At this year’s World Orphan Drug Congress USA, our team at Caidya had many conversations about science, innovation, and the future of drug development.
But moment that really stood out for us was coming together to support Love Bus, a nonprofit that provides integrative and emotional care to children with cancer and their families.
Our Notes of Hope activity in support of Love Bus, had attendees share messages of encouragement for children with cancer and their families. Thanks to the incredible participation of the WODC community, we donated $2,500 in gift cards to help provide essential support for families navigating treatment.
This activity served as a reminder that while clinical development is what we focus on every day, the real impact is always measured in the lives of patients and families.
What is Love Bus?
Love Bus supports children with cancer, their siblings, and caregivers across New England through free integrative therapies and family-centered programs.
Much of their work sits alongside medical treatment, helping families navigate the emotional, physical, and day-to-day reality of childhood cancer.
This includes individual therapy support for children, programs designed for siblings, caregiver support groups, bedside sessions in pediatric oncology units, and community-based programs that help families feel less isolated during treatment.
It’s a broad range of services, but the intention behind it is simple: no family should have to go through childhood cancer alone.
Inspiration Behind Love Bus
Love Bus was inspired by the experience of a young girl named Lucy Grogan.
During her treatment, Lucy experienced firsthand how meaningful integrative care could be, things like art, massage, and other supportive therapies that helped her feel more like herself during an incredibly difficult time.
She also believed strongly, even as a child, that kids going through cancer should be listened to, that their experience should help shape the care they receive.
After Lucy passed away, her family carried that belief forward and built Love Bus around it.
Lucy’s story continues to guide the mission of Love Bus today. One of her final messages, written in a hospital art room, still sits at the heart of that legacy: “Let love in. Live life with love.”
“Love Bus exists to bring joy and comfort to families navigating childhood cancer — but the everyday burdens don’t disappear. Groceries still need to be bought, gas tanks still need to be filled. Gift cards help ease that reality in a direct and dignified way, and we’re so grateful to the Caidya team for seeing the whole picture of what our families need — and for honoring the children and families in their work with such thoughtfulness and heart.”
Jackie Walker, Executive Director
Why This Matters
In clinical research, it’s easy to focus on timelines, endpoints, and regulatory milestones. All of that matters, but moments like this bring everything back into perspective.
Patients and families are living through the reality of treatment while all this work is happening in the background.
Organizations like Love Bus play an important role in that space. They provide support that may sit outside of clinical protocols but has a very real impact on how families experience care.
Being able to support their work during the congress meant a lot to our team. It was a small contribution, but one that felt closely aligned with why we do what we do.
Sometimes impact doesn’t come from major breakthroughs.
Sometimes it comes from supporting organizations that are doing steady, meaningful work for families who need it most.