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The magic of young people.
We believe in the extraordinary power of youth to create meaningful change.
We're a global movement that challenges conventional thinking about who can lead, who can serve, and how we support children facing cancer.
Our global community model ensures that support for pediatric cancer patients is rich, varied, and culturally aware.
It also means that our volunteers are constantly learning from each other, growing not just as activists but as global citizens.
At Cancer Kids First
Community at the Core
The Ripple Effect
Every child we support, every volunteer we empower, and every barrier we break creates ripples that extend far beyond our immediate community.
When we normalize joy in hospital settings, we change how entire medical teams think about patient care. When we demonstrate youth capability, we shift adult perceptions about what young people can accomplish. When we connect kids across borders, we build bridges that last long after treatment ends.
"Young people possess an unmatched combination of creativity, authenticity, and digital fluency."
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Founded in 2019, Cancer Kids First (CKF) was created to reimagine how we support pediatric cancer patients, taking a holistic approach and proving that young people have the power to drive real change.
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We work to normalize the hospital experience and foster a supportive community through creative, emotionally uplifting services. From virtual events and crafts to hospital resources, CKF delivers care in a way that only youth can.
Making Hospitals Feel Like Home
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As the only global nonprofit of our kind, we bring together more than 40,500 youth volunteers across 80 countries. Through 111 local CKF chapters, we empower young people to grow as changemakers.
Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
Follow our journey on instagram!
March 14, 2024 | People
Meet the Young Americans Honored by Prince William for Their Work in Princess Diana's Name
May 9, 2024 | Yahoo News
How CancerKidsFirst Became the World’s Largest Youth-Led Pediatric Cancer Nonprofit.
Aug 12, 2022 | Fairfax County Times
Watch How High school students brings love and hope to kids with cancer
August 5, 2024 | Girls Life
CancerKidsFirst Founder Olivia Zhang Honored in Girls’ Life 30 Under 30
For media & press inquiries, please email contact@cancerkidsfirst.org
December 8, 2023 | CBS News
Harvard freshman continues to grow worldwide charity for kids with cancer she founded at 14
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Aug 12, 2022 | Fairfax County Times
Watch How High school students brings love and hope to kids with cancer
January 01, 2021 | The Teen Mag
8 At-Home Volunteer Opportunities to Check Off Your Required Hours
Dec 23, 2020 | Medium
Young Social Impact Heroes: How Cancer Kids First Is Helping To Change Our World
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