Our Impact

Since 2019, Vineyard Havens has provided respite, relaxation and rejuvenation for more than 800 people impacted by cancer.

Out of nowhere, cancer changes everything.

A cancer diagnosis affects more than just the patient. Parents, children, and siblings often carry trauma symptoms as high as 60% of the time.

Research shows that peaceful, joy-filled memories act as a buffer against PTSD and help families stay resilient through treatment.

Rest is not a luxury — it’s part of healing.

Vineyard Havens provides restorative vacations for individuals and families facing cancer, because we believe happy memories can be a special kind of medicine. Each respite week is designed with the whole family in mind — creating space for rest, play, and togetherness that strengthens everyone for the road ahead.

We are the only nonprofit in the U.S. offering week-long vacations for patients of all ages, all stages and all kinds of cancers. Every year, 600 children and nearly 90,000 adults are newly diagnosed across New England. Nearly half of these families face crushing medical debt, leaving little money left for time away.

This is why Vineyard Havens prioritizes those who can’t afford a vacation, working with referrals from New England hospitals and cancer centers to make respite possible for the people who need it most.

Patients and Family Members Served (since inception)

Our Impact by the Numbers

600 children and nearly 90,000 adults are newly diagnosed with cancer throughout New England every year. Almost half (49%) are burdened by medical debt and respite time away isn’t financially feasible. Demand (and need) for respite is nearly impossible to fill.

Pediatric Patients Served (since inception)

Each year, Vineyard Havens prioritizes serving pediatric patients, insuring more than half of those we host are children.

Children Served Under 18 Who Have a Parent with Cancer (since inception)

Unlike most cancer charities that focus only on the patient, Vineyard Havens supports the whole family. We know that when a parent is diagnosed, children are part of that journey, too. Kids need space for joy, stability and connection. At the same time, research shows that they may be at a heightened risk for pychosoical, emotional and behavioral challenges . The stress of cancer on the family unit may leave them feeling cut off from friends, routines and even the parent who is in treatment. Time together helps restore a sense of closeness and normalcy, giving families a week of shared experiences that can strengthen resilience and hope.

Siblings of pediatric cancer patients experience a sudden change in their roles and routines. Common feelings may include sadness, anxiety, anger and guilt. Stressors for siblings include less attention from parents, feeling cut-off from their sibling with cancer (hospital stays, feeling too sick to play), more responsibilities at home and less freedom to do actvities or see friends. Our respite weeks make space for parents to spend special time with siblings which we enable through our in-take and be-spoke vacation planning process.

Siblings of Pedi Patients Served (since inception)

Family Stories

More words from Vineyard Havens families…

  • “We would never have been able to take a trip like this on our own. For us, it is once in a lifetime.”

  • “I have truly been blown away by the outpouring of love, the warmest of welcome, and the hospitality that has been shown to my family.”

  • “This was one of our most memorable vacations of all time. Our family was able to come together and spend precious time and make new happy memories.”

  • “This experience has breathed a new type of breath into my mother. With every ounce of love I have to give - thank you.”

  • “First day - just opened the door to the house. Not sure where to start. My heart is more full than any other time I can think of in my life.”

  • “You are allowing us to create ever-lasting memories”

Our Support

Referral Partners

Volunteers

We are honored to have over 75 volunteers who serve on our board, help at our events throughout the year, and make our annual Chip-in for Cancer Golf Tournament the success that it is.

Annual Events

  • Golf Fights Cancer

  • Falmouth Road Race

  • Chip-in for Cancer

  • Roger King Tournament