Our Mission
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.
Every individual’s circumstances differ and so do their needs. Accordingly, our Foundation’s Individual Grant Giving Program, which is our largest Foundation program, is designed to react quickly to alleviate these day-to-day financial burdens. By alleviating such financial burdens, the Foundation’s efforts allow families coping with a cancer diagnosis to focus on what is most important – the emotional and physical care of the family member afflicted with cancer. Individuals and families may request support by completing our grant application and sharing their story. The Foundation’s Distribution Committee confidentially reviews grant applications twice a week and often responds within 48 hours. All payments are made directly to the vendor/s.
The Foundation has established a number of core programs including a Summer Horse Camps for Kids, a Holiday Meals Program, and Jane’s Sunshine Bags. In addition, we’ve developed programs with area agencies and hospitals in order to support wrap around services for those touched by cancer including two Food Pantries; a Wig Boutique and Art Therapy Programs with Cleveland Clinic Akron General; and Renewal Nook with Wig Salon and Integrative Therapies at Summa Barberton.
Since the Foundation’s inception in 2009, 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.
