WEP CLINICAL JOINS THE OLIVER PATCH PROJECT TO CHAMPION CHILDREN FACING SERIOUS ILLNESS THROUGH NATIONAL PATCH DAY

WEP Clinical (WEP), a full-service clinical research organization (CRO), today announced its sponsorship of National Patch Day through the Oliver Patch Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting children, teens, and young adults navigating cancer and other serious health challenges.

National Patch Day is a nationwide movement in the US, launched by the Oliver Patch Project to send patches of love and encouragement to children, teens, and young adults facing cancer, serious illnesses, disabilities, and mental health challenges. The goal is simple: to ensure that no child feels alone throughout their healthcare journey. The day, celebrated annually on June 24^th, brings together a coalition of corporate sponsors, nonprofit organizations, hospitals, community groups, advocates, and volunteers united by a shared mission of supporting children and families across the US.

As one of this year’s sponsors, WEP will fund the design and distribution of one of 30 brand-new patches created to inspire, uplift, and connect pediatric patients and young adults navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges. Each patch serves as a wearable symbol of hope and a tangible reminder that a child’s journey matters.

“At WEP Clinical, we are privileged to work at the intersection of patient care and medical innovation every day,” said Shaheen Limbada, Chief Operating Officer at WEP Clinical. “The Oliver Patch Project reminds us that behind every clinical milestone and treatment decision is a child and a family who simply needs to know they are not alone. Supporting National Patch Day is a natural extension of the values that drive everything we do here at WEP, and we are honored to be part of it.”

“At the Oliver Patch Project, we believe that even the smallest gesture can make a tremendous difference in a child’s day,” said Brian Burkhardt, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Oliver Patch Project. “National Patch Day is about creating moments of hope and connection. Every patch serves as a reminder that a child is seen, valued, and supported by an entire community cheering them on. We’re grateful to partners like WEP for helping us expand that impact.”

Since its founding, The Oliver Patch Project has delivered over 100,000 patches to children and teens across all 50 states, with National Patch Day alone having reached more than 35,000 young people as of 2024. Each patch sponsored through National Patch Day funds a custom-designed token of encouragement that can be sent by individuals, schools, hospitals, corporations, and nonprofits to any young person in need of support.

WEP Clinical’s partnership with The Oliver Patch Project reflects the company’s broader commitment to patient-centered care, recognizing that the human experience of illness extends well beyond the clinic or trial site. Beyond National Patch Day, WEP will also be including Oliver’s patches in all WEP pediatric trials, to ensure that WEP’s work not only advances science but also recognizes the courage and resilience of the patients at the heart of clinical research.

As National Patch Day continues to grow, so does its impact, proving that small acts of kindness can create lasting change – one child and one patch at a time.

To learn more about The Oliver Patch Project or to send a free patch to a child or teen in need, visit www.oliverpatchproject.org. 

To learn more about WEP Clinical’s clinical trial services and Expanded Access Programs, visit www.wepclinical.com.