Two years after losing their precious son, Emilio, Richard and Diane Nares started the
Emilio Nares Foundation (ENF). The goal of the foundation is to assist families with children who are battling childhood leukemia and other forms of childhood cancer. Many people are not aware that in our country 10,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. Two out of every eight children will relapse. This means that chemotherapy will not work for them in the long term.

The ENF serves as an information and resource center for parents of children who have cancer. Our resource directory provides updates on trial studies and new drugs, which may be available for children whose options have narrowed. Our directory provides names of various community services that offer financial assistance, and we are here for any parent who needs emotional or spiritual support. We are a 501C3 tax-exempt organization. All donations to the Emilio Nares Foundation are tax deductible.


Community Awards

2009 CECO Award
Since 1956 the County Employees' Charitable Organization (CECO) has served as the charitable arm of County employees, providing grant funding to local non-profit groups and community service entities. CECO is an entirely employee-directed and employee-managed organization that collects donations and determines award recipients. Every year, CECO recognizes the efforts of local non-profit groups that provide services in support of the community throughout San Diego County.  This year the Emilio Nares Foundation was honored as one of CECO's chosen award recipients. Thank you CECO for your big heart!

2009 E. Lee Walker Award
The Lance Armstrong Foundation awarded ENF the E.Lee Walker Imagination Award through the Foundation’s Community Programs. This award was created to recognize innovation in cancer survivorship-related programs and research.  This award is named in honor of a former Chairman of the Lance Armstrong Foundation Board, Mr. E. Lee Walker.

2007 Bank of America Corporate Philanthropy Neighborhood Excellence Initiative Award
Bank Of America Charitable Foundation looked for organizations whose focus closely reflects local neighborhood priorities such as health and human services, education, community development, or arts and culture. Bank Of America wanted to honor the contributions of these heroes like Richard Nares, Executive Director, and celebrate him as a role model for others, and encourage others to follow in their path. This grant is given to executives who demonstrate how they have impacted their community and how grants funding and leadership development opportunities will help their organization further its work in the community.


Board Members