawrence (Larry) Blaszkowsky, MD, in Oct. 2008, a month after Bobby was diagnosed with primary liver cancer. A specialist in gastrointestinal cancers at Mass General, Dr. Blaszkowsky recommended treatment options for Bobby, who had been told that he had no more than a year to live.

“Instead, my husband chose a holistic approach,” writes Kathleen. “For the next two years, he was the healthiest he had been since his diagnosis, despite the growth of his cancer.”

In April 2010, the couple revisited Dr. Blaszkowsky. “Of all the doctors we had seen, he was the most helpful to us with his caring and positive way and respect for my husband. My husband lost his battle in October. Dr. Blaszkowsky and his team prepared us and took great compassionate care of my husband, me and our 12-year-old daughter, Caitlin.”

Mass General honors 100 individuals and groups for their diverse contributions to the fight against cancer.

There is strength in numbers and Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center proves this each year. the one hundred is the Cancer Center’s annual fundraiser, honoring 100 individuals and groups whose diligence and discoveries, philanthropy and passion have helped advance the fight against cancer. Funds raised at the gala support research, patient care, education and community outreach programs.  Meet the Honorees.