Childhood cancer research and care rely on a broad, multidisciplinary workforce. In the United States, nearly 100K professionals work across 13 major job categories, supporting everything from bedside care and laboratory research to clinical trials, data analysis, survivorship, and advocacy. 

Below is a category‑by‑category breakdown, with sources and clear assumptions.

Estimated U.S. Employment by Category.

⚠️ These are order‑of‑magnitude estimates, not exact counts. Ranges reflect part‑time roles, research effort %, and mixed adult/pediatric positions.

1. Physicians & Advanced Medical Providers   4,000–5,000

• 2,200–2,500 board‑certified pediatric hematologist‑oncologists
• 500–700 pediatric oncology APPs (NPs/PAs)
• 600–800 subspecialists (BMT, neuro‑oncology, radiation, survivorship)

Sources: ASPHO & ABP workforce surveys; AAP Pediatrics workforce modeling [publications.aap.org], [The Americ…kforce …]

2. Nursing & Direct Patient Care     25,000–30,000

• • Pediatric oncology inpatient & outpatient nurses
  • Infusion nurses, research nurses, nurse managers, PCTs
  • Pediatric oncology is a small subspecialty within nursing, but every pediatric cancer program employs dozens to hundreds of nurses.

Sources: HRSA workforce data; APHON; hospital staffing ratios [bhw.hrsa.gov], [aphon.org]

3. Laboratory & Bench Scientists     12,000–15,000

• Principal Investigators, staff scientists, postdocs, lab techs
• Basic, translational, and pre‑clinical pediatric cancer research
• COG alone involves 10,000+ scientific experts globally, with the majority in the U.S.

Sources: Children’s Oncology Group; NCI Pediatric Oncology Branch [datacatalo…cancer.gov], [ccr.cancer.gov]

4. Clinical Research Operations 9,000–11,000

• Clinical research coordinators
• Trial managers, CRAs, study start‑up staff
• Every COG or NCI‑sponsored trial requires multiple full‑time research staff.

Sources: COG network size; NIH clinical trials infrastructure [datacatalo…cancer.gov], [stjude.org]

5. Data Science & Biostatistics     3,000–4,000

• Biostatisticians
• Bioinformaticians
• Clinical data managers

Sources: St. Jude, Fred Hutch, NCI workforce models [fredhutch.org], [ccr.cancer.gov]

6. Pharmacy & Drug Development 2,000–3,000

• Pediatric oncology pharmacists
• IDS pharmacists
• GMP manufacturing & PK scientists

Sources: Oncology pharmacist workforce studies; NCI GMP programs [pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov], [stjude.org]

7. Psychosocial & Mental Health Services    6,000–8,000

• Social workers
• Psychologists
• Child life specialists
• Counselors and psychiatrists
• National pediatric cancer care standards require psychosocial staffing.

Sources: COG supportive care guidelines; HRSA behavioral health data [phi.org], [bhw.hrsa.gov]

8. Rehabilitation, Survivorship & Support Therapies     5,000–6,000

• PT, OT, SLP
• Survivorship program staff
• Nutritionists and late‑effects specialists
• Survivor population >500,000 in the U.S., driving workforce demand.

Sources: NCI survivorship data; pediatric rehab Workforce [cancer.gov], [Careers in…aspho.org]

9. Genetics & Counseling     1,500–2,000

• Genetic counselors
• Genomics program staff

Sources: National Society of Genetic Counselors; pediatric oncology program staffing [fredhutch.org], [cancer.gov]

10. Public Health, Prevention & Education     2,500–3,500

• Public health scientists
• Community engagement and outreach staff
• Implementation scientists

Sources: NCI Childhood Cancer Data Initiative; community health workforce data [nccrdatapl…cancer.gov], [phi.org]

11. Administration, Finance & Compliance     8,000–10,000

• Research administrators
• Grants & finance staff
• Regulatory and IRB professionals
• Clinical trials are administratively labor‑intensive.

Sources: NIH grants administration ratios; large academic health systems [bhw.hrsa.gov], [stjude.org]

12. Advocacy, Fundraising & Policy     2,000–3,000

• Nonprofit staff
• Government relations
• Foundation and development teams

Sources: CureSearch, CCRF, ALSAC (St. Jude) employment data [curesearch.org], [childrenscancer.org]

13. Education & Training 2,000–2,500

• Fellowship & residency faculty
• Training grant staff (T32, K12)
• Medical educators

Sources: ACGME, ABP, NCI training programs [abp.org], [orit.resea…ch.bcm.edu]

Overall, meeting future needs will require coordinated investment across clinical care, research infrastructure, workforce well‑being, and training to ensure that scientific advances translate equitably into improved outcomes for children and families.

 

Gear Up ’26 Early Packet Pickup

We’re excited to share an important update regarding early packet pickup for the upcoming Gear Up Against Kids Cancer on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

Early packet pickup will take place at:
REI Community Room
11745 IH-10 W, Ste 110
San Antonio, TX 78230

📅 Date: April 29
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Please plan to visit REI during early packet pickup to collect your event materials.

