As most of our readers know, the Post’s Q&A column, “RSF Take Five,” highlights members of the community who are doing great works by asking them five questions — just enough to intrigue and inspire over an afternoon cuppa clasped in your “I Heart RSF” mug (or modern parlance’s 40-ounce Stanley).
Today our column features long-time Covenant member, Fernanda Whitworth, who continues the fight against cancer in honor of her late husband, Ralph, whose legacy is now known as much if not more for philanthropic contributions to advancing cancer research than pioneering activist investments on Wall Street.
From her own personal experience of the challenges and loss that too often accompany a cancer diagnosis, Mrs. Whitworth strives for a future where the next generation no longer endures the profound hopelessness and inevitable devastation after hearing one or someone you love has cancer. Through co-founding the non-profit, Curebound, Mrs. Whitworth is dedicated to funding groundbreaking research with the power to change once-heartbreaking outcomes and save lives.
As a Co-Founder, Mrs. Whitworth also serves on the Board of Directors and Co-Chairs Curebound’s Concert for Cures with Amy Koman (also a Co-Founder of Curebound). She shares exciting updates on the upcoming benefit concert and Cancer Challenge.
RL: Tell me about Curebound
FW: In 2015, Ralph and I founded the ImmunotherapyFoundation, a non-profit that later merged with Padres Pedal the Cause to form Curebound. While Ralph knew that the work we were doing to advance cancer immunotherapy wouldn’t come in time to help him, he was unwavering in his commitment and driven by the knowledge that our efforts would benefit the next generation.
We’re seeing real progress every day. The work happening here and across the country will benefit not only our children, but also future generations who may face the same frightening diagnosis that we did.
RL: What is Curebound’s Concert for Cures?
FW: Concert for Cures is Curebound’s signature benefit concert series. Since its launch in 2022, Concert for Cures has raised more than $8.5 million to fund early-phase adult and pediatric cancer research among Southern California’s top research institutions. Previous headliners include Alicia Keys with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and Ed Sheeran performing to sold-out crowds at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park.
Curebound co-founder Amy Koman and I have co-chaired the concert since its inception, and we are thrilled and proud to be growing the event to have an even larger impact. This year, the Concert for Cures expands to Petco Park on Friday, May 9, for an incredible night of music and hope with one of the world’s most beloved and celebrated artists of all time, Elton John. You can purchase tickets by clicking on the following link: Curebound Concert for Cures 2025 Elton John.
It’s going to be pretty amazing!
RL: What do you most want Rancho Santa Fe residents to know about Curebound and the fight against cancer?
FW: Our aim with Curebound is to accelerate better methods of prevention, detection, and treatments for cancer. We are fortunate to be headquartered here amongst a major U.S. biotech hub, with 3,000+ life sciences companies, leading health systems, and world-class research institutions, including Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, Salk Institute, Sanford Burnham Prebys, Rady Children’s Hospital, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, and Scripps Research. We are focused on partnership and collaboration between organizations for knowledge sharing, to bring the best scientists together and fund pioneering research.
So far, Curebound has invested $43 million to support cancer research. We have awarded 142 study grants for 23 types of pediatric and adult cancers. We want to get to patients as quickly as possible.
RL: Are there other ways for the community to get involved and support Curebound?
FW: I hope everyone in the community will join us for the Curebound Concert on Friday, May 9. You don’t want to miss Elton John here in San Diego!
Later this year, Curebound will launch its new Cancer Challenge on August 2 at UC San Diego. The Challenge is a great way for everyone to get involved – bike, run, walk, spin and join the fight against cancer. Registration is already open and there are so many ways to participate.
Additionally, those who choose to make a gift intention with Curebound Whitworth Legacy Circle, are welcomed as members of this group, with the long-term vision of accelerating cures for cancer. There are numerous benefits of becoming a member, but most importantly the Legacy Circle helps advance Curebound’s vision of a world without cancer.
RL: What are you most excited about when it comes to the future?
FW: We are already making an impact and there is so much advancement in San Diego already.
To be siloed in the fight against cancer is counterproductive. No one scientist, institution or discipline can do it alone. And we have some of the best in San Diego, with the city among the top three biopharma cities in the U.S. The best ideas happen when the people work together, establish connections, and forge collaboration.
That’s why we are focused on fostering knowledge, sharing across the entire community, and serving as a catalyst to accelerate collaborative research at all stages of cancer research. I think Ralph would be proud of the progress that we are making.
To learn more about Curebound, please email info@curebound.org or visit www.curebound.org. As noted above, to purchase tickets for this year’s Curebound concert with Elton John, please click on this hyperlink: Curebound Concert for Cures 2025 Elton John.