Announcing Our Partnership with Citizen Health
Melanin Children Matter Inc. has partnered with Citizen Health to give families a powerful, secure way to manage their health information and contribute to rare disease research. Through this partnership, families can store medical records, track symptoms, and share their stories to help advance equitable research and better health outcomes.
Melanin Children Matter
Advancing Access for Medically Underrepresented Children
Since our founding, MCM has connected families to life-changing resources, funded
groundbreaking research into childhood rare disease, and given caregivers a seat at the
table where decisions about their children are made. Every child matters — diagnosed
or still searching for answers.
Our Impact So Far
A snapshot of what your support has made possible for families navigating rare disease and neurodivergence.
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Families Supported
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Directed to
Research & Support
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Event & Workshop
Engagements
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Institutional Partners
Supporting Families
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120+ families connected with information, resources, referrals & navigation support
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3 families received direct financial assistance
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22 families reacher out through the website contact form
Advancing Research & Support
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$265,000+ directed toward rare disease research & family support
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Includes $15,000 in directed funds plus a $250,000 Catalyst Grant from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
Engaging Communities
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254+ event & workshop engagements - Black & White Gala, neurodiversity events, workshops, Medical Advocacy Academy
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4,000+ combined social following across Facebook, Instagram & TikTok
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604 unique website visitors in 2026 (year-to-date)
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56 newsletter subscribers & interactions
Expanding Access
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Statewide resource listing through Kentucky's 211/United Way network and kynect; another clear path for families to find Melanin Children Matter
Institutional Partnerships & Research Affiliations
Melanin Children Matter is dedicated to serving the children and families of color who live each day with rare diagnoses. Acknowledging that we're stronger together, our board has placed an emphasis on providing family support and empower individuals and families to understand and use their own healthcare data.
Making an Impact, Empowering Families
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I'm Lakeia Nard, founder and CEO of Melanin Children Matter. In 2023, I lost my youngest son, King'Nazir, to SPTLC2, a rare form of pediatric ALS. I built this organization out of that loss, so no other family faces a rare diagnosis without support. We focus on Black and Brown children because that's where diagnosis often comes last and support is hardest to find. But every child matters here. No family is turned away, no matter their background. This is King'Nazir's legacy, and I carry it forward every day.
Meet Our Founder
Lakeia Nard
Empowerment Through Stories: Join Our Melanin Children Matter Campaign
Every parent of a child with a rare disease has a unique story of courage, love, and determination. At Melanin Children Matter Inc., we're creating a platform for you to share your journey. Join our campaign to raise awareness, connect with a supportive community, and inspire others through your experiences. Share your story with the world and help us illuminate the path for families facing similar challenges. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
