Kate Amato Foundation (KAF) is shining a light on the power of kindness and the urgency of research, aiming to raise an additional $75,000 by Nov. 30, 2025, to hit the $1 million milestone in total grant funding at some of the nation’s leading pediatric cancer research centers.
At the same time, the foundation remains committed to Kate’s Kindness Project, which delivered care packages to Wolfson Children’s Hospital and Nemours Children’s Health in September — a tradition since 2020 that brings comfort and hope to young patients, their families and health care heroes.
Together, these efforts reflect Kate’s legacy: Uplifting children today while funding the life-saving research that will change their tomorrow.
So Close to $1 Million
With just $75,000 left to raise, Kate Amato Foundation is on the brink of a remarkable impact in the fight against pediatric cancer, advocating for children everywhere: $1 million in grants awarded to some of the nation’s most innovative pediatric research centers.
Their annual grant announcement day is on Dec. 10, Kate’s birthday, and every dollar donated to the One Million, One Mission campaign directly fuels cutting-edge pediatric cancer research, giving hope to children and families facing the toughest battles of their lives.
By joining this mission, supporters can help close the gap and bring lifesaving progress closer to reality.
$775K Awarded to Leading Research Labs
As of December 2024, KAF awarded $775,000 in grants to support pioneering scientists and research labs dedicated to finding safer, more effective treatments for children with cancer, including Duke University, Dana Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard Medical School, UCLA, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), The University of Colorado, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Cancer Research Hospital, The University of Buffalo and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
This year, KAF aims to distribute $225,000 to reach the $1 million milestone to honor what would have been Kate’s 21st birthday.
“As Kate’s parents, we witnessed firsthand how desperately children and families need better answers,” said Lisa and Jeff Amato, founders of Kate Amato Foundation. “Each grant represents not just funding, but an investment in hope, in brighter outcomes and in the possibility of a future where kids don’t have to face the same fight Kate did.”
The Funding Shortfall in Pediatric Cancer Research
Sources: American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, Children’s Oncology Group, CureSearch Foundation, Laurie Orloski, PharmD and Joe Baber, 2015
Kate’s Kindness Project
As part of its mission to support children facing cancer, KAF delivers care packages and gifts throughout September through Kate’s Kindness Project to Wolfson Children’s Hospital and Nemours Children’s Health.
Since the initiative’s inception in 2020, KAF has delivered more than 450 care packages, bringing support and encouragement to young patients, their families and the healtcare heroes who care for them every day.
Assembled and delivered by dedicated volunteers, this initiative demonstrates the foundation’s commitment to spreading care and compassion alongside critical research.
