We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Valerie Yap from Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, is the inaugural winner of the Dr. Tori Willard Early Career Award!

This award honors the legacy of our beloved colleague, Dr. Victoria Willard, who made significant contributions to the field of paediatric psycho-oncology and was a committed member of the SIOP PPO Steering Committee. Dr. Yap’s pioneering study is titled “BT-PEERS: A Pilot Study Examining the Feasibility of a Telehealth-Delivered Social Skills Intervention in Adolescent Survivors of Paediatric Brain Tumours”. Her work embodies the spirit of innovation and compassion that Dr. Willard championed throughout her career. Dr Yap will receive one year of funding in the amount of $25,000 USD.

We are grateful to the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation for sponsoring this award and supporting young researchers in paediatric psycho-oncology. The Andrew McDonough B+ (Be Positive) Foundation provides financial and emotional support to families of children with cancer and funds critical childhood cancer research. The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation honors the life of Andrew McDonough. Andrew’s B+ blood type became his family and friends’ motto throughout his fight against childhood cancer – to “Be Positive.” !

Thank you also to the many applicants who took the time to submit proposals from around the world. We are impressed and inspired by the wonderful initiatives being led by Early Career Researchers in this field.

Warm Regards,
Steering Group of the SIOP PPO Network
•       Lisa Kahalley, Co-Chair
•       Maria McCarthy, Co-Chair
•       Chiara Besani, SG Member
•       Jurgen Lumiere, SG Member
•       Leandra Desjardins, SG Member
•       Lori Weiner, SG Member
•       Matt Bisset, SG Member-Young Professionals Representative
•       Valerie Crabtree, SG Member
•       Yin Ting Cheung, SG Member