About BPCSG

Gary Halvorsen has guided many hundreds of patients through the intricate decision process for cancer treatment. He leads support groups for the newly diagnosed, serving Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), and Winchester Hospital Center for Cancer Care, as well as BPCSG.

Gary was handpicked by leading research doctors to be a Consumer Advocate of the Boston area Special Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in prostate cancer, one of only 11 SPOREs nationwide.

In 2009, he received an award from the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Kenneth B. Schwarz Cancer Center, through the support of an anonymous philanthropic gift. He was 1 of only 300 such awardees worldwide, and 1 of only 3 non-healthcare professional recipients. In 2013, he received the Chief of Staff of The United States Air Force Volunteer Excellence Award.  In 2015, he received MGH’s The One Hundred for Volunteerism.

Gary served as a member of a Boston area prostate cancer walk, helping to raise over $2.9 million for prostate cancer research. He was a co-recipient with spouse, Fran, of the Charles Austin Award for outstanding volunteer efforts in prostate cancer. Established by the Massachusetts Prostate Cancer Coalition (MPCC) in 2006, the award honors Charles Austin -- a prostate cancer survivor who raised much awareness about the disease, especially within the African American community.

Gary is a member of MPCC and has hosted public lectures through the Annual Symposium Planning Sub Committee. He is also a member of the International USToo Support Group Leaders of Zero Cancer.

Fran Halvorsen leads the BPCSG Women’s Group, and has devoted many years to holding meetings for women to discuss their concerns in a supportive and confidential atmosphere. To foster education and empowerment, she has arranged guest lectures by doctors and leading researchers, to keep women informed on the latest developments. She has also served as a member of a Boston area prostate cancer walk, helping to raise over $2.9 million directly benefiting prostate cancer research.

Fran was a co-recipient, along with spouse, Gary, of the Charles Austin Award for outstanding volunteer efforts in prostate cancer. Established by the Massachusetts Prostate Cancer Coalition (MPCC) in 2006, the award honors Charles Austin -- a prostate cancer survivor who raised much awareness about the disease, especially within the African American community.

Fran is a member of MPCC and has hosted public lectures through the Annual Symposium Planning Sub Committee. Above all, Her dedicated volunteer work has created important personal bonds between her and the spouses and partners of men with prostate cancer.

Harry Somers was first treated for colon cancer 16 years ago, receiving chemotherapy and radiation. That cancer is still in remission. Two years later he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had hormone therapy along with a new form of high dose targeted radiation. Remission lasted 6 years.

He then received targeted cryotherapy, but the prostate cancer spread to the bladder. Thus he underwent a “salvage” prostatectomy along with removal of his bladder. He is grateful to have been in remission ever since.

Harry has been a member of the Boston Prostate Support Group for 16 years.  He works as a licensed psychologist, and is usually present at meetings once a year. He also leads the advanced cancer group with Glenn Bubley.

David Einstein is a medical oncologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center specializing in genitourinary cancers, including prostate cancer. He is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and is active in clinical and translational research.  He is also a member of the Medical Advisory Committee for the Massachusetts Prostate Cancer Coalition. David has served the BPCSG community as a physician advisor since 2021. He is a father of two, and enjoys biking, hiking, cooking, and playing music.