A commitment founded on hope

Founded in 2010 by Oded Grinstein, MyChild'sCancer emerged from his family's victorious struggle against his daughter’s cancer.

Moved by her brave journey, Oded pledged that their triumph would inspire hope for others. Today, MyChild'sCancer is a compassionate resource, reflecting a steadfast dedication to aiding parents and young adults in their quest for the best treatment options.

The organization's unequivocal mission is that no child or parent should confront the challenge of childhood cancer in isolation.

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Over 1,100 children have been helped through the generosity of our partners

At MyChild’s Cancer, our mission is driven by the belief that no family should face the fight against childhood cancer alone. We provide more than information—we offer hope, guidance, and critical support when it’s needed most.

We connect families with the world’s leading cancer experts through personalized medical committees, ensuring that every child receives treatment options tailored to their specific diagnosis. Our WikiCancer platform shares some of this vital knowledge, presenting expert insights and heartfelt testimonials from parents in a way that’s easy to understand and empowering for those seeking answers.

But we don’t stop at information. For families traveling to the United States for treatment, we offer practical support like relocation assistance, community resources, and the personalized care of our experienced Family Coordinators and Volunteers. From helping with logistical challenges to offering emotional support, we ensure parents can focus on what truly matters—their child’s recovery.

Our Brighter Tomorrow...

At MyChild’s Cancer, we’re not just a resource; we’re a lifeline. We give families the tools, confidence, and unwavering support they need to navigate this journey, so they can focus on creating moments of healing, strength, and hope. Your generosity can help make that possible. Together, we can empower families and save lives.

Shani's Story:
The journey that sparked a father's purpose

Shani's journey began at nine months with a diagnosis of the rare cancer RhabdoMyoSarcoma. Seeking specialized expertise, Oded and his family relocated globally for advanced treatment. Despite challenges, their move to the United States proved life-saving for Shani. Her battle included rounds of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgeries. 

Today, at sixteen, Shani is not just a survivor but a vibrant soccer enthusiast, a testament to her resilience and effective treatments. Oded stresses the importance of active involvement in decision-making for families facing childhood cancer. 

Post-Shani's recovery, he committed to supporting others. Our WikiCancer page is a valuable resource for parents, offering information, treatment options, tips, insights, and shared experiences. It aims to guide families through the intricate landscape of childhood cancer with understanding and hope.

Our Founder

In 2010 Oded’s daughter was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive type of cancer at the age of 9 months. The family’s journey to save her life took them across the world through uncharted territories with very little information to lean on.

Following his experience, Oded started the MyChildsCancer.org information portal to share the unique knowledge Oded had gathered during his journey to save his daughter’s life with other parents who just started their own difficult journey with pediatric cancer. Parents started calling in for advice and support and that’s how today the organization features a team of 15 staff members as well as hundreds of volunteers, finding life-saving information for ~100 children a year. In 2012 Oded ran a 60K run in NYC to raise awareness for his charity.

In his day-job, Oded is a senior business executive who specializes in international business development. For the past 20 years, Oded has been working mainly with technology companies on scaling in the U.S.

Oded has B.A in International Relations and speaks 5 languages. He has three daughters, one of whom is a childhood cancer survivor.

MEET OUR TEAM MEMBERS

the faces that lead the day to day operations to keep families empowered with resources

CEO of ''My Child'' Branch

Varda, is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in marketing, sales, and executive leadership.

Her distinguished career includes serving as the CEO of Sodastream (a subsidiary of Clal Industry), and the VP of Marketing at Largo Computers and University of Derby.

Varda's multifaceted skills encompass strategic and business development consulting, as well as fostering fundraising initiatives and investor relationships. She plays a crucial role in supporting patients and their families, engaging in research collaborations with academic institutions, and liaising with the Pharma and regulatory sectors to introduce drugs into the local health basket.

Varda holds an M.B.A. and a B.Sc. in Biology from Northeastern University, Boston.

Family Coordinator

Christina Katanov, Ph.D. in molecular biology from the Weizmann Institute of Science, blends scientific expertise with a Family Consultant diploma from the Adler Institute, embodying a unique fusion of knowledge and compassion.

Influenced by her niece's battle with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), Christina, now part of a dedicated team, is determined to support families facing the challenges of a child's cancer diagnosis. As a mother of two, she and her husband, Alex, draw from their own experiences in navigating the joys and trials of family life. Christina's commitment lies in extending empathy and understanding to those in need through MyChild’sCancer.

Family Coordinator

Mariana currently supports the Tumor Advisory Committee. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition Sciences, from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. A highly trained clinical dietitian, she specialized in the intricate domains of oncology and gastroenterology at Schneider Hospital. Mariana is also a certified yoga instructor and an advocate for a holistic approach to health.

Mariana and her husband relocated to New Jersey where they are raising their three children. Outside of her professional commitments, Mariana takes pleasure in the simple joys of life. She finds solace at the beach, indulges in literary pursuits through books, and, in keeping with her Argentine heritage, maintains a fervent passion for soccer.

Mariana brings a wealth of expertise, a holistic approach to health, and a resolute optimism that make her an invaluable asset to our organization and a source of inspiration to those she serves.

Development Officer

Inbal moved to the US in 2005 to work at the Israeli Mission to the United Nations in NYC, and served as the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Permanent Representative for 5 years.

Inbal Joined My Child’s Cancer in 2020, as the organization’s Development Officer. She now lives in Closter, NJ and raises 3 young boys with her husband, Nadav.

Researcher

Polina Weitzenfeld is a scientist at the laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology at the Rockefeller University in New-York City. She holds a Ph.D in cancer biology and immunology and a B.Sc in medical sciences.

During her graduate studies, she focused on mechanisms that lead to dissemination of breast tumor cells and formation of remote metastasis. Following graduation, she was head of clinical trials at “Biop Medical”, a medical device start-up company, developing a device for early detection of cervical cancer.

Meet our Board

Rosa Ailabouni
Board Member
Natalie Refuah
Head of ''My Child'' Branch
Avital Gaziel, Ph.D.
Board Member
Michael Kasden
Board Member
Toby Bressler, Ph. D
Board Member
Dr. Robert Winkler, MD
Board Member

We are on a mission to help families all over the world get access to life saving treatments and resources. Through the generosity of our partners, we have help over

1,113+

families and pediatric patients