PWLE Highlights & Dedicated Supports

All Persons With Lived Experience (PWLE) attendees are encouraged to participate in every aspect of the Annual Meeting. In addition, we have intentionally carved out the following PWLE-designated spaces and activities to support connection, reflection, and well-being throughout the meeting,

 

PWLE Breakfast
PWLE are warmly invited to a dedicated PWLE Breakfast, an informal breakfast providing a safe and welcoming space for PWLE to gather and eat together, connect with one another, and engage in open conversation before the planned sessions begin.

The gathering is intended to foster community, peer connection, and offer an opportunity to share experiences on engagement with ACCESS, exchange insights, and build relationships with others who bring lived experience to the pediatric cancer research and care community.

Renu Jeyapala, Project Manager, ACCESS, will be present to welcome participants, help facilitate conversations, and ensure the space remains supportive and inclusive.

PWLE are welcome to drop in, stay as long as they wish, and participate in whatever way they feel most comfortable with them.

 

PWLE Well-Being Room
A dedicated PWLE Well-Being Room will be available throughout the meeting as a quiet, supportive space intended to offer time for rest, reflection, or a moment away from the sessions as needed. We hope it provides a welcoming environment to recharge and prioritize well-being during the meeting.

 

Buddy System
As part of the meeting registration, some individuals expressed interest in participating in the Buddy System, either as a Person With Lived Experience Buddy or as an Academic Buddy. To those who opted to partake in the Buddy System, individuals will be introduced to their buddies via email prior to the meeting.

Buddy groups are encouraged to meet at the beginning of the meeting so that they can participate in the sessions together. Arrangements have been made to have buddies in the same sessions and groups throughout the meeting, where possible, so that they have a shared experience.

The intended outcome is to promote inclusivity, understanding, and a sense of belonging and support. By the end of the meeting, we hope that each pair knows the other well enough to be able to introduce their buddy to others (in a manner that their buddy feels comfortable). We hope these connections are valuable, and moving forward will help to build our network and support collaborative work.