Named in honor of activist investor Ralph Whitworth, the new Curebound philanthropic group led by his wife Fernanda Whitworth is committed to funding advanced cancer treatment studies and welcomes visionary philanthropists who dream of a world without cancer

Those who knew San Diego activist investor Ralph Whitworth remember him as a man of remarkable contrasts and depth – attorney, successful businessman, car enthusiast, and a devoted music afficionado (he once brought the Rolling Stones to the Belly Up in San Diego for a private concert). He built a career turning around companies such as Home Depot and HP. As co-founder of Relational Investors with approximately $6 billion in assets, he focused on troubled enterprises and pushed relentlessly for change until progress was made. A true visionary, Ralph was driven by big ideas and brought that passion to the philanthropic causes he cared about. He was a dedicated warrior in the fight against cancer until the disease took his life in 2016. He is deeply missed, but his vision lives on through Curebound’s work to advance lifesaving cancer research.

Today, Fernanda Whitworth is opening up the Curebound Whitworth Legacy Circle to new philanthropist members who share her and Ralph’s vision of funding innovative cancer studies that others might shy away from – research and clinical trials by talented teams that could have a major impact on the treatment of many types of cancers.

October 21 – 27 is National Estate Planning Awareness Week, a national campaign encouraging people to update their estate plans and consider planned giving, a perfect time to create awareness of the Whitworth Legacy Circle and its opportunities for those who want to fund innovative cancer research with a planned gift.

“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,” says 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. In 2015, she and Ralph founded the Immunotherapy Foundation, a non-profit that later merged with Padres Pedal the Cause to form Curebound, and has collectively invested over $37 million in innovative cancer research. The previous year, the couple worked with UC San Diego to build the Advanced Cell Therapy Lab, a renowned rare cell-processing laboratory that was the first of its kind on the West Coast, laying the foundation for a center of excellence at UC San Diego for immunotherapy.

Ralph knew that the work they were doing to advance cancer immunotherapy wouldn’t come in time to help him, but was unwavering and selfless in his commitment, driven by the knowledge that his efforts would benefit the next generation.

Curebound Chief Science Advisor Ezra Cohen, MD, who treated Ralph during his cancer journey says, “The Whitworth Legacy Circle is a testament to the Whitworth family’s commitment to finding cures for cancer in our lifetime. 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.”

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
• Life insurance policy

Whitworth is looking forward to celebrating Ralph’s passion for music at Curebound’s upcoming Concert for Cures in Spring 2025. In the past two years, Curebound has brought celebrated artists Ed Sheeran and Alicia Keys to the stage for the highly successful benefit concert series raising funds for cancer research in San Diego.

“Music is a uniting force that brings people together in a powerful and meaningful way. We are excited for the 2025 Concert for Cures where the Whitworth Legacy Circle members will be there front and center, honoring Ralph’s memory while celebrating the progress we’re making to improve cancer treatments,” she says.

For more information about joining the Whitworth Legacy Circle, contact Heather Dean-Presnall, Senior Director of Stewardship + Development Operations at heather@curebound.org or call 619.314.5834.

About Curebound

Curebound is a philanthropic organization that invests in cancer research with the power to save lives. Through collaborative grants, corporate partnerships, and strategic investments, Curebound’s aim is to significantly accelerate better prevention, detection, and treatments for cancer. Headquartered in the major U.S. biotech hub of San Diego, amid 3,000+ life sciences companies, leading health systems, and world-class research institutions, Curebound partners with these organizations to forge interdisciplinary collaboration, foster knowledge sharing, and fund pioneering cancer research. So far, Curebound has funded $37+ million in cancer research, awarding 123 study grants for 17 types of pediatric and adult cancers with one vision: cures in our lifetime. Join us - www.curebound.org.

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