WINSTON ELY

Originally published by PR Newswire, November 20, 2025.

Bridge To A Cure Foundation announces the appointment of Winston Ely to its Board of Directors. Ely, a Brooklyn-based designer and developer, brings more than 30 years of experience in architecture, sustainable design, and community-focused development.

Ely is the Owner and Creative Director of WE Design and Founder of WE Develop, where he leads residential and mixed-use projects with an emphasis on thoughtful planning and environmental responsibility. He also serves as a Green Infrastructure Fellow for the Design Trust for Public Space, contributing expertise to efforts focused on improving stormwater management and water quality across New York City.

Ely’s appointment to the organization’s Board of Directors carries personal meaning. Bridge To A Cure Foundation was established in memory of his daughter, Clara Ely, whose life continues to inspire the organization’s mission to accelerate progress in childhood cancer research through data integration, collaboration, and innovation.

“Winston brings valuable perspective as both a parent and an experienced leader in systems-based problem-solving,” said Bob Martin, Founder and Chair of Bridge To A Cure Foundation. “His insight will support our efforts to expand collaboration and strengthen the infrastructure needed to advance more effective pediatric brain cancer research.”

As a member of the Board, Ely will support strategic planning and governance efforts that align with the foundation’s focus on driving scientific collaboration and improving outcomes for children facing brain cancer.

“I am honored to join the Board of Bridge To A Cure Foundation in Clara’s memory,” shared Ely. “I look forward to contributing to efforts that connect people, data, and ideas to help accelerate meaningful progress for children and families affected by cancer.”

Ely resides in Brooklyn with his wife, Tricia Martin, and their children, Keira and Yeimer. He holds a BA in Art and Environmental Design from the University of Vermont and a Master’s in Architecture from the University of Oregon.

About Bridge To A Cure Foundation

Bridge To A Cure Foundation is accelerating the pace of childhood cancer research by championing data integration, collaboration, and innovation. By breaking down silos and investing in platforms that connect researchers, clinicians, and families, the foundation strives to ensure that every child and family can benefit from the full power of science, technology, and shared knowledge. To learn more, visit BridgeToACure.org.

Investment fuels innovative cloud-based technologies to fast-track new treatments and cures for children battling brain tumors.

Bridge To A Cure Foundation announces that it has awarded $200,000 to empower the leading-edge data-driven discovery work of the Children’s Brain Tumor Network (CBTN). CBTN will use this investment to develop advanced artificial intelligence (AI)- powered tools to simplify electronic health records (EHR) data extraction and analysis, setting the stage for groundbreaking advancements in pediatric brain tumor research.

In distributing the grant, Bridge To A Cure Foundation Founder and President Robert Martin shared, “This gift exemplifies our determination to remove the barriers that for far too long have held back badly needed progress in the fight against pediatric brain tumors.”

“We aim to ensure the fully realized power of generative AI technology in pediatric research delivered alongside CBTN’s expert technical guidance and collaborative approach. The effective use of this donation will drive research that ultimately helps save the lives of many thousands of children and see that their families can thrive.”

The $200,000 donation from Bridge To A Cure accelerates a first-of-its-kind effort to seamlessly integrate data and support the creation of globally accessible information and AI-driven tools, including developing the transformative GenAI Copilot platform. This ambitious project includes CBTN partnerships with Amazon Web Services (AWS), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other big names in cloud-based healthcare technology.

Project Goals
Key project milestones include implementing a pilot version of the GenAI Copilot, which will be unveiled at the October 2024 CBTN Summit. This effort also lays the groundwork for investment from federally funded programs to achieve national and international interoperability of the EHR system.

This CBTN project also supports Bridge To A Cure’s efforts to pursue breakthroughs that channel the potential of the immune system, angiogenesis, and apoptosis to extinguish childhood brain tumor cancers. To accomplish this, the grant supports:

• Simplification of the EHR extraction and transformation into a standardized format (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR).
• Development of a clear production roadmap for EHR extraction at identified hospitals and additional network institutions. • Implementation of robust clinical data quality control measures to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Establishment of user-friendly pilot versions for both EHR data transfer and a GenAI CoPilot, which will serve as a proof of concept that will ultimately allow researchers to navigate data quickly and pursue new approaches to solving pediatric brain tumors.

