Executive Summary

Dani's Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which was formed in 1999.  The Foundation is named after Daniele (Dani) Stell, who died of cancer in April 1999.  Dani was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer called Ewing's Sarcoma when she was 18 years old.  She fought her battle with cancer for over 16 months.

Dani's Foundation was formed in her memory with the main focus to find the cause and the cure for Ewing's Sarcoma, the type of cancer she had, and to support young people and their families/caregivers who are also involved in battling life-threatening diseases.   

As the Foundation grew, the major emphasis has evolved and today Dani's Foundation is committed to expanded programs for early detection, the development of better treatment protocols and ultimately to assist in funding research that will find the cause and the cure for Ewing's Sarcoma and the Ewing's Family of Tumors.  In addition to these points of purpose, Dani's Foundation will continue to work on the establishments of building bridges of information for patients, professionals and the public at large.  By working in tandem with all parties, Dani's Foundation can assist in raising public awareness and necessary funding for Ewing's Sarcoma, the Ewing's Family of Tumors and other "boutique" pediatric cancers that are taking the lives of too many of our children. 

Dani's Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors, and also an Advisory Board of professionals.  There is also a Medical Advisory Board in place, which began in 2007. 

Members of the Dani's Foundation Board of Directors are:

Founder & President

Michele Ashby

Vice President, Keith Ashby

Secretary, Claudia Cruz

Treasurer, Timothy Bishop

Assistant Treasurer, Carla Cervi

Members

Christian Bailey

Steve Kregstein

Kimbirly Orr

Patti Pansa

Staci Sanford

John Stell

Kate Ziminski

Executive Director

Martha Simmons

The Board of Directors meets quarterly to discuss the business of the Foundation.  The Advisory Board and Medical Advisory Board meet twice a year and review the business of the Foundation and make recommendations for new projects.  Grant awards are decided by the Board of Directors at the end of each year.

Professional Board of Advisors

Don Mitchell, Chairman

Ty Ricker, Giving Technology, Fort Collins, CO

The Professional Board of Advisors meets twice a year to review the progress of the Foundation and to make recommendations for new projects.

Medical Advisory Board Members

Dr. Jeff Toretsky, Chairman   

Associate Professor, Department of Oncology and Pediatrics, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Silver Springs, MD

Dr. Kenna S. Ducey-Clark, DC, PC

Falling Leaves Clinic, Denver, CO

Dr. Henry Heimlich, MD, ScD

Cincinnati, OH

Dr. Don Kitchen

Dr. Catherine Kunst

Dr. Marina Papirova, PhD

Dr. Misty Rowe

Dr. Larry Wiese, Managing Partner

Therapheresis, Inc., San Diego, CA

The Medical Advisory Board, which began in 2007, meets annually.  This volunteer board of medical and scientific professionals, is charged with reviewing research progress on EWS, collaborating on ideas for improved diagnostic practices and treatments - while searching for the cause and the cure for Ewing's Sarcoma and the Ewing's Family of Tumors.