GRASP (Guiding Researchers and Advocates to Scientific Partnerships)
Bridging the gap between science and lived experience to create a unique space where patients, researchers, and clinicians can collaborate as equals.
Collaboration is essential to tackling today’s public health challenges — because no single organization or sector can do it alone. Collaboration leads to healthier communities, which is why relationship building and partnerships are at the heart of everything we do at Trailhead. In this ongoing series, we spotlight the individuals, organizations, and collaboratives that make up Trailhead’s network of partners, sharing their impact in their own words.
Who does GRASP Serve?
GRASP (Guiding Researchers and Advocates to Scientific Partnerships) connects cancer researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates to foster mutual learning and collaboration. We serve patients living with cancer, caregivers, and the research community, ensuring the patient experience is central to cancer research, drug development, and healthcare policy.
Members of GRASP gather at a conference.
Photo Credit: GRASP
Which communities or regions do you support?
GRASP has an international reach, connecting participants from around the globe. While we started in the United States, our programs, including virtual Poster Walkthroughs and training resources, allow us to engage with individuals from diverse geographic and cultural backgrounds.
What’s important about this work for your community?
GRASP bridges the gap between science and lived experience, creating a unique space where patients, researchers, and clinicians can collaborate as equals. This work is crucial for ensuring that cancer research reflects real-world needs, improving treatment approaches and outcomes. For our community, GRASP provides an empowering platform to learn, connect, and make meaningful contributions to advancing cancer care.
How can people support your work or get involved?
People can support GRASP by participating in our programs as patient advocates, researchers, or clinicians. Additionally, we welcome donations to sustain and grow our initiatives. Sharing our mission and connecting others to our work helps expand our impact. Volunteers with expertise in advocacy, science communication, or program support are always appreciated.
Through fiscal sponsorship, how have you been able to increase your impact? Or how has your work changed or evolved without having to deal with administrative burdens?
Fiscal sponsorship through Trailhead has allowed us to focus entirely on our mission—building connections between researchers and advocates—without the complexities of managing administrative tasks. This partnership has been instrumental in scaling our programs, enabling us to host more events and reach broader audiences. It has also provided invaluable support for financial management, compliance, and strategic growth.