“CBTN’s AI-powered solutions promise a significant impact on pediatric brain tumor research and lay the groundwork for advancements across all cancers,” explains Dr. Adam Resnick, co-executive director of CBTN. “Through the generosity of visionary supporters including Bridge To A Cure Foundation, we can automate data collection and analysis to accelerate the pace of discovery, which in turn drives the development of innovative treatments and improved outcomes for young patients. We are tremendously grateful for the foundation’s leadership in giving.”

About Bridge To A Cure Foundation
Bridge To A Cure Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established in 2017, raises funds to unify and transform the pediatric cancer research community to reduce childhood cancer deaths 50% by 2030. The foundation is a member of the CBTN Executive Council. For more information, visit BridgeToACure.org.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Robert Martin
rmartin@bridgetoacure.org
877-460-2873 x. 101

Bridge To A Cure Foundation has added Sandy Ward as its newest addition to the Bridge To A Cure Foundation Board of Advisors. Her passion for positively impacting children’s lives was developed through her extensive background in various corporate and community support roles and volunteer leadership.

Ward’s career path includes coordinating in the Machinery Apparatus Operation for the U.S. Navy at GE; she served as an

Sandy Ward

executive assistant in the Large Steam Turbine division and performed as the executive assistant to the director of pensions at Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. in Boston.

In addition to her corporate experience, Ward has been deeply involved in community service and philanthropy. Among many other volunteer positions, she served as the president of Children’s Aid for two years. She was president of the PTA for the International School of Brussels, showcasing her global perspective and dedication to children.

“While Sandy modestly describes herself as ‘not an exciting person,’ her extensive volunteering and diverse experiences demonstrate a remarkable commitment to community, leadership, and making a positive impact for kids and families,” explains Bridge To A Cure Foundation President Robert Martin. “We are thrilled to welcome Sandy Ward to the Advisory Board, confident that her wealth of experiences and passion for philanthropy will contribute significantly to the success of our mission.”

About Bridge To A Cure Foundation

Bridge To A Cure Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, raises funds to unify and transform childhood cancer research. Dedicated to healthier, happier kids, the nonprofit’s action plan connects the people, information, and resources needed to accelerate life-saving cures for childhood cancer. For more information, visit BridgeToACure.org.

PHILANTHROPIST AND CANCER ADVOCATE JOINS BRIDGE TO A CURE FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bridge To A Cure Foundation announces the appointment of Nan Moore Smith as a new member of its Board of Directors. In this capacity, Smith contributes perspectives that stem from her expertise as a cancer patient advocate and research patron.

Nan Moore Smith

Smith brings fundraising acumen built over 30 years of philanthropic projects, including the Hackers for Hope charity golf tournament, which raised over $20 million for cancer research programs. Her experience includes leadership positions at innovative nonprofit organizations Americares and Changing Our World. Smith first became aware of the challenge of funding for cancer research when her husband, Alfred E. Smith IV, was diagnosed with the disease at age 35. The couple established the Alfred E. Smith Foundation to do something positive with their experience and to help others in similar crises.

“Nan is an invaluable addition to our Board of Directors,” foundation president Robert Martin explained. “Her fundraising success, vast network, and compassion for childhood cancer patients and families are matched by a fierce determination to help Bridge To A Cure unify and transform the cancer research community. She embraces our aim to cut childhood cancer deaths in half by 2030 through a collaborative, data-driven approach. We welcome the wisdom, experience, and qualities she offers to help us accelerate the meaningful scientific breakthroughs that save children’s lives.”

Smith resides in Connecticut and enjoys spending time with her children and six grandchildren.

Bridge To A Cure Foundation Challenges Southwest Florida Heroes to “Brave the Shave” for Childhood Cancer Cures
Volunteers get bald to raise funds for St. Baldrick’s Foundation

Corinne Wyard

The Bridge To A Cure Foundation Board of Advisors serves as a resource for foundation executives and Board of Directors members to consult and gain advisor perspectives within their areas of expertise. In her new capacity, Wyard applies deep knowledge in strategic planning, organizational leadership and structure, personal effectiveness, team building, marketing, branding, and coaching in support of the charitable organization’s goals.

