We recently connected with Ashley Santoro and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
For me, the idea for Carter’s Foundation started with a single moment.
My son, Carter, was inpatient at Kaiser Permanente Fontana at just 11 months old, being treated for kidney cancer, when we were gifted a small teddy bear and a soft, plush blanket. He had thrown up all over the two blankets I had brought from home, and I already felt completely helpless. The hospital wouldn’t allow myself or my husband to lay in bed with him, and all he wanted was for his mom and dad to cuddle next to him. Wrapping him in that gifted blanket felt like the only thing I could do. In that moment, it meant everything.
That simple act of kindness stuck with us. It was small, but it changed everything. My husband and I knew we wanted to give that same feeling of comfort and care to other families walking through the unimaginable. That’s when the idea for Carter’s Foundation was born.
At first, our purpose was deeply personal. But as we began to give back, we saw what it could do for other kids. We saw how much a toy, a stuffed animal, or even a soft blanket could brighten the darkest hospital stays. And we realized that joy in those moments isn’t just something extra. It’s a lifeline. It reminds kids they are still just that—kids—and they are not alone.
Through Carter’s Foundation, I get to fight for their joy. We create small moments that feel big. Moments that say: you are loved, you matter, and we are cheering you on.
That is my purpose. And it’s the honor of my life.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At Carter’s Foundation, we bring joy, comfort, and a sense of normalcy to children and teens undergoing cancer treatment or facing extended hospital stays. What began as a small way to give back after our own son’s cancer journey has grown into something so much bigger. Today, we proudly serve children across Southern California with the support of a dedicated Board of Directors helping to keep our mission strong and sustainable.
One of our most beloved programs is Carter’s Video Game Cart—a mobile gaming station placed in pediatric hospitals and infusion clinics. It can be easily rolled from room to room and is sanitized between uses. Each cart is filled with age-appropriate games, giving kids something fun and uplifting to look forward to—right from their bedside or infusion chair.
We also organize hospital toy deliveries throughout the year, working closely with child life departments to supply brand-new toys, books, games, and comfort items. Around the holidays and during awareness months, we host community drives to ensure no child feels forgotten.
Our Spotlight Kid program allows families to nominate a child currently in treatment to receive a personalized care package filled with their favorite things—whether it’s Paw Patrol toys, cozy socks, art supplies, or a favorite snack. It’s our way of saying, we see you, we’re thinking of you, and your bravery is incredible.
We recently launched our B.E.E. Strong Dream Room initiative, helping transform and personalize hospital rooms for kids in treatment. Whether it’s a space-themed makeover for a little boy who loves the stars or soft lighting and comforting touches for a teen girl, we help create a space that feels less like a hospital and more like home.
Right now, we’re focused on reaching even more pediatric cancer families throughout Southern California. We’re working to grow our monthly donor community, expand our hospital partnerships, and connect with local businesses that want to make a difference.
And something we’re especially proud of: Carter’s Foundation is 100% volunteer-run. Every dollar goes directly toward brightening the days of children facing some of their hardest battles. Because we believe joy isn’t just something extra—it’s essential.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities have made the biggest impact on my journey: resilience, empathy, and the ability to take imperfect action.
Resilience has been essential. There are emotional highs and lows that come with working so closely with families facing heartbreaking circumstances. There are also challenges behind the scenes like funding gaps, event turnout worries, or moments of burnout. But resilience has taught me to keep going, to adapt, and to focus on why I started.
Empathy has guided every decision. It is something that keeps me going when I feel like I can’t go anymore. It is truly where the real impact happens.
Lastly. taking imperfect action has been a game-changer. My husband and I didn’t wait until we had the perfect website, a huge following, or everything figured out. We just started! If you wait until everything feels ready, you’ll never begin. My advice to anyone early in their journey: start where you are with what you have. You’ll grow as you go.
You don’t need to have it all together to make a difference. You just need heart, consistency, and the courage to show up anyway.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, we’re always looking to partner and collaborate with individuals, businesses, and organizations who want to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children battling cancer.
Whether you’re a local business looking to sponsor an event, a company interested in hosting a toy drive, or someone with a heart to give back, we’d love to connect. Even small acts can make a big difference when we work together.
If you’re reading this and feel called to get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can email me directly at info@cartersfoundation.org—we’d love to hear from you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.CartersFoundation.org
- Instagram: @CartersFoundation
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