At only seventeen years old, Sahil Mehta, Legislative Ambassador with ACS CAN California, led the charge to champion childhood cancer research in his state and made an undeniable impact in the fight against cancer.
Sahil lost his older brother, Ronil, to an aggressive brain cancer, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, when Ronil was just 14.
“Childhood cancer research is important to me because it represents the difference between despair and possibility,” Sahil said. “Research is the only path forward to better treatments, less toxic therapies, and real cures.”
“Volunteering with ACS CAN gives me a way to turn my grief into impact by
working on legislation, awareness campaigns, and funding initiatives that can change outcomes for other children,” Sahil said. “It allows me to honor Ronil’s legacy in the most tangible way possible, by fighting for a future where families don’t have to hear ‘there’s nothing more we can do.’”
Sahil then worked with ACS CAN on the bill's review, and it was introduced in the California State Assembly by Assemblymember Lee. Sahil even secured co-sponsorships of the bill from ACS CAN and the Neev Kolte & Brave Ronil Foundation.
“Every dollar invested in childhood cancer research is an investment in kids getting to grow up, in brothers and sisters staying together, and in families being able to dream of futures not defined by loss.”
Ultimately, testifying before lawmakers in support of the bill made the process real for Sahil. He saw that it wasn’t just about persuading legislators, it was about carrying his brother’s story into the room. That moment proved that even as a high school student, Sahil’s voice could help move California toward change.
The advocacy efforts of Sahil and his peers turned into an incredible win—Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill in July 2025, creating California’s first dedicated state fund for pediatric cancer research! Sahil’s advocacy proves that young voices can impact policy and drive historic change, even in the face of loss.
“Getting involved with ACS CAN has shown me that change doesn’t always start with clinicians in lab coats or politicians in office, it often starts with ordinary people, including students, who care enough to stand up for the cause,” Sahil said. “Advocacy is not about having all the answers; it’s about showing up, being persistent, and refusing to accept that the status quo is good enough.”