Dr Lydia Makaroff steps down as WBCPC President

Today, we mark the end of an important chapter as Dr Lydia Makaroff steps down after four years of dedicated service as President. She was elected to the role in 2021, succeeding the Founding President Ken Bagshaw, and has played a key role in strengthening the Coalition and helping it grow internationally.

Lydia has been part of the Coalition since it was founded in 2019. Before her appointment as President, she served as Vice-President and Treasurer. She has contributed to building up the organisation from the very first steps, bringing strong experience in cancer patient advocacy and a commitment to collaboration across borders.

During Lydia’s time as President, the Coalition achieved major milestones that helped elevate the voice of people affected by bladder cancer around the world:

• World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum
  The Forum grew into the largest international event for the bladder cancer patient community, with annual gatherings in Paris, Madrid, and Punta Cana strengthening global connections and visibility.
• Bladder Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM)
  BCAM campaigns reached wider audiences each year, with grant funding supporting impactful local activities and community engagement around the world.
• Global Patient and Carer Survey
  The Coalition led the first global survey on the experiences of people affected by bladder cancer, gathering insights from 45 countries to highlight patient and carer needs.
• White Paper on Bladder Cancer
  The first-ever White Paper set out clear recommendations to improve diagnosis, care, and outcomes, reinforcing the need for policy action worldwide.

“Lydia has helped shape the Coalition into a strong and united voice for bladder cancer patients worldwide. Her leadership and support was fundamental to our collective success to date, and she leaves the Coalition in the best shape to take on future ambitions and challenges ahead. – Alex Filicevas, Executive Director of the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition.

The Board of Directors, together with the bladder cancer patient community, thanks Lydia for her dedication, leadership, and long-standing commitment to improving the lives of those affected by bladder cancer.

The new President, as well as other Board leadership roles, will be appointed by the WBCPC Board of Directors later this month, as the new cohorts take office.