FCF would like to extend a special thank you to Jenny Carroll who participated in the 2021 grant review process this fall as a consumer advocate for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs’ (CDMRP) Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) in the Department of Defense (DOD). Jenny was nominated for participation in the program by the Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation. As a consumer reviewer, she was a full voting member, (along with prominent scientists) at meetings to help determine how the $115 million appropriated by Congress for Fiscal Year 2021 will be spent on cancer research. 

Consumer reviewers are asked to represent the collective view of patients by preparing comments on the impact of the research on issues such as diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life.

“Participating as a consumer reviewer is a gratifying experience, and I wish more people knew about it to get involved, to be a voice for their community of fighters, to make a difference.”

Jenny Carroll

Consumer advocates and scientists have worked together in this unique partnership to evaluate the merit of research applications since FY09. COL Sarah B. Goldman, Director of the CDMRP, expressed her appreciation for the consumer advocates’ hard work. “Integrating consumer perspectives into our decision-making process brings energy and focus to our research programs. Patients, caregivers, family members, and advocates help us keep our efforts centered around what is truly important to those impacted. We very much value this critical input from our consumers who help ensure that CDMRP’s work remains critical and relevant,” she said.

Researchers applying to the PRCRP propose to advance mission readiness of U.S. military members affected by cancer and to improve quality of life by decreasing the burden of cancer on Service members, their families, Veterans, and the American public. The PRCRP fills important gaps by supporting groundbreaking research while encouraging out-of-the box thinking.

More information about the CDMRP’s PRCRP is available at the website: https://cdmrp.army.mil/prcrp/default.

If you are interested in becoming a consumer reviewer for either the PRCRP or the related Rare Cancers Research Program (RCRP) in 2022, please contact us at info@fibrofoundation.org. Applications to become a consumer advocate are accepted each spring.