Youth Advisory Committee

Partnering with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation to amplify young voices in pediatric cancer advocacy.

Our Mission

We partnered with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation to make this committee come to light. This committee is approved. Our goal as a student-led non-profit is to provide young people with the opportunity to advocate for themselves on a purpose that directly affects them.

Our mission is to partner with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation and provide them with authentic input from young people with lived pediatric cancer experience to enhance research priorities, family support services, and advocacy efforts that advance our mission of eliminating childhood cancer through less toxic, more effective treatments.

The goal is to fill the gap of student advocacy in this field, emphasizing the idea of "Kids Giving to Kids".

Goals of the Youth Advisory Committee

Gather Community Insight

Gather insight and feedback from the pediatric cancer community on NPCF's research funding decisions and family support programs to ensure they address real patient and family needs.

Infuse Youth Voices

Infuse the voice of young cancer survivors and current patients into research proposal reviews, clinical trial design, and knowledge translation activities to improve treatment experiences.

Bridge Communities

Serve as a bridge between young people most affected by pediatric cancer and researchers, medical professionals, and policymakers with the power to advance childhood cancer research and care.

Advocate for Priorities

Advocate for research priorities that reflect youth perspectives on treatment quality of life, long-term survivor needs, and innovative approaches to less toxic therapies.

Address Critical Topics

Discuss topics of critical importance to young people in the pediatric cancer community, including mental health support, educational accommodations, peer relationships, and transition to adult care.

What Roles Do Members of the YAC Hold?

Research Review

Read, write, and score research grant applications.

Content Creation

Create social media posts across all platforms and record promotional videos for fundraising campaigns.

Program Evaluation

Conduct surveys with pediatric cancer families about NPCF services.

Policy Work

Write policy briefs on youth-identified issues and attend meetings with congressional staff to possibly influence policy regarding pediatric cancer.

Event Planning

Organize one major youth-led fundraising event annually, along with executing school campaigns and coordinating match programs.

Communication

Attend monthly meetings and participate in NPCF board meetings.

Representation

Speak at medical conferences as patient advocates and represent NPCF at events.

Administrative Tasks

Submit monthly activity reports and maintain a proper database of youth contacts for recruitment and outreach.