Message from the Executive Director

We came here as war refugees from Sri Lanka… a few years later, I had cancer… thought we survived it all, all the wars and the battles and had found freedom, but in fact, we were put into another system that wasn’t made for us…”  Vinesha Ramasamy, Person With Lived Experience.

 

At this year’s ACCESS Annual Meeting, we heard from Sarah, Vinesha, and Callum who are survivors of childhood cancer and now young adults reflecting on their journeys. Each story shared was as distinct as the individuals telling them and highlighted the diverse and complex needs patients and their families face after a cancer diagnosis. It also underscored the importance of designing systems that are nimble, accessible, and responsive to the needs of a broader community.

For me, these reflections brought forward several critical themes – the central role of research throughout the cancer journey in improving outcomes; the need to address systemic inequities; and the importance of ongoing advocacy to bring about meaningful change.

At ACCESS, the voices of children and families affected by cancer from across Canada are reflected in all of our projects and initiatives, some of which are highlighted in this newsletter. For example, the OPTIMISE clinical trial aims to expand access to new therapeutics through the molecular profiling needed for precision medicine. Through our ongoing engagement and consultation with Indigenous communities, researchers are working to address barriers faced by this unique equity-deserving population. And ACCESS funded investigators continue to develop evidence-informed standardized tools and resources, including distress screening, to improve the well-being of patients and families across the care continuum.

As we plan for the year ahead, our priorities remain clear:

• • To maintain and strengthen our network of researchers, healthcare providers, industry leaders, and partner organizations.
  • To support the development and implementation of a robust pipeline of research across the cancer journey.
  • To serve as a critical convener and solution-finder on issues affecting the pediatric cancer community in Canada by continuing to build and deepen engagement and partnerships.
  • To be a leading voice for pediatric cancer in Canada, advocating for progress, system change and impact at every level.

Finally, we appreciate your ongoing support. We encourage you to follow us on our social media channels; every ‘like’ and repost helps amplify our reach and engagement across LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky. You can also support us through advocacy and public awareness efforts, with tools available on how to get involved.

Thank you for helping us build an equitable and impactful future for childhood cancer research and care in Canada.