WHO WE ARE

Since its founding in 1970 by parents of children battling cancer, the American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) has been uniquely positioned to serve as the leading voice for children diagnosed with cancer and their families, placing us at the forefront of childhood cancer advocacy. For over fifty years, ACCO has been the nation’s largest provider of free educational resources for children with cancer and their families, ensuring that children understand the treatments they are facing and empowering parents to make informed decisions about their children’s care. For more than two decades, we were the only organization on Capitol Hill championing efforts to secure federal appropriations for childhood cancer research funding through the National Institutes of Health.

Today, in addition to our ongoing Federal advocacy leadership, we are a national nonprofit securing state, corporate, and direct funding for childhood cancer research, while continuing to provide essential educational materials to support families during their child’s cancer journey. We are also proud to be a founding member of the Alliance for Childhood Cancer and Childhood Cancer International.

OUR MISSION

The American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) is a national nonprofit dedicated to securing federal, state, corporate, and private funding for childhood cancer research, while also serving as the largest provider of free educational support materials for children with cancer and their families in the U.S.

OUR VISION

ACCO is committed to empowering children with cancer and their families to make informed treatment decisions through informational support. We believe that childhood and adolescent cancer must be recognized as a top health priority. We are dedicated to securing $250 million in funding for childhood cancer research by 2030. We will drive increased funding, foster innovative research, promote less-toxic treatments, and reduce treatment-related chronic health issues, which will ultimately lead to more children being cured of cancer.

OUR PURPOSE

For more than fifty years, the American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) has worked diligently to make childhood cancer a national child health priority. During this time, childhood cancer rates have risen, and cancer remains the number one cause of disease-related death among children in the U.S. Despite advances in adult cancer treatments, most children still endure harsh therapies including chemotherapy, radiation, and invasive surgeries, with little change in protocols over the past three decades. These treatments, given during critical developmental stages, lead to lasting effects such as secondary cancers, brain damage, heart disease, learning disabilities, and infertility. As the oldest national nonprofit founded by and for families affected by childhood cancer, ACCO is uniquely positioned to advocate for these children and their families, addressing the urgent need for research and informational support.