TABLE 2.

Challenges for pediatric cancer advocacy and funding groups during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Challenge	Potential reason(s)	Potential consequence(s)
Reduced financial support/philanthropy	Limited donations given personal budget constraints or loss of revenues from in person event cancellations and economic uncertainties	Less resources to offer patients and families, less funding for treatment and nontreatment related expenses New programs delayed or canceled Grant opportunities reduced, delayed or canceled
New patients not recruited to sponsored clinical trials	Resources diverted to COVID‐19 Perceived risk to patients	Increased anxiety and fear among patients and families Reduced options for treatment of relapsed/refractory disease, potential reduction in overall survival
Sponsored programs delayed or canceled	Research and development resources diverted Research labs closed Workers furloughed	Pressure from donors and supporters to move programs forward Unanticipated additional costs
Reduced community engagement	Community focus on COVID‐19	Reduced philanthropy
Limitations in available housing and transportation	Restrictions in place from COVID‐19	Impact on clinical care
Reduced lobbying for pediatric cancer	Government focus on COVID‐19	Less government awareness and earmarked funding
National and international pediatric oncology meetings canceled or postponed	Missed opportunities for engagement with other stakeholders	Collaborative partnerships not developed