Melanin Children Matter Inc

About Us

Melanin Childen Matter Inc (MCM) is an Owensboro, Kentucky-based nonprofit advancing access for medially underrepresented children and their families.

We help families navigating rare diseases, autism, and other neurodevelopmental conditions connect with resources, caregiver education, and advocacy support. We also advance rare disease research and bring family perspective into decisions about care, early recognition, and access to services.

Founded by mother and advocate Lakeia Nard in honor of her son, King'nazir Gates, MCM is grounded in lived experience. We place particular emphasis on Black and Brown children aren rural communities while welcoming families of all backgrounds including those still searching for a diagnosis.

Our programs including
*Research- Funding a research infrastructure pathway to treatment for (SPTLC2) Pediatric ALS
* Hidden Gap Project: Incorporating caregiver insight into earlier recognition, better documentation, and pathways to support.
*Family Voice & Advocacy Initiative: Evaluationg family experiences and strengthening caregiver advocacy.
*Family Research Ambassador Pilot Program: Preparing caregivers to connect families with research information and opportunities.

We serve Owensboro, Daviess County, and surrounding communities, with connections across Kentucky and beyond. We welcome community partners, volunteer, sponsors, and donors who share our commitment to helping children and families access the support they need.