The Isabella Santos Foundation (ISF) Shuck Cancer event, held at the Savannah Oyster Company on May 22, 2024, was a fun and transformative evening of community support. With over 150 attendees, the event raised more than $44,000, showcasing the generosity of the Lake Norman community in the fight against pediatric cancer. The event was co-chaired by a fantastic group of individuals, including Lisa and James Combs, Tana and Mike Greene, Jason Tuton, and Ginger and John Wagoner.
Jason Tuton, owner of Savannah Oyster Company, has been a steadfast supporter of ISF. This was the second time he hosted an event, with the first being at Barrel and Fork, where they raised just over $36,000. His commitment to ISF and its mission is evident not only through hosting these events but also through his numerous sponsorships for various ISF activities and his membership in the Three Wish Society. Reflecting on the success of the event, Tuton remarked:
“I’ve been involved with ISF for about seven years now, and I’ve watched from afar and up close the incredible impact they are making on the quality of life for the child patient and their families. It’s an unbelievable daily undertaking and mandates absolute participation from the communities in which it operates. At its very essence, it’s the community helping its children. I can’t think of anything more important. As a long-time Lake Norman resident and business owner, it’s been a passion of mine to bring awareness and gain support from this incredible community for this cause. I believe we are just now scratching the surface of what this community can truly do to impact ISF and, ultimately, pediatric cancer.”
Jason Tuton’s involvement serves as a reminder of how the business community can actively engage in community-focused causes. As Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month approaches in September, ISF is launching a 30-day campaign providing numerous ways for individuals and businesses to support the mission. This initiative is a testament to ISF’s ongoing efforts to rally community support and ensure that every child battling cancer has access to the best possible care and treatment.
Since its inception in 2007, the Isabella Santos Foundation has been at the forefront of the battle against rare pediatric cancers. To date, ISF has raised over $14 million towards expanding research and treatment options, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow for families fighting cancer. Their commitment to establishing the Carolinas as a global hub for children with solid tumors and rare cancers is evident as they fund more cutting-edge treatments and compassionate care across North and South Carolina through the TORCH Initiative.
As ISF continues to grow and expand its reach, the steadfast support from the business community and individual philanthropists, such as Jason Tuton and the event co-chairs, serves as a powerful reminder that our local communities can play a part in creating transformational outcomes for rare cancer heroes.
