Governance
The WECAN Foundation’s governance ensures effective operations and accountability. The General Assembly represents the affiliated organisations, setting strategic priorities and electing leaders. The Board of Trustees (supervisory board) provides oversight and supports the mission of the organisation by ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards. The Management Board handles daily operations, strategy implementation and resource management. The Secretariat supports operations, and Workgroups deliver project-specific outcomes.
WECAN Foundation
WECAN Foundation
WECAN is established as a Foundation in the Netherlands in 2025
WECAN Members
WECAN Members
To avoid repetition and burden of meetings, each WECAN member is represented in the network by two named representatives.
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is entitled with the management of the Foundation and shaping the strategy of WECAN
Board of Directors
The WECAN Board of Directors brings a wealth of expertise and passion to lead the WECAN Foundation into its inaugural phase starting in January 2025. This first Board of Directors includes Alex Filicevas, Chair of the BoD, (World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition), Anita Kienesberger, past Chair of 2023 – 2024 (CCIEurope), Ariane Weinman (EURORDIS), Eric Briers (Europa Uomo), Gilly Spurrier-Bernard (MPNE), and Karin Kastrati (IKCC). The Board of Directors is entrusted with the management of the WECAN Foundation and shaping the strategy of the Network.
Secretariat Team
Sara Dederichs
WECAN Secretariat Lead
Maria Gomez
WECAN Secretariat
Past Chairs of WECAN
Since its founding in 2015, WECAN has grown into one of the most influential umbrella organisations in European cancer patient advocacy. Over the past decade, six dedicated chairs have led the network, shaped its evolution, and strengthened its role in uniting 24 umbrella organisations across 27+ cancer types. In early 2025, WECAN reached a milestone by transitioning into a Foundation, further solidifying its impact and commitment to advancing patient advocacy across Europe.
