Nurse Joined Georgia Pediatric Cancer Task Force
Katy McRae joined the task force following her daughter Alexis's four-year battle with osteosarcoma.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Cancer
In September 2026, nurse Katy McRae joined the Georgia Pediatric Cancer Task Force to help lead the state's unified strategy against childhood cancer. Her appointment follows a legacy of advocacy established after her 15-year-old daughter, Alexis McRae, passed away from the disease in February 2024.
Why it matters
McRae utilizes her clinical experience at the Bill and Olivia Amos Children's Hospital to advocate for improved research funding and treatment access. Her work centers on honoring the legacy of her daughter while pursuing systemic changes for current patients across Georgia.
The task force comprises medical providers, researchers, advocates, and officials who coordinate a unified state strategy. Over 115 individuals attended the ceremony marking the Childhood Cancer Awareness Month proclamation.
The players
Katy McRae
She is a nurse at the Bill and Olivia Amos Children's Hospital who now serves on the Georgia Pediatric Cancer Task Force.
Alexis McRae
She was a 15-year-old patient who battled osteosarcoma for four years before passing away in February 2024.
The details
Katy McRae participates in state and federal legislative advocacy, building upon the Medicaid reforms that took effect in April 2026. She serves alongside a diverse coalition of experts and survivors committed to addressing the complexities of pediatric oncology care.
Timeline
Alexis McRae passed away in February 2024.
Medicaid reforms went into effect in April 2026.
A proclamation ceremony was held at the Georgia State Capitol on August 31, 2026.
September 2026 marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Deeper Dive
This appointment follows the enactment of the Georgia Medicaid reform measures of 2026. McRae leverages the foundation of these recent reforms to further the goals of the Georgia Pediatric Cancer Task Force.
The task force aims to streamline treatment access for families navigating pediatric cancer diagnoses. These legislative and clinical efforts may result in broader insurance coverage and more robust research resources for patients in Georgia.
The takeaway
Ongoing advocacy highlights the critical role of personal experience in shaping public health policy. Families and providers are encouraged to engage with local task forces to stay informed about changing treatment standards and research opportunities.
Further reading
For more information on state-level initiatives, explore Cancer updates.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Now Georgia.
