COE CARES – Community Advisors for Research Equity in Science

Who are we?

We are a patient advocacy/advisory council comprised of cancer survivors, family members, and caregivers from across Colorado. CARES is sponsored by the CU Cancer Center’s Office of Community Outreach and Engagement, and aims to help investigators in the basic sciences, clinical, translational, and population-based research areas who seek input from community members as advisors or advocates for new grants and/or on-going research studies.

Purpose

To facilitate community-engaged research among CU Cancer Center investigators in their development and conduct of cancer-related research by engaging patient community advisors/patient advocates in providing input and feedback on research materials to improve investigators’ research design, development, implementation, and dissemination of their work. 

Vision

COE CARES members strive to provide insightful input and feedback to investigators to facilitate community-engaged research and improve patient-centered outcomes and assure appropriate representation of population subgroups from the catchment in cancer research.

Why do you need COE CARES?

• Input and feedback on research study materials
• Guidance on how to enhance participant enrollment from diverse groups
• Guidance on disseminating and sharing research findings with communities
• Grant review support
• Access to patient advocates who can work with investigators for new grant submissions that require advocates (e.g. DoD, PCORI grants)

How can we assist you?

If you are planning to write a grant that requires patient advocate(s) or just desire feedback from the community regarding any aspect of your research, we invite you to come present to our CARES panel at one of our monthly meetings.

How can investigators request time to present?

Contact Ale Soto Mendoza for more information at [email protected].

What is the membership criteria?

• Members are intended to reflect diversity in culture, ethnicity, gender, age and healthcare experiences of Colorado residents, and come from rural and urban areas throughout Colorado.
• Members will be encouraged to complete online training for human subjects’ research.
• Members must have experience with cancer: survivors, family members and/or caregivers.

Interested in joining COE CARES as a member?

Contact Ale Soto Mendoza for more information at [email protected].

COE CARES Member Profiles

Profession: Cancer Survivor Patient Advocate

Why do I participate in COE CARES?

I participate in CARES primarily to support cancer research and patient trials. My involvement helps researchers secure the grants they need, which in turn allows them to conduct essential patient trials. Beyond this direct support, the education I receive through CARES is invaluable. It continuously enhances my ability to serve as an advocate and fosters important connections with oncology doctors and researchers.

 Cancer topics I am interested in:

I am deeply interested in cancer topics that directly improve patient outcomes. This includes advancements in early detection (such as for ovarian cancer), the development of new targeted treatments that reduce side effects, and innovations in less invasive procedures and more compassionate and effective approaches to cancer management.