Nurse Joined Georgia Pediatric Cancer Task Force
A Georgia nurse is working to improve childhood cancer care after the loss of her daughter.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Cancer
Katy McRae, a nurse at the Bill and Olivia Amos Children's Hospital, officially joined the Georgia Pediatric Cancer Task Force in September 2026. Her appointment follows a legacy of advocacy work that includes supporting Medicaid reforms implemented earlier this year.
Why it matters
The task force unites medical providers, researchers, and families to create a unified strategy for childhood cancer treatment and research access in Georgia. These efforts aim to bridge gaps in care for pediatric patients, building on momentum from legislative changes.
The task force brings together a coalition of medical providers, survivors, and advocates, as seen at a proclamation ceremony where 115 people gathered to highlight progress. This organizational structure follows the recent implementation of Medicaid reforms in April 2026.
The players
Katy McRae
A nurse at the Bill and Olivia Amos Children's Hospital and advocate for childhood cancer treatment access.
Georgia Pediatric Cancer Task Force
A collaborative state body of researchers, providers, and advocates implementing a unified strategy to combat childhood cancer.
Alexis McRae
A teenager who passed away at age 15 after a four-year battle with osteosarcoma.
The details
The Georgia Pediatric Cancer Task Force functions as a collaborative body that aligns the efforts of medical experts and advocates to streamline childhood cancer treatment. Members participate in legislative advocacy to influence both state and federal policies that impact access to specialized care. This work continues the momentum of earlier policy changes that expanded health coverage for families navigating pediatric illness.
Timeline
February 2024: Alexis McRae passed away after a four-year battle with osteosarcoma.
April 2026: Medicaid reforms advocated by the McRaes went into effect.
August 31, 2026: A Childhood Cancer Awareness Month proclamation signing took place at the Georgia State Capitol.
September 2026: Katy McRae formally joined the task force during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Health Landscape
The task force's formation follows the structural changes introduced by the Georgia state Medicaid reforms. This effort marks an evolution in how the state coordinates pediatric oncology resources by integrating family advocacy directly into policy strategy.
Families affected by pediatric cancer can track the task force's legislative updates to understand changes in treatment coverage. If you are navigating care for a serious illness, talk to your doctor about new resources or patient advocacy groups that may be available in your network.
The takeaway
Advocacy efforts in pediatric oncology are increasingly centered on integrating patient family experiences into state-level policy decisions. Families can monitor the Georgia Pediatric Cancer Task Force for future updates on legislative priorities that affect access to specialized care.
Further reading
For more updates on how state policy impacts clinical outcomes, explore our Cancer coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Now Georgia.
