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Key people at Curebound.
Curebound is a San Diego, California-based philanthropic organization that raises and invests capital into collaborative, translational cancer research projects to accelerate clinical applications and potential cures. Operating as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity, the organization has raised over $43 million to date and funded more than 143 grants across 37 distinct research projects totaling $14.5 million. The group has publicly committed to raising and investing $100 million over a decade into regional oncology research initiatives and clinical trials. Curebound allocates its funding through strategic partnerships with major scientific institutions, including UC San Diego, the Salk Institute, Scripps Research, and Rady Children’s Hospital. The organization was founded in 2021 by the Koman family and Ralph and Fernanda Whitworth through the merger of their respective predecessor entities, with Anne Marbarger serving as the founding chief executive officer.
Curebound is a San Diego-based 501(c)(3) philanthropic organization that raises funds and invests in translational cancer research projects to accelerate discoveries into clinical applications and cures.[1][2] Its mission is to mobilize the San Diego community to achieve cures for cancer in our lifetime, with a commitment to invest $100 million in collaborative research across five pillars: prevention and diagnostic tools, novel therapeutic approaches, immunotherapies and personalized vaccines, cancer equities, and pediatric cancers.[1][2][4][6] Curebound partners with top institutions like Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, Salk Institute, Sanford Burnham Prebys, Rady Children’s Hospital, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, and Scripps Research, funding innovative grants that have totaled over $51.5 million, sparking new clinical trials, publications, and $161 million in follow-on funding.[3][4]
The organization emphasizes collaboration among physician-scientists, clinical researchers, and basic scientists, with recent awards including $8.5 million for 23 studies via programs like Catalyst Grants (up to $250,000 for high-risk ideas), Targeted Grants ($500,000 for near-clinical projects), Equity Grants for underserved communities, and the $1 million+ Cure Prize for bold innovations.[3][6] Financially robust, Curebound reported $10.4 million in revenue (mostly contributions and events) against $12.5 million in expenses, with $9.9 million directed to programs.[1]
Curebound launched in 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic by uniting two respected cancer organizations: Padres Pedal the Cause and the Immunotherapy Foundation (IF), both founded by families impacted by cancer.[2][5] The IF was established in 2015 by Ralph and Fernanda Whitworth to advance precision cancer immunotherapy; Ralph passed away from cancer in 2016, but IF contributed over $5.5 million to research, prevention, and patient support before merging.[2] Founding CEO Anne Marbarger led the integration, building on this personal drive for cures.[5]
Key leaders include co-founder and board members like CEO of Koman Group (co-founder), Dean of Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, Co-Chairman of Westcore, and Chief Investment Officer of Boxer Capital.[2] Marbarger recently transitioned, with Robin Toft appointed as new CEO effective January 1, 2026—a colon cancer survivor focused on research innovation—while Marbarger joins the board.[5] Early traction came from community events and grants, rapidly scaling to 143+ awards and $43+ million invested by 2025.[5]
Curebound rides the wave of precision oncology and immunotherapy breakthroughs, leveraging San Diego's ecosystem of NCI-designated centers, biotech firms, VCs, and philanthropists to bridge basic research and commercialization.[2][4] Timing aligns with surging demand for translational funding post-COVID, where collaborative models accelerate therapies amid rising cancer incidence and immunotherapy advances (e.g., personalized vaccines).[2][3] Market forces like NCI priorities, venture interest in oncology, and equity mandates favor its pillars, influencing the ecosystem by de-risking high-potential projects—generating trials, startups, and $161M follow-on—while fostering regional collaboration that draws national talent and investment.[3][4]
Curebound is poised to hit its $100M investment goal through expanded fundraising, corporate ties, and leadership under new CEO Robin Toft, targeting sustainable growth via major gifts and donor retention.[2][5] Trends like AI-driven diagnostics, multi-omic immunotherapies, and pediatric/equity-focused trials will shape its portfolio, potentially scaling impact as grants yield more cures and spinouts.[3][4][6] Its influence may evolve from regional catalyst to national model, uniting communities to outpace cancer's trajectory and deliver on the promise of cures in our lifetime.[2][4]
Key people at Curebound.
