Katia Conte

Background

About Katia Conte

Turning pain into purpose, I lead the charge at the Daniela Conte Foundation (DCF) with a mission to provide financial support, raise pediatric cancer awareness, and fund research to help kids that are fighting cancer. In 2016, I was faced with news that a parent never wants to hear: My 5-year-old daughter, Daniela, had Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of pediatric cancer with a 40% survival rate and fewer than 500 cases in the United States. For over 4 years my family and I traveled back and forth to our local children's hospital for treatment. During those 4 years, Daniela endured more toxic treatments than most adult cancer patients. Due to the extreme nature of her treatments, her teeth slowly disintegrated, her hair was gone and eventually her organs failed. In her final days my family and I watched as her fragile body shut down. In March 2020, cancer took Daniela from our family, friends, and loved ones. When I lost Daniela, I didn’t give up hope. I knew my story wasn’t unique; all cancer families face the same struggles. That’s what inspired me to create hope by providing financial and emotional support to families who have children fighting cancer.Navigating the hospitals, lending an ear, providing financial assistance; I will do whatever it takes to support these families. They depend on the support provided by the Daniela Conte Foundation. It is my personal experience and our passion for going the extra mile that I believe truly differentiates the Daniela Conte Foundation from other non-profits.The reality: When a child is diagnosed with cancer, parents often must quit jobs to be at bedside. Bills pile up. Treatment is outdated - children receive the same toxic therapies developed for adults decades ago.Our Mission: Provide immediate financial relief, raising awareness for pediatric cancer, and funding research. We're not here to write a check and disappear - we're building a community that understands childhood cancer deserves the same attention as other diseases.I spent 20 years in corporate (executive assistance at Pfizer) before founding this 501(c)(3). That experience taught me how to build partnerships and scale impact - skills I now use to turn my deepest pain into meaningful change.Ready to join our mission? Whether you're a potential corporate partner, individual donor, or fellow advocate, let's connect. Because no one should face pediatric cancer alone. And hope is something we build—together.