This year, the Daniela Conte Foundation is honored to receive a $20,125 grant from Subaru's 14th Annual Share the Love Event. This annual fundraising event has donated over $225 million to local and national charities since it began in 2008. Hasset Subaru of Wantagh, NY chose DCF as their hometown charity and beneficiary for this year’s campaign.
“There is no Butterfly Band-Aid that can make cancer better,” you tell your child. As these words escape your lips, your little one’s eyes glisten and their tiny mind tries to understand.
Some version of this heart-wrenching horror will play out in the homes of the 15,000 American children diagnosed with cancer this year. These pediatric patients will brave hammering rounds of toxic treatments, while their critical support system – their families – juggle medical expenses and mortgage notes. The National Institutes for Health reports that the cost of childhood cancer treatment in the United States begins at $833,000.
“Being a caregiver to a sick child is a full-time job,” said Katia Conte, President and Co-Founder of the Daniela Conte Foundation. “There are no benefits or pay for those who take on this role to help their child survive.”
Ninety-four percent of parents cut their working hours to care for their sick children, reducing income at a time when financial obligations skyrocket. A 2020 NIH study details the precarious impact of the situation, noting that the risk of a family falling below the poverty line in response to cancer treatment costs is higher for pediatric cancer patients than adult patients. The study also notes that these families are often forced to make critical treatment decisions based on cost, resulting in less-than-desirable outcomes. These are the stresses shouldered by parents while they try to emotionally support their children during the fight of their lives.
The not-for-profit Daniela Conte Foundation is committed to supporting childhood cancer research and awareness, including the search for less-toxic treatment options. The Daniela Conte Foundation also provides direct support to families facing financial hardship and offers memorial cost assistance.
Through Subaru of America’s Share the Love Event, Subaru customers directed a portion of their purchase price to charitable organizations. A $20,125 award was made to the Daniela Conte Foundation, and the foundation has announced that these crucial funds will lessen the burdens shouldered by local families who are fighting through the tangled web of childhood cancer.
Whether assistance is sought for medical co-pays, or basic needs like gas, groceries, or utilities, the Daniela Conte Foundation offers a financial lifeline for families whose children are battling cancer, and through the support of Subaru and their customers, their reach will expand.
“Cancer doesn't only affect the child; it affects the entire family and thanks to this grant, we can look forward to doing more great things,” Katia Conte said.
About the Daniela Conte Foundation
The Daniela Conte Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded in 2020 by Daniela's parents, Anthony and Katia Conte to honor the life of their eldest daughter, Daniela. Daniela was 8-years old in 2020 when she lost her battle to Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of childhood cancer. The mission of the Daniela Conte Foundation is committed to providing financial assistance to families of children with cancer, raise awareness for pediatric cancer and help find a cure by funding Rhabdomyosarcoma research at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
To learn more visit, danielacontefoundation.org.