Clay Kniepmann Joins National Children's Cancer Society Board

The National Children's Cancer Society (NCCS) has announced the addition of Clay Kniepmann to its Board of Directors, a move that reflects the organization's commitment to supporting families facing childhood cancer. Kniepmann's appointment is significant as he brings a personal connection to the cause, having experienced the impact of cancer within his own family.

Kniepmann shared his journey, explaining that his grandfather and father both battled cancer, which shaped his understanding of the profound impact the disease has on families. "Cancer has touched my life in very personal ways," Kniepmann said. "Watching someone you love go through that journey is one of the most difficult and traumatic experiences a family can face."

His personal experience led Kniepmann to become deeply involved with the NCCS, initially as a volunteer. "No parent should have to endure the experience of their child being diagnosed with cancer, and certainly not alone," he said. "What inspired me to become involved with the NCCS is the organization's commitment to standing beside children and families during some of the darkest moments of their lives and providing them with support, hope, and resources when they need them most."

Initially, Kniepmann's involvement with the NCCS began through a friend, attending several events and being struck by their emotional impact. "Hearing the stories of children and families facing pediatric cancer and seeing the resilience they demonstrated left a lasting impression on me," he said. "I found myself wanting to do something, anything, to help."

Kniepmann's role on the Board of Directors represents a new chapter in his involvement with the NCCS. "While serving on a board wasn't something I had initially envisioned, I quickly realized it was an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to an organization and mission that deeply resonated with me," he said. "What ultimately led me to accept the role was the chance to help advance the NCCS's incredible work on behalf of children and families affected by pediatric cancer."

As he begins his tenure, Kniepmann's immediate focus is on learning from the experienced leaders, staff, and families who have shaped the organization for decades. "I have tremendous respect for the vision that already exists within the NCCS, and at this stage I see my role primarily as listening, learning, and finding ways to contribute," he said.

Kniepmann hopes to serve as an ambassador for the organization by sharing its mission with others and encouraging greater community involvement. "My goal is to help share that message with others. If I can help raise awareness, start conversations, and introduce more people to the organization's work, that impact begins to spread," he said.

Reflecting on the challenges faced by families, Kniepmann emphasized the importance of support. "For now, my focus is on learning, contributing wherever I can, and supporting the organization's mission. If I can help more people discover NCCS and become passionate about its cause, I believe that success will follow," he said.

Kniepmann's experience also highlighted the fear, uncertainty, and helplessness that families may feel when a child is diagnosed with cancer. "A few years ago, my son began experiencing some health issues. What started as a relatively routine visit to his pediatrician eventually led us to a pediatric hematologist/oncologist," he said. "While we ultimately learned that he was anemic and not facing a cancer diagnosis, the process gave our family a glimpse into a world that many families facing pediatric cancer know all too well."

Kniepmann's journey with the NCCS and his commitment to helping families facing childhood cancer underscore the organization's dedication to making a difference. "I am grateful to the families who have trusted NCCS to be part of their journey, to the donors and volunteers who make the organization's work possible, and to the board members and staff who have dedicated so much of their time and energy to this mission," he said. "I am also grateful for the opportunity to serve. Joining the NCCS Board is both an honor and a responsibility that I do not take lightly, and I look forward to contributing however I can."