Isabella Santos Foundation expands cancer research grants
Executive director Erin Santos believes working with various institutions increases chances of finding rare cancer treatments
The following article appeared in the Feb. 21, 2025, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.
In a switch, Isabella Santos Foundation spreads research money to 8 hospitals; Hoping for ‘something that is game-changing’
The Isabella Santos Foundation, the longtime Charlotte charity known for raising money to fight pediatric cancer by holding events, overhauled its organization in 2024.
And now, for the first time in a decade, it is distributing money for cancer research to hospitals besides Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital. The foundation last month announced grants totaling $1.1M for cancer research and patient care for eight hospitals nationwide, including Novant Health, Duke University School of Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill and Mission Hospital of Asheville.
In an interview, executive director Erin Santos said that working with top researchers at a variety of institutions will increase the odds of finding treatments for rare cancers.
“For right now, I want to give where the greatest need is,” said Santos, whose daughter Isabella died of a rare cancer at age 7 in 2012. “There were some pretty amazing things that we could do. … With everything you support, you hope that they find something that is game-changing.”
Erin Santos, executive director of the Isabella Santos Foundation, has overhauled the nonprofit and refocused its donations. (Photo courtesy of Isabella Santos Foundation)
The new approach required educating donors that even though their money might be sent out of the Charlotte area that Charlotte children still reap the benefits of advances in cancer research. A scientific panel selected from among proposals submitted by 14 hospitals.
“A brain tumor study at Chapel Hill — that is helping the kids in our area,” Santos said. “… I don’t want to be sitting here saying ‘we are curing cancer’ if we’re not doing that.”
In an article last year, The Ledger reported that the foundation was retooling its staff and hiring experienced professionals in areas including marketing and fundraising as part of its plans to expand its reach and impact.
Of course, it is still holding local events. Its annual “Speakeasy Soiree” gala is Feb. 28. —Tony Mecia
Related Ledger article:
“Erin Santos isn’t backing down” (March 11, 2024)
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