Staff Report
Since 1949, Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara has been committed to providing the finest cancer care 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 his family, friends and other members of the community, the AJM Fund recently surpassed $2 million.
Cancer care is often expensive and leaves many Santa Barbara residents unable to afford potentially life-saving 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 the 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.
