Mission
We are a not-for-profit foundation, created by the European Cancer Organisation (ECO) in March 2023. We benefit from ECO’s extensive relationships across the full spectrum of cancer care.
Working with oncology professionals to patient advocates, we draw on a wealth of experience from ECO’s Focused Topic Networks, including: Prevention, Early Detection and Screening; Quality Cancer Care; Survivorship and Quality of Life; and so much more.
No other foundation has such broad and deep roots within the European cancer community.
We are dedicated to saving lives and improving the well-being of those touched by cancer – patients, survivors, caregivers and loved ones. We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality cancer care, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, income level, or geographic location. And we are committed to breaking down barriers preventing that.
Governance
We offer vital support to efforts making cancer care more effective, efficient, equitable and inclusive in Europe.
Our mission is to support smaller organisations and projects, smaller medical societies and patient groups, that make a meaningful difference yet often lack the resources to campaign for funds. Our assistance will ensure these innovative non-profits survive, allowing them to bring new ideas and opportunities to life.
The Foundation, governed by a panel of experts in various cancer fields, will also propose new, innovative projects and invite the cancer community to apply for the necessary funding.
Andreas Charalambous
Founder & Chair
Csaba Dégi
Vice-chair
Nicolò Battisti
Board Member
Mirjam Crul
Board Member
Julie Fitzsimmins
Board Member
Elisabetta Zanon
Executive Director
Advisory Group
The Advisory Group provides strategic guidance, leveraging networks and supporting fundraising efforts.
Members of the Advisory Group, all volunteers, include:
- Patrick Bontinck – CEO, Visit.Brussels
- Thomas Gelin – Executive Director, International Affairs, EFPIA
- Penilla Gunther – Member, EU Cancer Mission Board
- Waldemar Jakunin – Engineer at Porsche AG, Cancer Survivor
- Mike Morrissey – MSD Associate Vice President, Global Public Policy, Europe & Canada Hub Leader, and former CEO European Cancer Organisation
- Tom Parker – Former Chairman, Cambre & Former President, British Chamber of Commerce in EU
- Paul Singh – Founder, EEDN
- Stephen Taylor – Vice President of Business Development, Konovo
Transparency
And cancer organisations are too numerous to count. Most are focused on a specific country, or specialty, or tumour type. The European Cancer Community Foundation transcends national borders and medical boundaries. We are not limited in our scope. We provide grants to the worthiest organisations across Europe and across all types of cancer.