Maria Lawal

I have over 15 years’ experience in oncology research, patient engagement, and lived experience strategy, I help leading healthcare organisations put patients at the heart of their decisions and at every key lifecycle of research, not as a token voice, but as essential partners. My work is rooted through my experience as a childhood 2x Osteosarcoma survivor, a journey that shaped the way I see healthcare, equity, and the urgent need to centre real people in every system designed to serve them.

I’ve collaborated with major organisations including key industry partners, charities, researchers and more, ensuring that the voices of patients, families, and communities are included in research, technology development, and clinical trial strategy. I co-create frameworks that elevate lived experience to the same level as clinical evidence, because impact must be measured through human outcomes, not just scientific ones.

I help design patient-led research processes that improve clarity, equity, and trust. I facilitate honest, strategic partnerships between patients, researchers and the wider teams. I speak internationally on co-production, diversity, and authenticity in healthcare.

As a children’s author advocating for mindfulness and emotional literacy, I also champion healing beyond medicine because wellbeing starts early, and empowerment is preventive care.

My motivation for joining the North Star Cancer Collective’s Lived Experience Advisory and Action Group comes directly from my journey. Being a childhood cancer survivor isn’t just part of my story — it is the reason I’m committed to building systems that honour young people and their families.

I believe my lived experience, combined with my strategic, research, and communication skills, can contribute meaningfully to shaping inclusive, impactful change. My accomplishments so far are not an endpoint, but a toolkit I’m ready to use in collaboration.