The Isabella Santos Foundation

The Isabella Santos Foundation For almost five years, Isabella defied the odds. In 2007, Isabella was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma.

ISF is a 501(c)3 dedicated to providing transformational outcomes for rare cancer heroes worldwide through the TORCH Initiative. 💜

Donate to support children battling rare cancer. Neuroblastoma is a rare and deadly cancer that affects approximately 750 children a year. The survival rate for children diagnosed with high risk Neuroblastoma is less than 40% and less than 5% once the child has relaps

ed. However, countless doctors called Isabella a miracle. Relapse after relapse, she kept fighting…and kept beating it. Unfortunately, in June 2012, her parents were told the cancer had returned and this time, it would be relentless. Isabella’s fight ended on June 28th, 2012. In 2009, the Isabella Santos Foundation (ISF) was established through Isabella’s parents to raise awareness and research funds for Neuroblastoma, and received it’s 501(c)(3) status in 2010. At the time, Isabella’s parents were in hopes that ISF could help fund research projects potentially to save Isabella’s life. Although Isabella is no longer with us, we hope another child can be saved and will continue to raise money and awareness for the awful disease that stole her life. Over the last six years ISF has donated over $1,500,000 for Neuroblastoma research and other children’s cancer charities. ISF benefits hospitals/organizations that specialize in Neuroblastoma research such as Children’s Oncology Group, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in Manhattan, Helen Devos Children’s Hospital and The NMRTC, The Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia (CHOP), Van Andel Institute (VAI) in Michigan as well as various other national and local research hospitals such as Levine Children’s Hospital here in Charlotte. We also raise awareness and funds for charities that directly impact children with cancer such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and support our local blood bank Community Blood Center of the Carolinas.

06/11/2026

Isabella received nearly 100 blood transfusions during her cancer journey.

This National Cancer Survivor Month, help us honor her legacy and support local cancer patients by donating blood during ISF’s annual drive.

❤️ June 21–28
❤️ Mention "ISF" during your appointment, and $10 will be donated back.
❤️ The first 100 donors at the Ballantyne location will receive a gift card to Postino.

Comment “Isabella” and we’ll send you a link to sign up.

BIG momentum for kids fighting rare cancer. 💜The 2026 TORCH Initiative funding cycle attracted 71 Letters of Intent from...
06/10/2026

BIG momentum for kids fighting rare cancer. 💜

The 2026 TORCH Initiative funding cycle attracted 71 Letters of Intent from more than 25 leading hospital systems and research institutions nationwide — including some of the country’s top pediatric cancer centers advancing lifesaving care, clinical trials and breakthrough research.

From the Southeast to institutions across the U.S., the response reflects a shared urgency to move faster, fund boldly and transform outcomes for children battling rare cancers.

But here’s the reality: the ideas are not the problem. Funding is.

What stands between these promising innovations and real progress for kids is investment.

Help us fuel what’s next at isftorch.org. 🔥

The race that started it all is BACK! 💜What began as one of Isabella’s favorite traditions helped launch a movement — an...
06/08/2026

The race that started it all is BACK! 💜

What began as one of Isabella’s favorite traditions helped launch a movement — and now, the ISF 5K for Kids Cancer, presented by Uwharrie Bank, returns on September 26 at Rea Farms!

This is so much more than a race. Whether you run, walk, cheer from the sidelines or simply come for the fun, we’re bringing Charlotte together for an unforgettable morning benefiting local kids fighting rare pediatric cancer.

🏃 5K + One-Mile Fun Run (or walk!)
🎤 Woody & Wilcox emceeing
🫧 Firetruck Foam Party
👑 Princesses, superheroes & mascots
✨ Fairy hair, sparkle tattoos & face painting
🛍️ Local vendors, bites & brews
🎶 Live DJ, games, giveaways & more
🩸 Donate blood onsite with OneBlood

🎟️ Tickets are officially LIVE! Introductory pricing won’t last, so grab yours today!

06/07/2026

We are so proud to share that the 2026 ISF Charity Classic raised more than $146,000 in support of our mission! 🥳💜

⛳ A heartfelt thank you to our incredible sponsors, players, volunteers and supporters for helping us bring another unforgettable event to life — and for making a meaningful impact on children and families battling rare pediatric cancer.

We continue to be inspired by this community and can’t wait to see everyone rally together again at the ISF 5K for Kids Cancer, presented by Uwharrie Bank, on September 26. 👀🏃💜

The 2026 ISF Charity Classic is in the books! ⛳💜We are incredibly grateful to everyone who showed up to help make this y...
06/04/2026

The 2026 ISF Charity Classic is in the books! ⛳💜

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who showed up to help make this year’s signature golf tournament such a tremendous success. From our generous sponsors to the volunteers and every player who joined us on the course, we were honored to spend another beautiful day together in support of kids fighting rare pediatric cancer.

Stay tuned for tournament highlights, special moments and the impact made possible through your support!

The countdown is on! ⛳️We’re gearing up for an unforgettable day on the green at our annual ISF Charity Classic Golf Tou...
05/27/2026

The countdown is on! ⛳

We’re gearing up for an unforgettable day on the green at our annual ISF Charity Classic Golf Tournament this Monday — all in support of kids fighting rare pediatric cancer.

A huge thank you to our top sponsors for helping make this incredible day possible. Your generosity is driving meaningful impact for children and families who need it most, and we truly couldn’t do it without you. 💜

Here’s to a day of golf, giving back and coming together to make a difference.

05/22/2026

Kiel’s story is a powerful reminder of why the Isabella Santos Foundation exists. 💜

Because of supporters like you, the TORCH Initiative is helping children like Kiel who are battling osteosarcoma by funding groundbreaking research at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Levine Children's Hospital — accelerating better treatments and brighter futures.

Progress is happening because of this community. And stories like Kiel’s remind us why the fight continues.

05/11/2026

👟You heard it first from Cel Smart , this year’s 5K Ambassador Coordinator.

The signature race is back and we are looking for 20 ambassadors to amplify the mission and their team! 💜

📩 Sign up by emailing [email protected].

✨ This fall is shaping up to be one of our most exciting seasons yet — with three signature events on the horizon and so...
05/05/2026

✨ This fall is shaping up to be one of our most exciting seasons yet — with three signature events on the horizon and something for everyone. ✨

Every event supports ISF’s mission to fund rare pediatric cancer research, advance innovative treatments and provide whole-child support for families both locally and across our region.

Save this post, mark your calendar and share with a friend — sponsorships are live with multi-event packages available for a limited time. 💜

04/27/2026

Calling all Charlotte businesses, organizations and community groups. 👇

Rally your team now for ISF’s June Blood Drive in partnership with OneBlood, and help save lives across our community in honor of Isabella’s passing anniversary.🩸

20 minutes of your time. Hundreds of lives impacted. One powerful week to give.

🗓️ June 22 - 28, 2026
📍 Ballantyne or Charlotte Centers

For every appointment, OneBlood will donate $10 back to ISF — turning each donation into an even greater impact.

📧 Ready to get involved? Email [email protected] to organize your team or sign up here: https://www.oneblood.org/promotions/isabella-santos-foundation-blood-drives.html

Address

9935 Rea Road, Unit 275
Charlotte, NC
28277

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