Celebrating Three Years of Transformational Leadership — Thank You, Rodney Wong!

The conclusion of the CCI Global Conference in San Antonio on 17 September 2026 marked the end of Rodney Wong’s three-year presidency of Childhood Cancer International (CCI).

As the father of a childhood cancer survivor, Rodney brought not only leadership experience, but also a deeply personal commitment to improving the lives of children with cancer and their families.

When Rodney assumed the presidency in Ottawa in October 2023, he set out with a clear ambition: to transform CCI from primarily convening and coordinating into a stronger, more sustainable organisation capable of delivering meaningful programmes and greater impact.

Over the past three years, working closely with the Board of Trustees, regional leaders, committees, management and staff, Rodney has helped lead a remarkable transformation.

Under his leadership:

• CCI’s membership expanded to 227 organisations, strengthening its global reach and representation.

• Its digital community grew by almost 7x, significantly amplifying its global voice.

• Professional staffing capacity increased by 14x, building a stronger organisational foundation.

• Financial capacity expanded by more than 8x, enabling greater investment in programmes and member support.

• CCI strengthened its portfolio of impactful initiatives, including Home Away From Home, NutritiON!, SurNet, ENLACE and the Global Transportation Programme, alongside expanded advocacy, partnerships and capacity-building efforts.

Beyond organisational growth, Rodney championed a fundamental shift in CCI’s direction — from building connections to translating those connections into tangible benefits for children, parents and survivors.

He also introduced the President’s Recognition Awards, creating an important opportunity to celebrate the outstanding work of CCI members, share their achievements and inspire learning across the global community.

Balancing the demands of a full-time CEO role with the responsibilities of leading a global organisation, Rodney devoted countless evenings, weekends and personal travel time to advancing CCI’s mission.

His commitment reflected a simple but powerful belief: every effort that reduces suffering, improves access to care or gives a child a better chance of survival is worth making.

Rodney has consistently acknowledged that CCI’s progress is a collective achievement, made possible by the dedication of its Board of Trustees, regional heads and committees, Executive Director, management and staff, members, partners, sponsors and supporters.

As CCI enters its next chapter under President Alejandra Méndez, Rodney leaves behind more than organisational growth.

He leaves a stronger foundation, a more capable and sustainable organisation, and a clear direction for the future.

The challenge ahead is to build on that foundation — strengthening regional collaboration, sharing and scaling best practices, empowering member organisations and translating CCI’s collective knowledge and resources into measurable improvements for children, parents and survivors, particularly in underserved communities.

Rodney, thank you for your vision, dedication, personal sacrifices and unwavering commitment to CCI over these three years.

Your leadership has helped position CCI to deliver even greater impact in the years ahead.

And while your presidency has ended, we know your commitment to the childhood cancer community continues.

Together, we can save more children’s lives.