Honna Janes-Hodder

Bio

Honna Janes-Hodder's youngest son Matthew was diagnosed with neuroblastoma on his third birthday, and passed away at age seven on September 3, 1997. She loved, cared for, and advocated for Matthew during his long struggle with cancer. She lives with her husband, 14-year-old son, and 11-year-old daughter in beautiful Paradise, Newfoundland, and Labrador, Canada. Honna is founder of ChildCan, The Childhood Cancer Research Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, Inc., and president of the International Pediatric Cancer Alliance, Inc. Honna manages most of the pediatric discussion groups for ACOR, the Association of Cancer Online Resources, Inc. ACOR, based in New York, provides accurate and timely medical support and information for all those affected by cancer, in both the pediatric and adult communities. She is the administrator of five online discussion groups, providing support and reliable information to families dealing with childhood cancers globally. In addition, Honna sits on the Public Issues Committee for the Newfoundland and Labrador division of the Canadian Cancer Society and writes a regular health section for a national newspaper in Canada. Honna spends a great deal of time advocating on behalf of children diagnosed with cancer. She does not view this as a job, but as an important part of her identity. Honna attends Memorial University of Newfoundland as a part-time student when time permits, working toward a Ph.D. in biochemistry. Honna and Nancy were two of the first five people appointed as patient advocates to the Children's Cancer Group (CCG), a research organization consisting of pediatric cancer specialists from Canada, the United States, and Australia. They attend CCG meetings and facilitate communication between CCG investigators and the patient community.