The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs’ (CDMRP) Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) has been charged by U.S. Congress since Fiscal Year 2009 to fund innovative basic, applied, and translational cancer research to support Service members, their families, and the American public.

The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation nominated patient family advocate Colin Raybin as a consumer advocate to participate in the evaluation of research applications submitted to the PRCRP. As a consumer reviewer, Colin was a full voting member, along with prominent scientists, to help determine how the $130 million appropriated by Congress for Fiscal Year 2022 will be spent on peer reviewed cancer research.

Consumer reviewers are asked to represent the collective view of patients by preparing comments on the impact of research on issues such as diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life.

“I was honored to advocate for the patients and families of pediatric brain tumors,” Colin shares about her experience serving as a consumer reviewer. “CDMRP brings hope to families like ours that anything can be achieved when so many great minds are working together to drive the science of pediatric brain tumors forward, not only to increase survival but also to improve the quality of life of survivors.”

Consumer advocates and scientists work together in this unique partnership to evaluate the merit of research applications. COL Sarah B. Goldman, Director of the CDMRP, expressed her appreciation for the consumer advocates’ hard work. “Integrating consumer perspectives into our decision-making process brings energy and focus to our research programs. Patients, caregivers, family members, and advocates help us keep our efforts centered around what is truly important to those impacted. We very much value this critical input from our consumers who help ensure that CDMRP’s work remains critical and relevant,” she says.

Researchers applying to the PRCRP propose to advance mission readiness of U.S. military members affected by cancer and to improve quality of life by decreasing the burden of cancer on Service members, their families, Veterans, and the American public. More information about the CDMRP PRCRP is available at cdmrp.health.mil/PRCRP.

The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is committed to making kids with brain tumors a national health priority. You can make your voice heard and help us educate policymakers and the public about the childhood cancer community’s biggest crisis by signing up to be an advocate with us. Sign up to receive future advocacy alerts and join our efforts at www.curethekids.org/advocate.