Founded with compassion at its core, A Cure in Sight (ACIS) is dedicated to providing clarity, support, and hope to individuals diagnosed with ocular melanoma. This rare but aggressive cancer affects only a small fraction of the population, but its impact is profound and often isolating. That’s where A Cure in Sight steps in, ensuring that no patient ever has to face their diagnosis alone.
The organization’s mission is simple: to make the journey less frightening and to empower patients with the tools they need—emotionally, educationally, and financially—to fight back. Through patient education, advocacy, community outreach, and research support, ACIS has become a beacon for hundreds navigating the condition.
“Through public and private partnerships, we provide clear and reliable educational information that provides a support community to patients and their caregivers,” said ACIS president Melody Burchett. “We educate the public about ocular melanoma, the treatment options, and clinical trials that may improve their prognosis, making it less overwhelming. And we are dedicated to ongoing research. We know we can accelerate viable research projects that otherwise would stall and not be completed, missing opportunities to advance research for effective treatments and possibly a cure.
Education lies at the heart of the group’s work. Newly diagnosed patients often find themselves overwhelmed, struggling to find reliable information. ACIS offers tailored educational materials, webinars, and personal consultations that break down complex medical language into clear, actionable understanding. Patients and their families are guided through treatment options, potential outcomes, and strategies for living well during and aftercare. Support is another cornerstone of the organization’s approach. From the moment of diagnosis onward, patients are invited into a compassionate community.
Online support groups, survivor mentorship programs, and caregiver resources create a network where individuals can share their experiences, ask questions, and find reassurance. Recognizing the financial burdens that often accompany medical treatment, ACIS also provides grant programs to help cover travel expenses, treatment costs, and other critical needs. Funds are raised at the organization’s annual golf tournament held each April at Silverado Resort’s PGA course, bringing more than 140 attendees to town for golf and wine tasting. The event raises $60,000 annually with the help of sponsorships from the Bay Area construction industry.
The next golf tournament is April 26, 2026. By easing financial worries, the organization enables patients to focus on what matters most: their health and healing.
Beyond individual care, ACIS is actively involved in advancing research efforts to better understand ocular melanoma and pursue new treatments. Through partnerships with leading medical institutions and advocacy efforts at both the state and national levels, the organization is helping to drive real change.
From its Napa Valley roots, ACIS has grown into a national force for good, yet it remains firmly connected to the values that inspired its creation: community, compassion, and hope. For those facing the unimaginable, ACIS is more than a nonprofit—it is a lifeline and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is light ahead.
