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Kelly E. Ashton Barel di Sant’Albano is an author, film producer, philanthropic leader and strategic advisor committed to advancing medical research, patient care, and innovation across the public and private sectors.
Diagnosed with uveal melanoma in September 2021, Kelly became deeply engaged in accelerating progress for patients facing rare and aggressive forms of melanoma. In January 2025, she partnered with the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) to launch and chair MRA’s Uveal Melanoma Task Force, a bold initiative designed to transform the research landscape for this underserved disease.
Under her leadership, the Task Force established an ambitious $50 million fundraising goal to drive scientific discovery, expand clinical trial access, and accelerate next-generation therapies. Working closely with MRA’s scientific and executive leadership, Kelly has helped mobilize millions in philanthropic support catalyzing significant new investments in uveal melanoma research.
In Palm Beach, di Sant’Albano has also founded Women of Vision, a philanthropic initiative that convenes leading women in the community to fund research, educate, and raise awareness around rare melanomas.
Kelly brings to the MRA Board a unique combination of lived patient experience, strategic vision, and funding resources helping ensure that rare melanoma patients are not left behind in an era of rapid scientific innovation.
She is a graduate of Yale University and earned her MBA from Harvard Business School.
*All organizational affiliations and titles are listed for identification purposes only. All individuals serve in their personal capacity and not as a representative of their employer.
