The Dr. Ann Mertens Champion for Children Award
Exceptional commitment to the health and well-being of children
Celebrating Dr. Ann Mertens
Dr. Ann Mertens, PhD, was a leading figure in pediatric oncology, renowned for her innovative research and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of childhood cancer survivors. As the inaugural recipient of the Champion for Children Award from the American Society for the Positive Care of Children, her transformative contributions continue to inspire hope and progress in pediatric medicine.
Dr. Ann Mertens, PhD, was a distinguished researcher and mentor to many whose work centered on the survivorship of pediatric cancer patients. She has dedicated her career to improving the long-term quality of life for childhood cancer survivors, addressing the late effects of cancer treatment, and developing strategies to reduce their morbidity and mortality. Dr. Mertens has led initiatives such as the Cancer SurvivorLink, which helps facilitate care for pediatric cancer survivors by providing a platform for tracking long-term health and increasing awareness of survivorship care guidelines.
Her contributions to pediatric cancer care have been widely recognized. She and her colleagues received the 2021 Survivorship Champion’s Prize from Children’s Cancer Cause for their comprehensive, integrated care approach for childhood cancer survivors. Dr. Mertens’ mentorship efforts are equally noteworthy—she has been honored with awards such as the Winship Research Mentorship Award, reflecting her commitment to guiding the next generation of researchers and clinicians in pediatric oncology and survivorship care.
Her dual focus on groundbreaking research and the mentorship of our next generation has significantly impacted both the scientific community and the well-being of countless children, making her an exemplary candidate for awards focused on individuals improving children’s lives and guiding young professionals entering the field
Champion for Children Award
The Champion for Children Award, presented by the American Society for the Positive Care of Children, is a prestigious recognition that underscores the vital contributions of individuals committed to enhancing the welfare and well-being of children. This award is significant for several reasons:
Recognition of Excellence:
It honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and innovation in promoting the holistic welfare of children. Awardees are recognized for their impactful work in advocacy, policy development, and community initiatives that create better environments for children and families.
Promotion of Transformative Change:
The award highlights the importance of innovative approaches to child welfare. It encourages professionals to implement creative and impactful solutions that address the diverse challenges faced by children, from health and education to social and emotional support.
Inspiration for Future Generations:
By celebrating the achievements of distinguished individuals, the award serves to inspire upcoming advocates, leaders, and practitioners. It fosters a culture of mentorship and collaboration, encouraging the next generation to pursue excellence in promoting child well-being.
Advocacy for Children’s Rights:
The award emphasizes the critical need for ongoing advocacy in child welfare. It raises awareness about the challenges children face and underscores the importance of comprehensive support systems that prioritize their rights and needs.
Community Engagement:
The Champion for Children Award promotes collaboration between various stakeholders—advocates, policymakers, educators, and families. It reinforces the idea that collective efforts are essential for creating a positive impact on children’s futures.
Overall, the Champion for Children Award symbolizes a commitment to improving the lives of children through innovative practices and dedicated service, making it a highly respected accolade in the field of child welfare and well-being.
Dr. Mertens’ Transformative Contributions
Research Innovations
Dr. Ann Mertens has made significant strides in the field of child welfare through her key research initiatives, particularly focusing on enhancing the quality of care for childhood cancer survivors. One of her most notable contributions is the Cancer SurvivorLink project, a groundbreaking initiative designed to improve survivorship care for pediatric cancer patients. This project provides a comprehensive platform that facilitates communication between survivors and their healthcare providers, ensuring that long-term health needs are effectively addressed.
In addition to the Cancer SurvivorLink, Dr. Mertens has conducted extensive studies on the late effects of cancer treatment, which are crucial for understanding the long-term health outcomes of childhood cancer survivors. Her research explores how various treatment modalities can impact survivors well into adulthood, shedding light on potential physical, emotional, and psychological challenges they may face. By identifying these late effects, Dr. Mertens’ work not only informs clinical practice but also enhances the development of targeted interventions that promote better health outcomes and quality of life for survivors.
