Who We Are

American Childhood Cancer Organization ( ACCO ) began in 1970 by a group of parents whose children had been diagnosed with cancer. They came together to lobby for more research, and to support each other through the diagnosis and treatment of this life threatening disease at a time when very few children survived. Today, ACCO is one of the largest grassroots, national organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children and adolescents with cancer and their families. We are strong advocates for our families in Washington D.C., we produce the highest quality materials on childhood cancer, and we have over 40 local affiliate organizations across the country providing direct services to the families in their communities. We are:

• Families of children and adolescents who are in treatment or have been treated for cancer
• Children and adolescents who are currently fighting cancer
• Survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer
• Bereaved families
• Spouses, friends and family of long term survivors
• Health care professionals and educators who work with cancer patients and survivors

What American Childhood Cancer Organization Does

Since 1970, American Childhood Cancer Organization has been respected as an essential and integral provider of programs and services required by families of children and adolescents with cancer across this country. Together with our local affiliates who provide the direct support with families, we address the critical needs that families face today. As a grassroots leader in the childhood cancer community, it is our responsibility to speak for the needs of the families and survivors. Doing so, we help shape policy, research, and programs on the national level that affect the lives of families today and tomorrow. The board and staff of ACCO are committed to serving our community until the day when no child dies or is left with life long effects from this devastating disease.

American Childhood Cancer Organization's mission is to address the needs of families through programs that emphasize information, advocacy, awareness, and research. In this way, we can support families both directly and through our affiliation with local organizations, and work toward a better tomorrow for our children and adolescents. Our organization was founded by a talented and committed group of parents, and we have placed a priority on ensuring that those making policy decisions today understand what a family goes through when their child has been diagnosed with cancer. Over two thirds of our organization board and staff are either survivors or a family member of a child or adolescent who had cancer. We understand this is a family disease and it is a disease that is for life. One in 330 children will be diagnosed before their 20th birthday, and it is estimated that by the year 2010 one in 450 young adults between the ages of 18 and 45 will be a survivor of childhood cancer. The recent Childhood Cancer Survivor Study has documented that 2/3 of survivors deal with long term late effects from its toxic treatment, 1/3 of which are moderate to severe. We strongly believe that families need accurate information, advocacy, and support from the first day of diagnosis through the rest of the child s life. The staff and board of American Childhood Cancer Organization are committed to meeting the needs of these survivors and their families.

History of American Childhood Cancer Organization

The American Childhood Cancer Organization was officially formed in 1970 under the name Candlelighters by a group of parents of children with cancer. Read the story of this talented group of activists and learn how American Childhood Cancer Organization grew to become the strong organization that it is today.

• History of American Childhood Cancer Organization