Kathy Ruccione is Co-Director of the HOPE (Hematology-Oncology Psychosocial and Education) Program in the Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). She has been involved in the areas of late effects and survivorship for more than 25 years. Kathy established the CHLA LIFE Program along with its annual Survivor's Day celebrations and survivor scholarship program. Kathy is one of the editors and chapter authors of the textbook for professionals, Survivors of Childhood Cancer: Assessment and Management (now in its second edition). She has published and lectured extensively on topics such as transitions in care, survivorship needs, and the role of nurses in late effects evaluation.

Kathy is the mother of a son, Daniel, who is now 26. Living with Daniel, who is profoundly deaf, has brought new challenges and opened new worlds. Her personal experience as the mother of a young person with a disability has enriched her perspective and deepened her commitment to finding ways to help children and their families survive and transcend the experience with cancer.