Through these innovative research efforts, Dr. Mertens was not only advancing the field of cancer survivorship but also contributing to a broader understanding of child welfare, ensuring that children who have faced serious health challenges receive the comprehensive care and support they need for a healthier future.
Mentorship
Dr. Ann Mertens was deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of researchers and clinicians in the field of child welfare. Her role as a mentor extends beyond traditional guidance; she actively fosters an environment where young professionals can thrive and develop their skills.
Through her mentorship, Dr. Mertens provides invaluable support to emerging researchers, encouraging them to explore innovative solutions to complex challenges in pediatric care. She offers personalized guidance on research design, methodology, and publication strategies, helping her mentees navigate the intricacies of their careers.
Moreover, Dr. Mertens promotes a collaborative spirit, encouraging her mentees to engage in interdisciplinary projects that enhance their learning experiences and expand their professional networks. Her dedication to nurturing talent was evident in the success stories of her mentees, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions to child welfare and advocacy.
By prioritizing mentorship, Dr. Mertens was not only shaping the future of pediatric medicine but also ensuring that the commitment to improving children’s lives continues through the work of those she inspires. Her impact as a mentor was a testament to her belief in the power of education and collaboration in creating positive change for children and families.
.About Cancer SurvivorLink
Cancer SurvivorLink was created by Dr. Ann Mertens, a pediatric cancer survivorship researcher, and Dr. Cam Escoffery, a behavioral and implementation scientist. The platform was developed through a collaboration between the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University. It was designed to provide pediatric cancer survivors, their families, and healthcare providers with tools for managing long-term care, such as storing important health documents and improving communication between survivors and their care teams.
Cancer SurvivorLink is a secure, web-based platform developed to support pediatric cancer survivors, their families, and healthcare providers in managing long-term health care needs. It was created through a collaboration between specialists at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and health information technology experts, with funding from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
The platform offers several key features:
- Educational Resources: Provides information about the lifelong healthcare needs of pediatric cancer survivors, helping users understand potential late effects of cancer treatment and the importance of ongoing monitoring.
- Document Storage: Allows users to store essential health documents, such as Survivorship Care Plans (SCPs) and treatment summaries, in a secure electronic format.
- Communication Tools: Facilitates sharing of medical information among survivors, their families, primary care providers, and specialists, enhancing coordination of care.
By offering these tools, Cancer SurvivorLink aims to empower pediatric cancer survivors to take an active role in their healthcare, ensure continuity of care, and improve overall health outcomes as they transition into adulthood.
A Legacy of Excellence
Dr. Mertens’ contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2021 Survivorship Champion’s Prize. Her extensive publications and presentations underscore her expertise and the significant impact of her work in pediatric medicine.
Honor Dr. Mertens’ Legacy
Make a Donation
Consider contributing to organizations or initiatives that support childhood cancer research and survivorship care. Your donation can help fund vital programs that align with Dr. Mertens’ mission to improve the lives of young cancer survivors.
Share Your Story
If you or someone you know has been impacted by Dr. Mertens’ work, share your story on social media or within your community. Highlighting the positive effects of her research and advocacy can inspire others and spread awareness about the importance of survivorship care.
Advocate for Change
Get involved in local or national advocacy efforts aimed at improving health care access and support services for pediatric cancer survivors. Contact your representatives to express your support for policies that enhance the well-being of children facing health challenges.
Educate Others
Use your platform to raise awareness about the late effects of cancer treatment and the importance of comprehensive care for survivors. Organize informational sessions, webinars, or discussions in your community to share knowledge and resources.
Support Mentorship Initiatives
Contribute to programs that focus on mentoring young researchers and healthcare professionals in child welfare. Your involvement can help foster the next generation of advocates and leaders dedicated to making a difference.