Franciscan Children’s 70th Anniversary!
Franciscan Children’s opened its doors for the first time on September 8, 1949, and has been providing the highest quality of care to children with complex medical, mental health and educational needs throughout the decades.
Franciscan Children’s has constantly evolved to meet the needs of the community. From our beginnings battling the effects of the polio epidemic, to tackling the unique medical, mental health and educational needs of today, we have always been there for children and families in need.
As with any anniversary, this moment in time is as much about our future as it is our past. And our future is bright. As we continue to find ways to continuously improve and expand our services and Brighton campus, we remain confident in our ability to serve the communities who require our care.
We look forward to sharing many more exciting opportunities in the coming months to join in celebration of Franciscan’s achievements past — and yet to come — in honor of our 70th year.
We could not do this without the support of our staff, friends and donors over the last seven decades.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. So Every Kid Can.
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John F. Kennedy presents Franciscan Children's with a $600,000 check to help fund hospital in 1946.
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Franciscan Children's Groundbreaking with Cardinal Cushing and Ted Kennedy in 1947.
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Entrance of Franciscan Children's on Warren Street in 1979.
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Franciscan Children's fundraising event in Faneuil Hall in 1981.
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Heartbreak Hill Road Race benefiting Franciscan Children's in 1983.
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Franciscan Children's patient in 1982.
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Franciscan Children's patient in 1984.
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Franciscan Children's patient using the playground in 1986.
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Red Sox player, Mo Voughn, visits Franciscan Children's in 1997.
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Bernie & Phyl with Red Sox player Tim Wakefield in 2004.
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Former KDS Students Korey and Devin with Celtics player Shaquille O'Neal in 2010.
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Boston Police Department perform for patients and students during their annual Pipes and Drums visit.
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Dropkick Murphy's performing for our patients and students during their holiday visit.
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Former patient, Lucy, in our Pulmonary Rehabilitation Unit.
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Former patient, Anabelle, in our Pulmonary Rehabilitation Unit.
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Franciscan Children's President and CEO, John Nash, together with New Balance's Jim and Anne Davis.
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Board of Overseer member, Mackenzie Andrews, visits the medical unit in 2019.
Celebrate with Franciscan Children’s
70th Anniversary Events
Please join us to celebrate Franciscan Children’s 70th Anniversary at the grand opening of the New Balance Foundation Park on Thursday, September 19, 2019 from 3:30 pm-5:30 pm at Franciscan Children’s.
Franciscan Children’s 30 Warren Street, Brighton, MA 02135
All community partners and neighbors are invited to enjoy the playground, concessions, and family fun!
Questions? Please contact Chantal Brandimarte, Director of Events and Community Relations, at CBrandimarte@FranciscanChildrens.org
Milestones in the Media
• WCVB: Chronicle – Liz & Gisele’s Story
• WBZ-TV: Adaptive Sports Program
• Boston Globe: Children’s Wellness Initiative
70 Years Forward – Invest in Our Future
For 70 years, Franciscan Children’s has been the one and only organization of our kind in the Northeast. As we reflect on the thousands of children and families whose journeys have been forever changed by the compassionate and expert care they received here, we continue to strive for a future where all kids have access to the care they need, when they need it.
This milestone year is a great time to make an impactful gift to Franciscan Children’s. Your investment in our future will allow us to care for more kids than ever before by expanding our campus, programs, and reach.
Thank you for celebrating Franciscan Children’s 70 year anniversary with a meaningful gift to the kids we serve today… and in the future.