Packet pickup will be available the day of the ride, starting at 6:00 am.

Thank you for helping make this an amazing event—we look forward to seeing you soon!

Best regards,
Gear Up Against Kids Cancer Team

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Group rides are one of the greatest parts of cycling—they strengthen community, boost fitness, and make long miles feel lighter. They also depend on teamwork and awareness. One of the simplest and most important ways to help keep a group ride smooth and safe is by maintaining your position in line. Below, you’ll find key reasons why holding your place matters and how it supports a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone on the route.

🚴‍♂️ 1. Safety for Everyone
A predictable group is a safe group. When riders hold a steady line:

• There’s less chance of wheels overlapping
• Sudden swerves or abrupt braking are avoided
• Riders can anticipate movements and react confidently
• Even small deviations can ripple backward, causing near misses or crashes.

🚴‍♂️ 2. Better Drafting and Energy Conservation

Group riding works because of drafting—the reduced wind resistance from another rider.

• When everyone holds a straight, consistent line, Riders behind you benefit from a clean draft
• You avoid creating gaps or forcing others to chase The group maintains smoother, more efficient pacing
• A steady paceline means everyone saves energy and can ride stronger together.

🚴‍♂️ 3. Clear Communication
A predictable line helps signals travel backward quickly and reliably.

Whether it’s:

• Hand signals for road hazards
• Verbal cues (“Slowing!” “Car back!”)
• Rotations through a paceline
• All of these work better when riders stay aligned.

🚴‍♂️ 4. Respect for Other Road Users
A clean, disciplined line:

• Takes up less space on the road
• It is easier for cars to pass safely
• Demonstrates courtesy to drivers and pedestrians
  A group that spreads unpredictably across the road not only frustrates motorists but also increases the risk for the entire ride.

🚴‍♂️ 5. Helps Build Trust in the Group
Smooth group rides depend on trust. Holding your line shows other riders that:

• You’re attentive
• You’re predictable
• You’re committed to the group’s safety
• This builds confidence and camaraderie — the foundation of enjoyable group cycling.

🚴‍♂️ 6. Reduces “Accordion” Effects
When riders drift or brake unexpectedly, the riders behind them overreact, causing:

• Sudden speed changes
• Gaps in the group
• Hard accelerations to catch up
• Staying in line minimizes these surges, keeping the group tighter and the ride more comfortable.

7. 🚴‍♀️ Tips for Holding Your Line

• Look ahead, not at your front wheel
• Relax your upper body to avoid twitchy movements
• Keep your hands near the brakes in a tight group
• Avoid sudden swerves — go around obstacles gradually
• If you must leave the line, signal clearly first

🚴‍♂️ Conclusion
Group rides work best when everyone rides smoothly, predictably, and respectfully. Staying in line isn’t just good etiquette — it’s a fundamental skill that keeps the group safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable for every rider involved.

________________________________________

Did you know that once you’re registered for the 2026 Gear Up Against Kids Cancer Bike Ride, you can make your impact — and your ride — even bigger by inviting friends to join you?

That’s right: for every rider who registers using your personal referral link (which will appear at the bottom of your confirmation email), you’ll receive a 10% refund on your registration fee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

💸 How the Referral Program Works
After you register, simply share your referral link (via email, text, or social media). When someone signs up using your link, you automatically receive a 10% refund. The more friends who ride, the more you earn — it’s that simple.

Not only are you saving on your registration, but you’re also helping support life‑changing pediatric cancer research at the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute.

Together, we can ride farther, raise more, and make a real difference — one mile and one referral at a time. Thank you for riding for kids who need us most! 💛

Sign up today at GearUpAgainstKidsCancer.org!

🔥🚴‍♂️ IT’S HERE! IT’S FINALLY HERE! 🚴‍♀️🔥

 

This year’s Gear Up shirt isn’t just apparel…
It’s a badge of courage, a symbol of hope, and a statement that YOU ride for kids fighting cancer. 💛🎗️

⚡️ Bold design.
⚡️ Ultra‑fresh color.
⚡️ Made for riders, fighters, survivors, and supporters.

Whether you’re crushing miles, cheering from the sidelines, or honoring someone you love—this shirt says it ALL. 💪

✨ Wear it proudly! Wear it loud! Wear it for the kids! ✨
Let’s make this year’s ride the BIGGEST and MOST IMPACTFUL yet!

🏁 GEAR UP. SHOW UP. CURE UP.
#GearUpAgainstKidsCancer #RideForACause #UTHealthSanAntonio #PedalForHope #KidsCancerAwareness

Don’t miss your chance to save on the Gear Up Against Kids Cancer Bike Ride!

