Maria Lawal

As a dedicated young black Patient Advocate, with lived experienced as a Osteosarcoma survivor, Co-researcher of BRIGHTLIGHT research, Ambassador of Cancer EdUK, and Member of the European Network of Youth Cancer Survivors, Maria is deeply committed to improving the lives of those affected by cancer.

Through her various roles, she work passionately to raise awareness, through public speaking at various health events and conferences virtually and in person, creating video and audio content, attending focus groups, provide support, to help drive positive change in research advancements in our current health field. Additionally, her background as a Psychology graduate and experience as a Children’s Author using positive affirmations and mindset mantras to improve self- esteem and manifest a positive mindset allows Maria to communicate complex medical concepts in an approachable and digestible manner.

She can offer valuable insights to bio and pharmaceutical companies by bridging the gap between patients and industry, ensuring patient-centricity in drug development, and promoting ethical and effective cancer and other health therapies and treatments, but also allowing the researchers and clinicians to be able to gain more reliable results.