Childhood Cancer International Welcomes Alejandra Méndez as President of its Board of Trustees
Childhood Cancer International (CCI) is delighted to announce the appointment of Alejandra Méndez, of Chile, as President of its Board of Trustees, marking a new chapter in the organisation's commitment to advancing the rights, care and well-being of children and adolescents with cancer, survivors and their families worldwide.
A mother of a childhood cancer survivor, Alejandra brings a powerful combination of lived experience, strategic leadership and more than two decades of commitment to childhood cancer advocacy. Her personal journey has shaped her profound belief that no child’s chances of survival, or quality of life, should depend on where they are born or the resources available to their family.
Through her longstanding involvement with Fundación Nuestros Hijos in Chile and Childhood Cancer International, where she previously served as Vice President, Alejandra has worked to strengthen patient and family advocacy, build international partnerships and promote meaningful participation of people with lived experience (PWLE) in healthcare decision-making.
She has been actively involved in advancing patient rights and influencing public policies, particularly in improving equitable access to care, survivorship, quality of life and the protection of the long-term rights of childhood cancer survivors. Her advocacy in Chile has contributed to efforts to advance important legislative and policy initiatives, including the Right to Be Forgotten and fertility preservation for young people affected by cancer.
As a recognised international advocate and voice for people with lived experience, Alejandra has represented children, survivors and families in high-level global forums, including the World Health Organization, the United Nations and international childhood cancer conferences. She also contributes to international initiatives and expert groups working to strengthen health systems, integrate lived experience into research and policy, and address the social and economic barriers that prevent children from receiving timely, quality care.
A strong believer in collaboration, Alejandra has helped bring together patient organisations, healthcare professionals, policymakers and global partners to turn shared commitments into meaningful action. Her work with international partners, including The Sanofi Foundation and La Fondation La Roche-Posay reflects her dedication to developing practical, sustainable solutions that respond to the real needs of families.
At the heart of her advocacy is a simple but powerful conviction: behind every statistic is a child with a name, a family, and dreams for the future.
As President, Alejandra will focus on strengthening CCI's global network, amplifying the voices of children, survivors and families, fostering strategic partnerships, and advancing equitable access to comprehensive, family-centred care — from diagnosis and treatment through survivorship and beyond.
CCI warmly congratulates Alejandra on her appointment and looks forward to this new chapter of leadership, collaboration and collective impact.
Together, we will continue working towards a world where every child with cancer has the opportunity not only to survive, but to thrive.
