Meet Intern Team Kicking Cancer’s Cath

Support or join Team Kicking Cancer’s Cath

Meet the Team – Kicking Cancer’s Cath! We chose a port-a-cath, also called a port or catheter for our team logo. This is a small device placed under the skin which connects to a vein. This is used to give blood transfusions, IVs, and chemotherapy to cancer patients. Getting your port in and out helps to signify the true beginning and end of treatment. After treatment, patients are left with a small scar which serves as a reminder of their strength, tenacity, and all that they have overcome. We are hopeful that a non-profit like ISF exists so that other kids can fulfill Isabella’s wishes to beat cancer, grow hair, and live their dreams. Help us kick cancer by supporting our team!

Brendi Bluitt, Lead Intern

Brendi Bluitt, Lead Intern

UNC Charlotte, Graduate Student

Favorite brunch food: French Toast

I am interning with ISF because as a childhood cancer survivor, I know firsthand how important research and funding pediatric cancer is. Federal funding is extremely limited when it comes to childhood cancers, and even less for those that are rarer. The work that ISF is doing is essential to making a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families. With your support, ISF can continue to fund innovative research and treatment toward rare pediatric cancers. Children are our future, and we must continue to fight for them.

Lauren Caterino

Lauren Caterino

University of Tennessee, Junior

Favorite brunch food: Avocado Toast

I am interning at the Isabella Santos Foundation because I think that it is important to raise awareness and funds for children battling rare cancers. I am passionate about running and I have run 5ks in the past and the organization is something that I have wanted to be a part of. While in Knoxville, I would deliver stuffed animals to the children’s hospital with my sorority. I wanted to find an organization that allowed me to continue providing support for families and children going through their battle with cancer. I knew I wanted to give back to my community. With your help, we can provide ISF the support that they need to continue the amazing work that this organization has to offer.

Marlene Darbouze

Marlene Darbouze

Freehold Township Highschool, Junior

Favorite brunch food: Pancakes

I got involved with the Isabella Santos Foundation because I knew I could help bring awareness to pediatric cancer. I have always wanted to help people and show my passion to do that. I volunteered once before at a nursing home and being able to listen to the patients’ stories and helping them made me want to follow in my mom’s footsteps and become a nurse. As a junior, I was having doubts about nursing. But being a part of the ISF assured me that’s the career I want. With my colleagues at ISF, I hope we can raise enough money to help personal and financial needs. We just need your support!

Sophie Lapierre

Sophie Lapierre

UNC Wilmington, Junior

Favorite brunch food: Avocado Toast and eggs

I am Interning with the Isabella Santos Foundation because I am passionate about helping my community and especially the children within. When I heard how ISF raises money to fund pediatric cancer research for rare cancers that aren’t as noticed, I knew this was a foundation I would love to be a part of. Child advocacy is a field in which I aim to work in once I graduate, and this foundation encompasses a lot of what I hope to advocate for post-graduation.  Knowing that I can help raise money and awareness for a foundation that supports families and children who are struggling with cancer, made me want to intern with ISF.

Marissa Smith

Marissa Smith

East Carolina University, Sophomore

Favorite brunch food: French Toast

I am interning with ISF because I, myself have many health issues and many times have not received the treatment I should have because of funding or lack of research. I hope to end that cycle now by being a part of something greater such as the Isabella Santos Foundation. I have seen how pediatric cancer can affect someone’s life and the struggles they go through. I want to make a difference and raise awareness to give those people a chance to live the life they deserve.

Natalie Van Noy

Natalie Van Noy

Queens University of Charlotte, Junior

Favorite brunch food: Waffles with Strawberries sprinkled on top

I am interning with ISF this summer because I want to have a positive influence on children and families impacted by pediatric cancer. During my internship with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation at Levine Children’s Hospital, my experiences with several patients and families opened my eyes to the different and difficult situations that they have to endure because of cancer. No family deserves to go through these kinds of circumstances so having the opportunity to bring awareness and fundraise for such a cause is a priority that I will put ahead of others before anything. Working with an amazing team of unique individuals and volunteers will be an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Sydney Ayers

Sydney Ayers

Appalachian State University, Sophomore

Favorite brunch food: Blueberry pancakes

I am interning with ISF this summer because I know firsthand the impact that rare pediatric cancer can have. When I was in elementary school my best friend’s little brother had neuroblastoma and watching him go through treatment with the lack of knowledge and funding that was provided was so frustrating. I never want any family to have to be in that same boat and so I strive to bring awareness to the issue. Each child deserves the chance to have every single avenue pursued to allow them a better life. No child should be lost to cancer. So I am interning with ISF to make sure that each child gets a chance and every family knows that they are being fought for through the hardest times in their lives.

Lucy Clemens

Lucy Clemens

UNC-Asheville, Junior

Favorite brunch food: Steak and eggs

I’m studying to be an elementary school teacher and am passionate about working with or doing work that helps children. When I found out how underfunded pediatric cancer was in our country, I jumped at the chance to get more involved with the Isabella Santos Foundation. Through education and fundraising, we can make a difference and help alleviate this lack of funding. It’s important that families and kids are supported throughout the diagnosis and treatment. ISF has a key role in supporting families impacted by childhood cancers. Plus, a bonus for me is that Erin, Grant and Sophia Santos are my neighbors!

Sarah Lansden

Sarah Lansden

Queens University of Charlotte, Senior

Favorite brunch food: fruit, fruit, and more fruit!

I chose to get involved with ISF because I was able to see firsthand how this amazing foundation works to better the lives of pediatric cancer patients and their families. Through my previous internship with Seacrest Studios at Levine Children’s Hospital, I was able to meet various patients and families, and even though their stories didn’t always have a happy ending, the support from ISF changed every single patients’ life. As someone who has witnessed the loss of a child, I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. With your support ISF can continue to improve treatment and prolong survivorship in children with rare pediatric cancers!

Audrey Smith

Audrey Smith

Marvin Ridge High School, Junior

Favorite brunch food: Chocolate Chip Pancakes

I am interning with the Isabella Santos Foundation to be a part of making a difference in the lives of those affected by rare forms of Childhood Cancer. I love knowing that what I’m doing will raise money for Childhood Cancer research and will help not only the children battling cancer, but their families and loved ones. I have grown up attending the ISF 5K for Kids Cancer and have really enjoyed being a part of the ISF community and gaining the joyful experience of making a difference. I am excited to make an even bigger impact throughout this internship during the summer!

Jayden Starke

Jayden Starke

Marvin Ridge High School, Senior

Favorite brunch food: French toast

I am interning with ISF this summer because I want to help raise awareness and fundraise for pediatric cancer especially rare pediatric cancers. When I was first introduced to ISF three years ago through my dance team coach, I found a passion to bring awareness to the issue that pediatric cancer is underfunded and wanted to find a way to not only help children affected with cancer but also their families. The annual ISF 5K is an event that I look forward to every year and am super excited to work   with this organization in making an impact in our community. With your support, we, as a community, can make a difference in these children’s and their families lives and help them through this difficult time in their lives.