When Megan Webber and Helene Dameris of KnowTheGlow were introduced to Susanne Wollaert through pediatric oncologist Dr. Guillermo Chantada, President of SIOP, they quickly realized they had met a kindred spirit in the fight for children’s health. Their conversation with Susanne, who has been with SIOP since 2014 and now serves as Chief Executive Officer, highlighted not only her professional leadership but also her warmth, curiosity, and determination to push childhood cancer higher on the global agenda.
Susanne’s entry into SIOP, the International Society of Paediatric Oncology, was not planned. She first encountered the organization while working with a company that managed medical conferences, supporting many pediatric clients. During her first pregnancy she chose to move directly into a role with SIOP. What began as a logistical position soon became a calling. As she learned more from SIOP’s board and members, she was struck by the stark reality that pediatric oncology did not receive the kind of funding and support she assumed would naturally exist for children. She recalls thinking that of all people, children should be offered the very best treatments, yet resources were scarce and priorities were elsewhere. That realization has guided her leadership ever since.
Over the past decade she has seen progress. More companies are now investing in pediatric oncology and tailored therapies, and global initiatives are shifting attention toward children. She described the moment when SIOP, after being initially rejected, successfully applied to work with the WHO as a nonstate actor, creating space to push for childhood cancer as part of the global health agenda. Partnerships with institutions such as St. Jude and Memorial Sloan Kettering have brought pediatric cancer into the spotlight at the United Nations and helped secure its place in broader discussions on noncommunicable diseases.
Susanne credits Dr. Chantada for opening her eyes to retinoblastoma, a disease often overlooked within pediatric oncology. She recognizes the unique opportunity created by mobile phones and photography to raise awareness of leukocoria, the white glow that can signal RB. Years earlier, SIOP had run a campaign on cancer signs and symptoms to remind pediatricians that cancer is not a single disease but many. That same philosophy of broad education continues through projects such as SIOP’s collaboration with IPA, the International Pediatric Association, to create materials that help pediatricians recognize different cancers in children.
Her conversation with Megan and Helene touched on practical opportunities for outreach and awareness through upcoming events and activities and explored countless synergies in the goals of both KTG and SIOP to help guide and support families facing pediatric cancer diagnoses.
Susanne also spoke about SIOP’s ongoing work in Africa, where she is exploring collaborations with groups such as the French-speaking GFAOP, CANCaRe Africa and World Child Cancer and about her interest in expanding connections across Latin America through SIOP’s continental branch SLAOP..The call underscored her role as a connector, someone who may not come from a medical background but has become indispensable in building bridges between clinicians, policymakers, and advocates.
For Megan and Helene, the meeting was inspiring. They admired Susanne’s openness, her practical outlook, and her ability to balance global strategy with genuine care for families. As a mother of two young children, she brings empathy into every conversation, reminding partners that the ultimate goal is not only treatment but dignity and hope for children everywhere.
