Women of Vision Brings Focus to Uveal Melanoma

A new philanthropic initiative in Palm Beach is directing attention, and resources, to one of the least understood forms of melanoma.

Women of Vision, founded by Kelly Ashton Barel di Sant’Albano, launched on April 8 with a luncheon hosted by Lynne Wheat, bringing together a group of philanthropic leaders and supporters to focus on uveal melanoma, a rare and aggressive cancer of the eye that remains difficult to treat.

The event raised over $1.7 million in support of research efforts led by the Melanoma Research Alliance and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, including the work of Dr. Udai Kammula. While melanoma is widely recognized, uveal melanoma operates differently, with fewer treatment options and a more uncertain prognosis, underscoring the urgency behind the initiative.

The luncheon centered on a discussion moderated by Emmy Award–winning journalist Deborah Norville, with contributions from Dr. Kammula, uveal melanoma advocates Sophie Cantu and Krystie Wiese, and MRA President Stephanie Kauffman. Together, they addressed the scientific challenges and the lived reality of the disease, grounding the conversation in both research and personal experience.

“Women of Vision is a collective force unlocking the time, treasure, and talent of its community to fuel real change,” said Ashton Barel di Sant’Albano. “As someone who is personally fighting metastatic melanoma, I know how urgent the need is and how powerful it can be when women come together not just to give, but to lead. This initiative is about accelerating progress, expanding awareness, and ultimately saving lives.”

At its core, Women of Vision directs attention and resources to an area that has long lacked both, bringing together researchers, institutions, and supporters to move this urgent work forward.

The initiative will continue through a series of smaller, focused gatherings aimed at sustaining momentum, building awareness, and supporting the next phase of research.