“Corinne is an invaluable addition to our Board of Advisors,” foundation Executive Director Wendy Payton stated. “Her business acumen, skill set, and compassion for children is matched by a fierce determination to help Bridge To A Cure unify and transform the cancer research community to reduce childhood cancer deaths 50% by 2030. We welcome the wisdom, experience, and qualities she offers to help us end childhood cancer – once and for all.”

About Bridge To A Cure Foundation

Bridge To A Cure Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, raises funds to unify and transform childhood cancer research. Dedicated to healthier, happier kids, the nonprofit’s action plan connects the people, information, and resources needed to accelerate life-saving cures for childhood cancer. For more information, visit BridgeToACure.org.

MEDIA CONTACT
Wendy Payton
wpayton@bridgetoacure.org
877-460-2873 x. 102

Bridge To A Cure Foundation announces the appointment of David Gibbons to its Board of Directors.

Gibbons is an international executive whose career spans leadership at a number of global businesses, including 28 years at 3M. He also served as president of Rubbermaid Home Products, and eventually took the helm at Rubbermaid Europe. Subsequent stints include membership on numerous public company Boards, as well as CEO and Chairman of the Board of Perrigo, a pharmaceutical company now based in Ireland, from 2000-2007, and as Chairman of the Board of Cott Corporation, a global manufacturer of private label beverages, from 2008-2017.

David Gibbons

Gibbons also has served on many charitable and community Boards, including recently as Chairman of the Board of Naples Children’s Education Foundation. He is currently a trustee of Southwest Florida Children’s Charities as well as a member of the board of African Parks Foundation USA.

Gibbons knows first-hand the suffering that childhood cancer inflicts. In the early 1980s Gibbons’ teenage son was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma. At the time, the cancer was considered 99% fatal. His son survived, but like many childhood cancer survivors, lives with residual health effects of treatment. Gibbon’s journey through the healthcare system seeking out the newest treatments available at institutions including Mayo Clinic and Memorial Sloan Kettering led to his interest in improving healthcare outcomes for children with cancer.

“I greatly admire David Gibbons and look forward to working with him as a member of our Board of Directors,” welcomed Bridge To A Cure Founder and Board Chair Robert Martin. “His commitment to our mission and personal desire to transform childhood cancer research will help us greatly advance our priorities to develop a robust and open national childhood cancer database, develop clinical trial protocols specifically for children, and open up new funding streams to cure America’s top killer of kids by disease.”

Gibbons graduated from Villanova University in 1965, marrying his wife Pat that same week. He has four sons and seven grandchildren.

About Bridge To A Cure Foundation
Bridge To A Cure Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, raises funds to modernize childhood cancer research. Dedicated to healthier, happier kids, the organization’s action plan to accelerate the pace and success of childhood cancer research connects the people, information, and resources needed to propel life-saving cures. For more information, visit BridgeToACure.org or find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter @BTACfoundation.

MEDIA CONTACT
Wendy Payton
wpayton@bridgetoacure.org
877-460-2873 x. 102

 “We’ve Had Enough” premiers during September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Bridge To A Cure Foundation, leading advocate for childhood cancer cures, announces the September, 2021 release of “We’ve Had Enough,” an emotive two-minute video created to inform and inspire public support for accelerating cures for childhood cancer.

The video, produced in partnership with the Children’s Brain Tumor Network (CBTN) and the Pediatric Cancer Data Commons (PCDC), highlights the historic lack of progress toward childhood cancer cures, its impact on families, the immediate need for new breakthroughs, and the systemic approach that Bridge To A Cure Foundation and its partners are taking to remove barriers and accelerate scientific research.

The solutions proffered in the video take a systemic approach to removing the barriers that impede progress among the nation’s bright and dedicated community of childhood cancer oncologists, scientists, and researchers.

They include the development of a robust, easily accessible national childhood cancer database; the creation of clinical trial protocols developed exclusively for children; and formation of new, desperately needed funding streams to advance the pace of childhood cancer research.

