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 the country. Together with our local affiliates we address the critical needs that families face today. We believe strongly that families need accurate information, advocacy, and support from the first day of diagnosis through the rest of the child s life. As a grassroots leader in the childhood cancer community, it is our responsibility to speak for the needs of the families and survivors, and to help shape policy, research and programs on the national level that impact the lives of families today and tomorrow.

Our organization was founded by a talented and committed group of parents of children with cancer, 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 s Board of Directors and staff are either survivors or a direct family member of a child or adolescent who had cancer. We understand personally that this is a family disease and it is a disease that impacts the family for life. The board and staff of ACCO are committed to serving our community until the day no child dies, or is left with life-long effects from this devastating disease.

Trevor Romain, President

Trevor Romain is an internationally renowned author and illustrator and is the Chief Creative Officer of the Comical Sense Company. His community work includes hospital visits, school visits, and working with families facing loss of their children through cancer. Trevor also works with Austin Children's shelter, consults with the United National concerning Children of Armed Conflict, tours with the USO to American military bases in countries, and speaks around the world about how cancer kids are true heroes. He has been actively involved with Candlelighters for over 10 years. He is illustrator of Candlelighters  publications Chemo, Craziness and Comfort, My Book about Childhood Cancer; Lift Me Up, an inspiring book filled with wonderful pictures to color, and author/illustrator of an upcoming publication for teens diagnosed with cancer.

Janine Lynne, Vice President

Janine has been a board member of ACCO since 2003 and is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the largest national grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and adolescents with cancer. Her teenage son is a survivor of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Janine has worked and volunteered as a child advocate in many capacities over 20 years with a special interest in children with special needs. She has a B.S. in Child Development and Family Studies from Montana State University, and pursued graduate work in psychology and education. She currently lives in Hawaii.

Brenda Tyler Jewell, Member

Brenda Tyler Jewell grew up in Savannah, Georgia. Her mother and father throughout her life set a wonderful example by doing things for others by giving of themselves to help people who were less fortunate than them. Brenda served on the Board of Big Brothers in the Sacramento area for several years. During that time, she assisted her former husband with helping two young little brothers and found much gratification in helping them learn to swim, and gain confidence. Her employment with several successful businessmen has provided her with the opportunity to give back to the community including her involvement with Samaritan Inns in Washington D.C. In 2007, Brenda was a committee member for Naomi's Hope for a Cure, with funds being allocated towards Candlelighters research initiative.

Judy Mendoza, Member

Judy Mendoza grew up in Lafayette, IN, where she obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Indiana University in May 1993. Subsequent teaching jobs led her to the corporate world of an education publishing company and then to the formation of her own free-lance education business. In February 2007, Judy and her husband Michael's lives changed forever. It was then when they learned that their three-and-a-half year old daughter had Stage IV neuroblastoma. After supporting her daughter Abigail through six cycles of high dose chemotherapy, followed by a stem cell transplant, twelve radiation sessions, and a very rough clinical trial with monoclonal antibodies, Judy now regards herself as a proud Cancer Mom on a Mission. Judy lives by the premise that she continues to teach her children  to never give up! Judy is active in raising awareness of the gold ribbon for childhood cancer.

Steve Payne, Member 

Steve Payne is an active board member and father to Kristin, a stage IV neuroblastoma survivor diagnosed at a mere seven months old. Being an active part of the ACCO board, he is able to support those children, families, and professionals nationwide who battle this dreaded disease until a cure is found. Steve works for IBM and served as president 2003 & 2004.

Paul Millefolie, Member 

Paul Millefolie lives in Virginia with his wife Priscilla, daughter Victoria and son Ben. In 2007, the day before his 10th birthday Ben was diagnosed with T-Cell A.L.L. Paul and Priscilla witnessed Ben's courage displayed through his treatment which inspired them to become active in the fight against childhood cancer. Today, Ben is in remission, speaks at public childhood cancer awareness events and participates in numerous fundraising activities. Paul and his family remain steadfast in their support of those who are seeking a cure, raising awareness and supporting the families who are facing their own diagnosis.

Jeff Walters, Member 

Jeff Walters is a Senior Director in the Commercial & Consumer Products division of Acumen Solutions where he is responsible for the delivery of business and technology consulting services to the Educational Services and Non-Profit Sectors. In his professional career, Jeff helps organizations to maximize their efficiency and impact and he brings that same passion to his work with ACCO. Jeff holds a Masters of Business Administration from the Lally School of Management and Technology at Rensselear Polytechnic Institute and a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Pennsylvania State University. Jeff and his wife Valeria live in Chantilly, Virginia with their two daughters.

Nicole Mannion-Roman, Member 

Nicole brings with her over 15 years of advertising experience where she has specialized in the development and management of targeted integrated marketing commutation programs. Responsibilities included: strategic market planning, project management, account management, crisis management, new business development, event planning and coordination. To give back, for the past 10 years Nicole has managed at-risk youth programs, developed and executed community events and volunteers her services as the administrator of her church. Currently Nicole and Her Husband reside in New Jersey, with their son. Her three old daughter, Sophia recently earned her angel wings after a 2 ½ year fight with bilateral Retinoblastoma.

Ruth I. Hoffman MPH, Executive Director

Ruth's leadership has resulted in the publication of numerous books including Chemo, Craziness and Comfort, My Book about Childhood Cancer, The Amazing Hannah, published in both English and Spanish, Educating the Child with Cancer, A Guide for Parents and Teachers, Oliver's Story, For Sibs of Kids with Cancer, also available in English and Spanish as well as Life Me Up, an inspiring book filled with wonderful pictures to color.

Ruth is co-founder of Light up the Holidays with Hope, Candlelighters National Awareness event, and a committee member of Naomi's Hope for a Cure, a gala event to raise money for pediatric cancer targeted therapy research. Ruth organized the childhood cancer targeted therapy workshop at the World Cancer Congress, held in Washington D.C. in 2006.

Ruth received her B.A. in psychology, and her Bachelors of Education from the University of Western Ontario, Canada, and her Masters of Public Health from the George Washington University's School of Medicine. She is proud recipient of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Tree of Life Award, 2006.

* Tree of Life Award

Quiet Heroes Talk

Amber Masso, Program Director

Amber Masso graduated from Texas A&M University in December 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology and a minor in Business Administration. She was treated for Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2005 and 2006, during her sophomore year of college. After returning to school, she implemented a "Survivorship and Outreach" program with the Texas A&M University Cancer Society. Activities included peer counseling and art projects at Texas Children's Hospital. She also partnered with Camp Kesem National and founded Camp Kesem A&M, a summer camp for children who have/ have had a parent with cancer. In 2009, Amber was honored with the Texas A&M Faculty Senate Aggie Spirit Award and the J. Malon Southerland Aggie Leader Award for her work as a survivor and student leader.

Margaret Fein, Office Manager/ Executive Assistant 

Margaret Fein comes to ACCO with over 20 years of administrative experience working for various non-profit organizations in the DC Metropolitan area. Margaret understands the emotional toll that parents of children with cancer must endure, as she herself has a son with special needs. This has fueled her strong desire to work for philanthropic organizations that focus on the needs of children. With a solid background in non-profit administration, Margaret hopes to be integral helping ACCO to continue to grow its mission.