Bite Me Cancer was born out of an identified gap in support for teenagers fighting cancer by Nikki Ferraro when she found herself in treatment for a rare form of thyroid cancer at just 17 years old in 2010. Nikki believes that it is very important to support teenagers with cancer because she didn't find much support when she was diagnosed and in treatment. The pediatric and adult programs didn't address her needs, and she knew that other teenagers would have the same experience.
Nikki also wanted her foundation to raise awareness and research funds for thyroid cancer as it is one of the fastest increasing cancers in the United States. Her rare form of thyroid cancer had no treatment options in 2010 other than surgery. Even the "normal" papillary thyroid cancer's treatment plan is not always successful. More research and attention is needed.
Bite Me Cancer has made a big impact! As of December 2023, over 200 hospitals are in our network and distribute our Teen Support Bags to their teen cancer patients. We have reached almost 12,000 teenagers with all kinds of cancer! Bite Me Cancer has also funded 9 thyroid cancer research grants so far!