Robert Martin, Founder of Bridge To A Cure Foundation, lost his granddaughter Clara to a form of brain cancer at just six years of age in 2017. “We created this powerful call-to-action video to grab the attention of a public that is inundated with marketing messages every day, because in the last 50 years, only four drugs have been developed specifically for use in children with cancer, and there has never been a single drug developed for brain tumors­—the deadliest form of childhood cancer,” Martin lamented. “Cancer remains the number one cause of death by disease among children. Bridge To A Cure Foundation and our partners are implementing a unique, multifaceted plan to fully equip the childhood cancer research community with the data and funding they need to succeed.”

“We’ve Had Enough” video production was underwritten thanks to the financial and in-kind generosity of foundation donors and the creative community.

View the video at bridgetoacure.org.

VIDEO CREDITS
Director – Will Shanahan
Senior Copywriter – Jacqui Garcia
Executive Producer – Susan Mulvey
Editor – Michael Tyson

Studio: Diamond View
President – Jeff McKown
Partner – Johnathan Davila
Sr Producer – Vanessa Rao
Cinematographer – Wes Eldridge
1^st AC – Nick Morales
Gaffer – Joe Pelham
Grip – Demetrius Freitas
Unreal Engine Tech – Brody Ramsey

Freelance Crew
Wardrobe Stylist/Lead Propmaster – Kate Cummins
Prop Assistant – Gina Tortorici
Audio Mixer – Will DeHaan
Hair/Make Up – Vicky Caicedo
Production Assistant – Christian Wyns

Talent Information
Talent Agency – Level Talent – Kelly Paige, owner
Britny Faroute, booking agent

Actors:
Cheyenne Sweet
Sahili Merced
Monica Ortiz
N’Dia Lamar
Jackie Galvano
Ashlynn Price
Nevaeh Cable

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest non-government funder of childhood cancer research grants, announces the appointment of Robert “Bob” Martin, Founder and President of Bridge To A Cure Foundation, an advocacy nonprofit dedicated to ending childhood cancer, to its board of directors.

Robert “Bob” Martin

Having his own immediate connection to childhood cancer, Martin has long been a supporter of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and its mission to conquer childhood cancers.

“Having observed firsthand the pain and sorrow a debilitating disease or disorder inflicts on a child and the child’s family I am inspired to help kids to chase their dreams,” Martin said. “St. Baldrick’s dedication to give kids a lifetime aligns perfectly with my personal mission and inspires me to work harder every day to help kids through fundraising to provide support for childhood cancer research grants. I look forward to being part of such an incredible organization.”

To read the complete press release issued by St. Baldrick’s Foundation, click here.

Bridge To A Cure Foundation recently announced the appointment of Rudi Dubois as a member of its Board of Directors.

Rudi Dubois

Dubois, a Vice President at Bernstein Private Wealth Management of New York City, supports pediatric brain tumor research and organizations whose missions are to improve the quality of life of children battling brain tumors, and their siblings. She joins Bridge To A Cure Foundation as member of its Board of Directors. In addition, Dubois sits on the Family Advisory Board of The Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation and is a frequent speaker at One Summit, a program that builds resilience in these little warriors through experiential learning with Navy SEALS.

A dynamic investment professional, flexible global thinker, and philanthropist, Dubois partners with individuals applying their expertise and innovation to transform the world. Dubois is enthusiastic about travel and diverse cultures, having lived abroad and speaking five languages. Most of all, she loves staying active and spending time with her teenage son and daughter.

Bridge To A Cure Foundation President and Board of Directors Chair Robert Martin welcomed Dubois to the organization, “Ms. Dubois’ leadership and guidance in many successful organizations will allow her to have a positive impact on our Board. And, as the parent of a childhood brain tumor survivor, she understands the urgency of our mission, the horrendous experience young children must go through, and the inefficiencies in the healthcare system that impede progress toward cures. Her passion will help fuel our efforts to reduce the childhood cancer death rate 50% by 2030.”

About Bridge To A Cure Foundation
Bridge To A Cure Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, raises funds to unite and transform childhood cancer research. Dedicated to healthier, happier kids, the organization’s action plan to accelerate the pace and success of childhood cancer research connects the people, information, and resources needed to reduce the childhood cancer death rate 50% by 2030. For more information, visit BridgeToACure.org.

MEDIA CONTACT
Wendy Payton
wpayton@bridgetoacure.org
877-460-2873 x. 102