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CHARLOTTE, NC – [October 15, 2024] – In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness month, the Isabella Santos Foundation (ISF) rallied the Charlotte-based community throughout September to advocate for children battling cancer through its inaugural Go Gold for Kids with Rare Cancer community-driven campaign. With a mission to increase awareness and accelerate funding for
research and treatment development through the TORCH Initiative, ISF engaged local and national supporters to spotlight the stark reality of underfunded pediatric cancers. In total, ISF raised $57,000 and partnered with 24 businesses and organizations.

The TORCH Initiative, which stands for Transformational Outcomes for Rare Cancer Heroes, aims to improve the lives of young patients with rare cancers by improving their treatment and overall well-being. Leveraging its extensive network, the TORCH Initiative continues ISF’s legacy, driving meaningful progress in the fight against rare pediatric cancers. For 17 years, ISF has made a significant impact, and with TORCH, they aim to create even greater change for those facing these challenges.

“We are incredibly grateful to our community and our partners who came together to support this cause,” said Erin Santos-Primis, Executive Director of the Isabella Santos Foundation. “This September, we made a significant impact in increasing awareness for rare cancers that don’t
receive the attention they deserve.”

Given the devastation that occurred in Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, ISF donated 100% of the proceeds from the “Go Gold at Goldie’s” event, held to close out Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, to Mission Health in Asheville.

The funds will support the hospital’s pediatric oncology clinic, which has been severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. As many pediatric cancer patients now face additional challenges due to the storm, ISF’s contribution aims to provide much-needed assistance to Mission Health as they continue their critical work during this difficult time.

“We are incredibly grateful to our amazing beneficiary partners, including Napa on Providence and Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, Pure Intentions Coffee, Goldie’s, and over 20 other businesses for their dedicated efforts to shine a spotlight on the reality of rare cancers,” said Katy Ryan, Chief Operating Officer of the Isabella Santos Foundation. “Their support means everything to the families affected by these devastating diseases.”

One of ISF’s longtime partners, Pure Intentions Coffee, has supported ISF for over six years. This September, they hosted their second annual Fairways For Hope Charity Golf Tournament at Raintree Country Club where 144 golfers and business leaders came together to support families facing rare pediatric cancers.

“I am extremely proud to have been a part of this organization,” said Matt Yarmey, CEO of Pure Intentions Coffee and an ISF Board Member. “It has given us a sense of purpose as a company and it brings us closer together as a team, so there is a definite return on investment for small businesses that want to support charitable organizations in their community.”

As the end-of-year giving season approaches, ISF invites the community to stay committed to ensuring that families facing a rare cancer diagnosis have the resources, support, and hope they need. For more information on how to get involved, visit www.isabellasantosfoundation.org.

About the Isabella Santos Foundation

Established in 2007, The Isabella Santos Foundation (ISF) is dedicated to eradicating pediatric cancer’s devastating impact while honoring the legacy of Isabella Santos, a courageous neuroblastoma fighter.

Through the TORCH initiative, ISF provides funding for clinical trials, basic science and translational research, and survivorship support at medical institutions across North and South Carolina, igniting transformational outcomes for rare pediatric cancer heroes.

For nearly two decades, ISF has raised over $14 million to expand research and treatment and support affected families. Partnering with Atrium Health and Levine Children’s Hospital, ISF funded clinical trials, developmental therapeutics and a top-tier MIBG therapy suite—one of 20 nationwide. In 2020, the Isabella Santos Rare & Solid Tumor Program launched with Levine Cancer Institute, aspiring to be a global hub for children with solid tumors and rare cancers.

Originating from one girl’s mission, and carried forward by her loving mom, her family and the support of the Charlotte community, ISF’s impact thrives and its ability to transform lives will endure for generations. Join our commitment to bring hope, healing and progress to young pediatric cancer heroes and their families.