San Diego activist investor Ralph Whitworth was an attorney, successful businessman, car enthusiast and devoted music aficionado. Until his cancer took his life in 2016, he built a career turning around troubled companies and pushing relentlessly for change until progress was made.
With the nonprofit Curebound, Ralphs legacy lives on, pushing to advance lifesaving cancer research.
Ralph and his wife Fernanda founded the Immunotherapy Foundation in 2015, a nonprofit that later merged with Padres Pedal the Cause to form Curebound. Collectively, it has invested over $37 million in innovative cancer research.
Recently, Rancho Santa Fe and La Jolla-based Fernanda Whitworth opened up the Curebound Whitworth Legacy Circle to new philanthropist members who share her and Ralph’s vision of funding research and clinical trials by talented teams that could have a major impact on the treatment of many types of cancers.
“We’re seeking a unique kind of donor – individuals who are passionate about making a lasting impact on cancer research and help build a community of like-minded people who believe that with focus and determination, anything is possible,” said Whitworth. “Ralph and I have always felt a deep responsibility to future generations. Although he lost his battle with cancer over eight years ago, we’re seeing real progress every day. The work happening here in San Diego and across the country will benefit not only our children, but also future generations who may face the same frightening diagnosis that we did.”
Curebound’s Whitworth Legacy Circle is the next chapter in Whitworth’s efforts to strengthen the fight against cancer. Those who choose to participate in the Whitworth Legacy Circle or other Curebound funds can choose to establish a gift through one of the following ways: Will or living trust, IRA rollover, charitable remainder or lead trust, charitable gift annuity, retirement plan or life insurance policy
“The Whitworth Legacy Circle is a testament to the Whitworth family’s commitment to finding cures for cancer in our lifetime,” said Curebound Chief Science Advisor Ezra Cohen in a news release. “His legacy is one of hope, sacrifice, and a belief that progress, even when it doesn’t serve oneself, will shape a brighter future for others.”
For more information about joining the Whitworth Legacy Circle, contact Heather Dean-Presnall, senior director of stewardship and development operations at heather@curebound.org or call (619) 314.5834.