When we told you CKc was growing, we meant quickly! And Team CKc, new staff as well as dedicated volunteers, didn’t let any grass grow under their feet. If cancer doesn’t rest, neither will we!

CKc on the road to DC

First stop: Education on Capitol Hill (go big or go home, right?)

An integral part of CKc’s mission is to educate for change, and that includes Congress! Team CKc met with Greg Gill at the Venable LLP office, our pro bono lobbying firm,  to strategize advocacy for this year. We also met with 11 congressional offices, including six in the senate, and five in the house. The highlight of this trip was that we were able to meet with DC-based staff from every one of our local representatives, including Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, and Representative Val Demings. This also included personally meeting Representative Stephanie Murphy, who’s district houses the CKc office.

All of these offices have pledged their support to help us further some legislation regarding the deadliest cancers, which Team CKc will now continue working on from Orlando.

Next stop: Research at Children’s National Hospital

Team CKc met with four researchers at Children’s National Hospital to learn about their current and future research projects. Two researchers specialized in brain tumors, one solid tumors and one in genomics. CKc carefully vets potential grantees and invites only the most innovative to apply! The group discussed possible grant funding and the CKc grants application process. We are excited about the possibilities at Children’s National Hospital!

Last stop: Collaboration with OpenWater, Arlington, VA

Speaking of the grants process, Team CKc met with staff from OpenWater, the company providing CKc’s new grant application and management software. This software was put into effect in January to help streamline and automate the application, review, and follow-up processes for all research grants. The next step in the growth of CKc, this software ensures we can continue to be good stewards of the investment our donors make in the fight to cure childhood cancers.

Are you exhausted yet? Grab some coffee… we’re just getting started!