The American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) is the oldest and largest grassroots national nonprofit in the U.S. dedicated to supporting children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer — as well as their families, survivors, and care networks — through educational resources, support tools, advocacy, and awareness initiatives. Founded in 1970 by parents of children with cancer, ACCO provides free materials, comfort programs, a nationwide network of local support groups, and a strong voice for childhood cancer policy,

Main Programs & Services

Free Educational Resource Library:
ACCO distributes a wide range of free materials tailored to children, teens, siblings, and parents — from comfort and coloring kits to informational books that help families navigate treatment and care. Also have free books/plushies to explain cancer to the patient and sibling at age appropriate levels.

Hero Beads® Program:
This program helps children track cancer treatment experiences with colorful beads, fostering coping, understanding, and empowerment during often overwhelming medical procedures.

Local Groups & Peer Support:
ACCO supports a national network of local divisions and community groups that provide social events, support meetings, camps, hospital partnerships, and family gatherings.

Advocacy Initiatives:
Through programs like What About Kids?® and broader policy work, ACCO advocates for increased state and federal childhood cancer research funding and recognition of pediatric cancer as a national priority.

Awareness Campaigns:
ACCO leads national awareness activities — including gold ribbon campaigns (Go Gold®), PJammin® events, and advocacy education — to elevate the public profile of childhood cancer issues.