Early‑bird registration is just $50—but only for a limited time. After the early‑bird period ends, the registration fee increases by $20, about the cost of a new pair of cycling gloves.

Register now to:

• Lock in the $50 early‑bird rate
• Guarantee your Gear Up ’26 event shirt
• Support vital childhood cancer research at Greehey CCRI

Time passes quickly — don’t wait—register early and ride for a great cause!

Register today: GearUpAgainstKidsCancer.org

See you on the ride!

With heartfelt gratitude, we thank every cyclist, sponsor, and volunteer who made the 4th Annual Gear Up Against Kids Cancer Ride a truly unforgettable success!
Your incredible dedication and support continue to fuel our mission — raising awareness and vital funds to fight childhood cancer. We simply couldn’t do it without you.

This event keeps growing thanks to your enthusiasm and generosity. Since its inception, nearly 2,000 cyclists have joined forces to ride over 100,000 miles and raise more than $75,000 — all in support of groundbreaking childhood cancer research happening right here in San Antonio.

We do owe you a slightly awkward apology for the delay in sharing event photos. Let’s just say we got a little tangled up in the excitement (and maybe some scissors and tape)! But the wait is over — click the link below to relive the magic of that amazing day.

Click HERE to view and download (for free!) some of your favorite moments from the  4th Annual Gear Up Against Kids Cancer!

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SAVE THE DATE!

5th Annual Gear Up Against Kids Cancer Ride
📅 Saturday, May 2, 2026
🎟 Early-bird registration is OPEN — just $50!
(solerssports.raceentry.com/races/gear-up-against-kids-cancer/2026/register)

Join us again to pedal for a purpose and make a difference in the lives of kids battling cancer.

👉 Register Now and be part of the movement!

‌

’Twas the day before the Gear Up Against Kids Cancer and all through the land,
The cyclists were prepping, their gear close at hand.
Their jerseys were folded, their helmets were tight,
Their bikes had been tuned for the long morning flight.

The routes had been mapped with precision and care,
In hopes that good weather would soon be there.
With water bottles filled and tires pumped with air,
They dreamed of the wind rushing fast through their hair.

The volunteers gathered, their stations all set,
With first aid and snacks — the best you can get!
The medics were ready, the signs were all placed,
And the start/finish line had been perfectly laced.

The riders were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of brisket danced in their heads.
From po’boys to brownies, and tea on the side,
They dreamed of the feast that would follow their ride.

At Floresville Park, the sun will soon rise,
And cyclists will gather with joy in their eyes.
From newbies on cruisers to racers in kits,
They’ll all ride together in groups and in bits.

With cheers from the crowd and cowbells that ring,
They’ll pedal with purpose, with hearts on a string.
For kids who are fighting, for families in need,
Each mile they ride is a powerful deed.

So thank you, dear riders, for all that you do,
For showing the world what compassion can do.
We’ll see you at sunrise — come ready to roll,
Together we ride, with one heartfelt goal.

When fighting cancer, NO KID rides alone.

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Schedule of Events

6:00 AM – Check-in, packet pick-up, and last-minute registration
7:30 AM – Welcome remarks
7:45 AM – 60-mile riders begin gathering for launch
8:00 AM – 60-mile riders roll out
8:15 AM – 40-mile riders roll out
8:30 AM – 28-mile riders roll out
11:00 AM – Rider lunch begins under the LARGE PAVILION at the park
3:00 PM –  Event concludes

Parking & Checking In

Enter the Floresville River City Park parking lot using the park entrance. Please note that cyclists will be entering/exiting through this entrance. Check in at the orange canopy and pick up your bib number, then head to the pavilion to collect your participant shirt.

Route Details

To help ensure everyone’s safety, please remain on the route you registered for, which is listed on the back of your bib number. Route details (Google Maps, Strava, Ride w/GPS), including a turn-by-turn cue sheet, can be found here.

SAG Support Hotline 📞 210-450-8271

If you experience a mechanical issue during your ride or are unable to complete the route, please call the SAG Support Hotline at 210-450-8271. We will do everything possible to get to you as quickly and safely as possible.

🚴‍♂️ CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS! 🚴‍♀️
We need YOU for the 4th Annual Gear Up Against Kids Cancer Bike Ride on Saturday, October 18!

This incredible event supports life-saving research at the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute—and we can’t do it without our amazing volunteers.

🔥 URGENT NEED: SAG (Support and Gear) Volunteers!
Help transport riders, monitor the route, and keep everyone safe and supported. 💵 Bonus: Due to the extra driving required, we can help cover some of your gas costs!

💪 Whether you’re cheering, handing out water, or helping behind the scenes, every role makes a difference.

📲 Sign up now and be part of something powerful!
👉 https://campaigns.uthscsa.edu/bike-ride/2018-spirit-week/volunteers/

#GearUpAgainstKidsCancer #VolunteerForACause #SAGSupportNeeded #KidsCancerResearch #UTHealthSanAntonio