About the Foundation 

In April of 2006, the Stephen A. Comunale, Jr. Family 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.  The Foundation now lives in memory of both Amy and Stephen.   

Every individual's circumstances differ and so do their needs.  Accordingly, our Foundation's grant 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 cancer 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 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. 

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.

Examples of what we fund:

• Mortgage or Rent Payments
• Necessary Utility Bills
• Day Care Costs
• Transportation Costs
• Funding for Food and/or Clothing
• The List Continues...

In 2008, the Foundation assisted over 100 local individuals and families by providing roughly $75,000 in grant funding.  Our hopes are to increase the number of people helped and the amount of money given in 2009. 

 Testimonies

"Your Foundation's hands-on approach to providing immediate financial assistance without the hassle of loopholes or mountains of paperwork enables families to focus on healing and spending time together rather than worrying about where their next utility bill payment will come from." 

~ Sarah Friebert, M.D., FAAPDirector, Pediatric Palliative Care, Akron Children's Hospital