Front Row Seat: Erin Santos-Primis, President & Executive Director of Isabella Santos Foundation

Photo: Erin Santos-Primis

Welcome to another edition of Front Row Seat, our space to showcase the most fabulous and inspiring faces right here in the Queen City. Today, we're chatting with Erin Santos-Primis, a well-known figure in Charlotte's social scene and charity circuit. As the President and Executive Director of the Isabella Santos Foundation—a nonprofit named after her late daughter and dedicated to raising awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research and support—Erin’s impact runs deep.

Fresh off the roaring success of ISF's annual Speakeasy Soirée Gala, which raised more than $850,000, I spoke with Erin about her family’s powerful decision to create the foundation in the same year as her daughter’s heartbreaking diagnosis, her hopes for its future, and, of course, the signature fundraising events that keep Charlotteans opening their purses and wallets for an incredible cause—including the debut of a new event bringing some Southern Charm to the city, featuring two popular TV personalities!

Most parents, when faced with the heart-wrenching reality of a child’s cancer diagnosis, understandably focus solely on their own family’s fight. Yet in 2007—the same year Isabella was diagnosed with neuroblastoma—you made the extraordinary decision to launch the Isabella Santos Foundation. Not just to support her, but to change the future for other families facing the same battle. What gave you the strength to take action so quickly, and what fueled your decision to turn personal heartbreak into a mission that impacts so many?

When Isabella was diagnosed, our whole world fell apart. The fear, the uncertainty—it was overwhelming. But what struck me the most was how she handled it. Even at such a young age, she was never worried about herself. As she endured painful treatments and long hospital stays, her thoughts were always on the other kids around her. She wanted to know how they were doing, if they were scared, if they had people fighting for them. That was just who she was—always thinking of others.

That’s why we started the Isabella Santos Foundation. At first, it was about fighting for her, making sure she had every possible chance. But after we lost her, it became something even bigger: carrying on her hope. She believed in a future where kids didn’t have to go through what she did—a future where they could beat cancer, grow their hair, and live out their dreams. And I couldn’t let that dream end with her. ISF is Isabella’s dream living on, pushing for better treatments, more research, and real change for kids fighting cancer. She showed us what it means to truly care for others, and now it’s our job to keep that going.

Was there a moment when you realized ISF had the potential to make a lasting impact on pediatric cancer research and treatment? Looking ahead, what’s your biggest dream for the foundation’s future and the role it can play in changing outcomes for children battling cancer?

Witnessing our efforts fund specific research projects and seeing real advancements in pediatric cancer treatments was a pivotal moment. It was one thing to raise money and hope it helped; it was another to see the impact firsthand. That’s when we knew this foundation wasn’t just about raising awareness—it was about driving real change.

Another huge step forward has been the TORCH (Transformational Outcomes for Rare Cancer Heroes) Initiative, which is transforming the way we tackle rare pediatric cancers by accelerating research and ensuring groundbreaking treatments reach kids faster—here in Charlotte and beyond. It’s about lighting the way for more families than ever, especially those who feel like they’re stuck with no options. Seeing this initiative take off has only reinforced what I’ve always believed: there is a way to change the future for these kids.

Looking ahead, my greatest hope for ISF is to keep pushing the limits, expanding our reach, and funding the kind of research that doesn’t just treat cancer but creates a future for the kids and families affected. I want a future where no parent has to sit in a hospital room and hear that there are no options left. Isabella believed in a better future for kids like her—and through ISF and initiatives like TORCH, we’re fighting every day to make that future a reality.

ISF has made an incredible impact through its signature fundraising events, including the annual Speakeasy Soirée Gala—which recently raised over $850,000! How did these events come to life, and what were the standout moments for you from this year’s gala?

From the very beginning, ISF has been about bringing people together—not just to raise funds, but to create a movement. Our fundraising events started small, just a group of people who believed in what we were doing and wanted to help. Over the years, they’ve grown into something much bigger—something that brings the community together in an incredible way. These events come to life through months of planning, dedicated volunteers, and loyal supporters who rally behind our mission. Every detail—from the theme to the speakers to the auction—is carefully designed to create an experience that not only raises money but also leaves a lasting impact.

This year’s gala was nothing short of amazing, with a record-breaking $850,000+ raised. Beyond the numbers, it was the energy in the room that stood out: 600 people dressed to the nines, coming together not just for a fun night, but because they truly care about changing the future of rare pediatric cancer. That’s what makes these events so special.

One of the most powerful moments was hearing directly from Assistant Professor and Director Andrew Satterlee, PhD, and David Kram, MD, MCR—who spearhead the TORCH-funded UNC Brain Tumor Program—along with families impacted by our work. It’s one thing to talk about research and funding, but when you hear from the doctors making real advancements and the parents who are seeing hope because of it, that’s when you realize how our work at ISF is truly making a difference.

ISF has hosted so many memorable events over the years. Do you have a personal favorite—the one you look forward to most each year? Later this year, ISF is introducing a brand-new event, Carolina Charm, featuring Southern Charm stars Shep Rose and Austen Kroll. How did this exciting collaboration come about, and what can guests expect?

It’s challenging to choose just one, as each ISF event holds a special place in my heart, but if I had to pick, I’d say our women’s event each year is my favorite. We’ve grown this organization through the support of moms who saw themselves in me, or saw Isabella in their own kids. Seeing women come out to support each other—and us—has been the backbone of this organization.

That said, this year’s gala was something I’ve never experienced before. Looking out into a crowd filled with new faces, new board members, and new hospital partners—it was incredibly uplifting. My son was able to MC the event, and everything about the evening affirmed that we had made the right decision to evolve and grow. The success of it all was just the icing on the cake.

We’re excited for our Carolina Charm event in October at The Revelry, featuring special guests Shep Rose and Austen Kroll from Bravo’s Southern Charm. As ISF expands our reach into Charleston with the launch of an exciting new program at MUSC, focused on funding fertility preservation for cancer patients, we wanted to create an event that connects our work in both cities.

While we continue to grow, every program and initiative we launch has the potential to benefit any child facing a rare cancer diagnosis. We’re driving both regional and national impact—and Shep and Austen are excited to help welcome ISF into their city. We’re incredibly thankful for their support and are confident this event will sell out.

Proceeds from the event will help fund our work at Atrium Health here in Charlotte and support the upcoming fertility preservation program at MUSC in Charleston, expanding our reach across the region.

The evening will include a Q&A chat with Shep and Austen, a premier silent auction, chic pop-up shops, and themed culinary experiences with signature cocktails. It’s designed to be an unforgettable night where entertainment meets impact—all in support of advancing research and treatment options for rare pediatric cancers.

For our readers inspired by ISF’s mission, what are the best ways to get involved, whether through volunteering, donating, or attending events? How can the Charlotte community continue to support the fight against rare pediatric cancers?

There are several meaningful ways to help change outcomes for kids fighting rare pediatric cancers. Volunteering at events, donating—whether as a one-time gift, monthly contribution, or legacy gift—and attending fundraisers like the Speakeasy Soirée Gala or Charity Classic Golf Tournament all make a direct impact. You can also host your own fundraiser, donate in-kind gifts to support families in need, or invite your friends and family to join the cause and grow the community of support.

When you bring others into the mission—by sharing your story, hosting an event, or rallying loved ones—you help expand our reach and deepen our impact.

The Charlotte community plays a vital role in this mission. Every effort, big or small, helps fund research, improve treatments, and bring hope to children battling cancer. Get involved at isabellasantosfoundation.org.