Biography
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.