PRESS RELEASE

Children’s Cancer Association Begins a New Chapter:
Jack Pipkin named CEO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- Portland, OR – [November 20, 2024] – The Board of Directors of JoyRx | Children’s Cancer Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Jack Pipkin to Chief Executive Officer, ushering in a new chapter in the leadership of the innovative non-profit, on the eve of its 30th anniversary year in 2025.

Mr. Pipkin most recently served as the organization’s Senior Vice President of Revenue and Development, after joining as Vice President of Development in July 2018, following a national search. He has played a leading role in the company’s initial national expansion, specifically with business development efforts in launching the first regional hub outside of Portland, in Austin, Texas. To date, he has led the advancement team in raising over $30MM in support of Children’s Cancer Association, and its JoyRx Music, Mentorship and Nature programs.

“Jack is exactly the leader we need at this pivotal moment,” says Clare Hamill, founding and current Chair of the Board of Directors, and VP of Innovation Integration at Nike. “He has been instrumental in realizing our vision for national expansion, driving conditions for growth, and exemplifying an unwavering commitment to the children and families we serve. I'm so excited to embark on this next chapter with him at the helm.”

Since 1995, JoyRx has delivered joy and emotional support to young patients through transformative programs rooted in music, mentorship, and nature. Programs are provided free-of-charge to pediatric care facilities, children, and families. In October, the company realized a milestone fiftieth healthcare partnership launch (one of seven New York area partners), and has a regional office in Austin, Texas, in addition to its Portland headquarters.

“This is an exciting time for JoyRx,” says Pipkin, “and I am deeply honored to take on this new leadership role. We will continue to grow and expand sustainably and there is so much to celebrate as we approach our milestone 30th anniversary.”

Last fiscal year, JoyRx programs served nearly 40,000 seriously ill children and teens nationally, a 33% increase year-over-year, setting a new company record. So far this year, the organization is on pace to continue its growth in program delivery by ten percent, increasing total JoyRx interactions to nearly 300k annually.

“Thirty years ago, we set out to revolutionize the pediatric healthcare experience,” says Regina Ellis, founder of the organization. “Today, the need for our specialized JoyRx services for young patients has reached unprecedented levels. Jack’s visionary leadership, unwavering dedication to our mission and values, and deep commitment to our community—team, partners, philanthropic supporters, and volunteers—will enable us to meet this growing demand as we expand our impact nationwide.”

Pipkin began his career in a program delivery role in the human services field. He eventually moved into development and fundraising and then served as Executive Director and Regional Director for Muscular Dystrophy Association, where he oversaw development and in-hospital program teams (up to twenty offices) across the west coast of the United States. He is a father of two, a lover of music and film, and an ardent seeker of outdoor adventures throughout the Pacific Northwest.

With the start of this new chapter, JoyRx | Children’s Cancer Association looks forward to a future guided by Pipkin’s vision and expertise in national expansion, as it celebrates three decades of joyful service and continues the mission of bringing hope and healing to children in need.

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Photos of Jack Pipkin, JoyRx programs and leadership can be found here. For media inquiries or more information about the 30th anniversary in 2025, please contact: press@joyrx.org

A Mission Built on Joy | About JoyRx

Children’s Cancer Association was founded in 1995 by the Ellis family after their five- year-old daughter, Alexandra, died of cancer — with the goal to create something extraordinary: an organization with a new vision for what pediatric cancer support services might look like.

Each year, our free JoyRx Music®, JoyRx Mentorship®, and JoyRx Nature® programs are shared with approximately 40,000 seriously ill children, teens — and their families — across the nation.

Our trauma-informed programs are based on research and best practices, aligned with Child Life Specialist goals, and are informed by family feedback. We work closely with care teams to provide engaging enrichment activities that help transform the pediatric experience. Simply put: joy makes sick kids feel better. Learn more at JOYRX.ORG.