iCAN's North Star
What
- The Youth Council guides the decision-making process of iCAN and ensures that the organization reflects the voices of its youth members. Members of the Youth Council share their experiences in health care and research with medical providers, companies, hospitals, and iCAN. Their voices are used to impact and improve pediatric experiences in healthcare and research. Council members are the guiding voice of iCAN and influence the work that the organization does.
Why
- Pediatric voices are necessary to improve pediatric research and healthcare. Cross-collaboration with youth and pediatric medical professionals will enable better care and understanding on both parties' sides. The Youth Council provides valuable insights to iCAN and allows the organization to make informed decisions about its events and programming all of which directly impact pediatric patients.
How
- The council meets on Zoom every other month for an hour. Additionally, members of the council are sent materials monthly to work on. Active participation in the council requires at most 2 hours of work a month.
Youth Council
Youth Council
December 2023 Youth Council Meeting.mp4
February 2024 Youth Council Meeting.mp4
October 2023 Youth Council Meeting
Youth Council Co-Chairs
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Ella Schaffer
Trinity College, 2027
Ella Schaffer is part of the class of 2027 at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. She is in the Global Health Humanities Gateway program and pursuing a degree in psychology while on a pre-med track. Inspired by her childhood in Chicago, she aspires to work as a physician serving both pediatric patients and underserved populations. Ella joined iCAN seeking to understand the perspective of the patient and to gain greater insight into pediatric healthcare. Additionally, being Polish, she was drawn to iCAN’s global outreach and emphasis on collaboration among various countries. Ella looks forward to leading the Youth Council and contributing to iCAN's noble mission.
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Meghan Herrington
Jones College Preparatory High School, 2024
Meghan Herrington is a senior in high school from Chicago, IL. She is a part of the Kids Illinois—Lurie Children’s Hospital KAB chapter, where she shares her experience with chronic illnesses to promote patient equity and improve healthcare standards. As a patient with Ulcerative Colitis and Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis, she aspires to pursue a career in pediatric medicine so she can work with and advocate for rare-disease patients like herself.
