We are so thrilled to introduce Autumn Ghigiarelli, Executive Director, and Vincent Carrano, Director of Development & Engagement, as the two newest Emily Whitehead Foundation team members to join our staff full-time.
"We feel incredibly proud to have hired two people with such a passion and drive to help more people survive cancer. Both Autumn and Vinny had inquired about joining our team at the perfect time and we don’t feel like we could have brought in two better people with the highest hard-work ethic and incredible morals," says Tom Whitehead, Co-founder.
"We have no limits as to what we can achieve together. With their help, we will continue to grow our foundation into an internationally recognized pediatric cancer immunotherapy non-profit helping families globally."
Autumn joins us with prior non-profit experience as a House Operations Manager with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Washington D.C. and Guest Services Assistant with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Cincinnati. Autumn has volunteered with the Emily Whitehead Foundation since our founding, participated as an Emily Whitehead Foundation charity runner in the Pittsburgh Marathon and Philadelphia Marathon, and served as Family Relations Chair for our inaugural Emily Whitehead Foundation Believe Ball in 2017.
I am inspired to be one small part of a team of individuals with integrity, tenacity, and pluck who value every member of that team and are working together to alter a course that has too long remained unchanged. From the manufacturers creating the tools, to researchers and doctors, to lawmakers funding the research, and nonprofits raising awareness and funds - we are all sprinting toward the edge of what we think is possible to achieve what must be possible: a cure.
Autumn Ghigiarelli
Vincent (Vinny) is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and joins us with prior non-profit experience as a Campaign Manager for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Eastern PA Chapter. Vinny has also previously volunteered his time to the Emily Whitehead Foundation and will be participating as an Emily Whitehead Foundation charity runner in the upcoming 2019 Philadelphia Marathon.
As Director of Development & Engagement, Vinny is responsible for the development of fundraising and engagement strategies to grow the base of philanthropic support and increase public awareness of the Emily Whitehead Foundation.
When we say “activate the cure” it means we are out here spreading awareness, raising funds for research, and being a shining light for these children and families as they journey through their battle. The strength and courage that these children have who are battling cancer is what really inspires me. I feel motivated to keep fighting and keep working hard for all of these children and their families.
Vincent Carrano
Interested in getting involved with the Emily Whitehead Foundation? Visit our Get Involved page to discover volunteer opportunities, or Contact Us.