About Us

Welcome to Christopher's Haven.  This website is for families who come to Boston, Massachusetts for their child's cancer treatment, for our many generous volunteers and supporters, for the incredible medical teams at the MassGeneral Hospital for Children, and for new friends seeking more information about this charity.

Our Mission is to make a tangible difference in the day-to-day lives of children and the families who bring them to the MassGeneral Hospital for Children for cancer treatment by providing comfortable housing and a supportive community. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Christopher's Haven needed?  Today, many children with cancer receive multidisciplinary care that includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.  The MassGeneral Hospital for Children is one of  only  five U.S. centers that offers proton beam radiation. Unlike traditional radiation, proton therapy makes it possible to precisely target the cancer without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue, bone and organs. Children come from all over the country  for these daily outpatient treatments for average stays of six to eight weeks. The logistics can prove challenging for patients and their families as they must stay near the hospital for the duration of their treatment. Finding affordable accommodations can be difficult in an area where hotel rates average $139 a night. 

What kind of accommodations does Christopher's Haven offer?  Christopher's Haven is located in Boston's West End at One Emerson Place on the second floor of an apartment building directly across the street from the MassGeneral Hospital for Children.  Christopher's Haven is five residential apartments and The Loft, a community space where families can gather, talk and relax. The apartments are spacious one bedrooms and studios, fully furnished and equiped. Each apartment is comfortably decorated and designed to accommodate adults and children. Upon arrival families will find fresh food in the fridge and a warm welcome from our Family Services Manager, Katelyn Hinson. (Katelyn.Hinson@ChristophersHaven.org  617.893.3030

What does it cost to stay at Christopher's Haven? 

Why is it so important to have Christopher's Haven near the hospital?  Young patients require anesthesia before their daily proton treatment so being close  makes it easier for parents to get them back to the comfort of the apartment. Proximity also protects immune compromised children from the germs they would encounter on public transportation. Families who stay with us tell us that it is a comfort that they are so near the hospital for the emergency needs their children may experience. In addition, being close to the hospital enables them to take advantage of all the services and support groups offered at MassGeneral Hospital for Children.

Who started Christopher's Haven?  Christopher’s Haven was founded in 2001 by Dan Olsen, a local actor, singer-songwriter and three time cancer survivor. While receiving treatments at Massachusetts General Hospital, he met families struggling to care for a child battling cancer while also facing the staggering costs of extended stays near the hospital. After surviving his third bout with the disease, Dan committed himself to doing something to help families like those he’d met. He envisioned a haven for young cancer patients and their families -- a place that would free them from concerns about lodging,and allow them to focus on their child’s treatment and recovery.

Our Brochure:  (Click here to download as PDF file)