Since 1949, Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara has been committed to providing the finest cancer care for our community through the recruitment of highly trained oncology physicians, the acquisition of new technology and active participation in clinical research. Along with Sansum Clinic, the Foundation’s key role in development of the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center was one of the most significant achievements in the organization’s 70 year history.
An additional core aspect of the Foundation’s mission is to ensure access to today’s best cancer care for everyone in our community regardless of their ability to pay. Ridley-Tree Cancer Center’s capacity to deliver on this commitment was strengthened in 2011 with the establishment of the AJM Endowment Fund for Patient Assistance, created in honor of Art Merovick for his many years of service to the Foundation. Through the generosity of Art’s family, friends and members of our community, the AJM Fund recently surpassed the $2 million mark. As the need for this charitable support continues to grow, the extraordinary success of the fund will enable the Cancer Center to continue providing the finest cancer care to patients who are unable to cover the cost of their treatment or who are not adequately covered by Medicare and insurance.
Cancer care is often expensive and leaves many Santa Barbara residents unable to afford potentially lifesaving treatments. Support of the AJM Fund means that world-class care offered by the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center’s medical team will continue to be available to everyone in our community who faces a cancer diagnosis, allowing them to focus on their recovery without the burden of the inevitable accompanying financial challenges.
In 2018, the Cancer Foundation provided $150,000 from the AJM Fund for financial support of more than 970 patients. Thank you to all who have supported this effort, allowing us to continue to deliver on our commitment to the Santa Barbara community.
About the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara
The Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara is a non-profit 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation and has been the financial partner of the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center at Sansum Clinic since its inception in 1949. What began with a gift from Elisha Converse of a one-million volt x-ray machine — one of seven in the country at the time — has grown into more than a half-century commitment to unparalleled cancer care for residents on the central coast. For the past 66 years, thanks to the generosity of patients, foundations and supporters, the Cancer Foundation and its trustees have provided steadfast vision, leadership and support to ensure superior cancer care is available to everyone in Santa Barbara County regardless of means.