Comunale Cancer Foundation
About the Foundation
In April of 2006, the Comunale Cancer Foundation was founded in Akron, Ohio by the Comunale family and friends to honor the memory of Stephen A. Comunale, Jr. who fought a courageous battle against cancer. A year later, his aunt, Amy Comunale Klein was diagnosed with cancer. In August 2011, Stephen’s loving mother passed away after a brave fight with cancer. The Foundation lives in memory of Stephen, Amy and Jane.
Since the Foundation’s inception, we have directly impacted 35,000 individuals touched by cancer across Medina, Portage, Stark, and Summit, Ohio counties. By the end of 2025, the Foundation is projected to have distributed over FIVE MILLION DOLLARS in direct financial assistance and partner programing. Our goal is to assist as many individuals and families as possible in a small way. Putting a smile on someone’s face, even for just a few minutes, means we have achieved our goal.
Most Recent Updates
Bridging the Gap of Food Insecurity in Cancer Patients: Read More
04/15/2025
An interview with Sarah Voijtek, President & CEO of Stewart’s Caring Place Colleen Iacianci (CI): Thanks so much for joining me today to talk about the Comunale Cancer Foundation Food Pantry at Stewart’s...
The Event 2023: Broadway Nights: Read More
The Event 2023: Broadway Nights
10/25/2024
Under a cool September sky Akron welcomed “The Midtown Men” — cast of the original Jersey Boys, amongst 800 other close family and friends. The Event, a biennial celebration, supports the Foundation’s grant givin...
Comunale Cancer Foundation 2023 Impact Report: Read More
Comunale Cancer Foundation 2023 Impact Report
10/25/2024
The Comunale Cancer Foundation distributed $295,000 in financial grants to 620 individuals living or receiving treatment in 2023. Read the report for more information.
Local News: Comunale Family Foundation will host its annual fundraiser to help those navigating cancer: Read More
Local News: Comunale Family Foundation will host its annual fundraiser to help those navigating cancer
07/18/2023
Check out this article by Mimi Magazine written by Mary Malik featuring the history of the Comunale Family Foundation and The Event. Below is an excerpt from “The Stephen A. Comunale Jr. Family Cancer Foundation wi...
Comunale Cancer Foundation 2022 Impact Report: Read More
Comunale Cancer Foundation 2022 Impact Report
03/15/2023
In 2022, we distributed $294,000 in financial grants to 900 individuals living or receiving treatment in Summit County. Read the report for more information.
Local News: Four Leaf Clover Run In Akron To Raise Funds To Fight Cancer, Support Patients: Read More
Local News: Four Leaf Clover Run In Akron To Raise Funds To Fight Cancer, Support Patients
09/22/2022
We were proud to partner with Project Ed Bear for the sixth annual Four Leaf Clover Run/Walk and Family Fun Run. The event received local news coverage courtesy of The Akron Beacon Journal.
Local News: Comunale Foundation Supports Area Cancer Patients: Read More
Local News: Comunale Foundation Supports Area Cancer Patients
08/05/2022
Our foundation's past, present and future goals were the subject of a news article featured on Akron.com.
Comunale Cancer Foundation 2021 Impact Report: Read More
Comunale Cancer Foundation 2021 Impact Report
07/13/2022
In 2021, we distributed over $220,000 in financial grants to 760 individuals living or receiving treatment in Summit County. Read the report for more information.
The Event 2018: Forever in Blue Jeans: Read More
The Event 2018: Forever in Blue Jeans
02/19/2021
Event 2018: Forever in Blue Jeans was certainly a night to remember with 900 of our closest friends. Guests donned their best New York chic denim and were welcomed guests with fire breathers and acrobatic performers from...
The Event 2016: Havana Nights: Read More
The Event 2016: Havana Nights
02/01/2021
A record number of attendees came out on October 1st to The Event: Havana Nights. Guests were greeted with signature mojitos, a stilt walker, magician, and acoustic guitar. The large outdoor tent was speckled with pops o...
The Event 2014: Club C: Read More
The Event 2014: Club C
01/01/2021
The night began with house made mojitos by Beau’s Grille as guests arrived at the home of Steve Comunale. Guests then walked into an airy, colorful, and welcoming tent designed by Mary McBride of the Hilton Akron/Fairl...
Comunale Cancer Foundation:
From loss to legacy: Read More
Comunale Cancer Foundation:
From loss to legacy: Read More
Comunale Cancer Foundation:
From loss to legacy
12/15/2020
Members of the Comunale family channeled profound sorrow into a foundation that is making a significant impact in the lives of cancer patients This story originally appeared in the Winter 2020 edition of Promise magazine...
Comunale Cancer Foundation hands out grants: Read More
Comunale Cancer Foundation hands out grants
05/16/2019
By Beacon Journal/Ohio.com Updated May 16, 2019 at 5:37 PM Full Article The Stephen A. Comunale Jr. Family Cancer Foundation will distribute $375,000 in grants this year to help individuals facing economic struggle...
Comunale Foundation contributing to local families battling cancer: Read More
Comunale Foundation contributing to local families battling cancer
09/21/2016
The Stephen A. Comunale, Jr. Family Cancer Foundation has announced record-high grant allocations. The Foundation is dedicated to helping patients and families that incur high medical costs and job interruption or loss d...
Loved one’s cancer loss lives on to help others through family foundation: Read More
Loved one’s cancer loss lives on to help others through family foundation
10/25/2015
On Saturday, Oct. 31, the Stephen A. Comunale, Jr., Family Cancer Foundation is hosting its fourth Spin For Life fundraising event in the Grand Ballroom at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and ...