SAN DIEGO, CA — When P!nk takes the stage at Petco Park for Curebound's 2026 Concert for Cures on May 15, the performance will represent more than a night of music.
For Robin Toft, the concert is part of a broader push to accelerate cancer research at a critical time. The CEO of Curebound said the annual fundraiser helps fuel cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials while bringing together a community united by the fight against cancer.
The multi-Grammy Award-winning artist will headline the philanthropic organization's signature benefit concert, which has raised millions of dollars for adult and pediatric cancer research since launching in 2022. Previous headliners have included Elton John, Alicia Keys and Ed Sheeran.
Toft, a 20-year colon cancer survivor who was diagnosed unexpectedly at age 45, said her experience transformed the course of her life and inspired her commitment to improving cancer care and advancing research.
Toft was appointed CEO of Curebound at the start of the year. In an interview with Patch, she discussed the impact of bringing P!nk to San Diego, the importance of early cancer screenings, and how Curebound hopes to accelerate breakthroughs that could save lives.
Patch: What does it mean for Curebound to have someone like P!nk headline this year's Concert for Cures?
Robin Toft: Having P!nk headline our Concert for Cures on May 15 is a huge gift to the future of cancer patients and their families. Our goal is to bring the community together to accelerate cancer research, save lives, and cure cancer in our lifetime.
Today, 1-in-2 people will face a cancer diagnosis. That statistic is staggering, but it doesn't have to define our future. At Curebound, our mission is not just to fund research — it's to change the trajectory of cancer forever. We envision a world where prevention is powerful, detection is early, treatments are precise, and cures are within reach for every patient, every family. This is not a dream. It's happening now.
Curebound is shortening the path from discovery to life-saving cures. We unite the community including our top scientists, passionate advocates, entrepreneurs, and investors to fuel breakthroughs in cancer research. Our unique grant structure demands scientific collaboration across institutions to drive results for patients who need it now. We back bold science and connect the brightest minds to move breakthroughs forward, faster.
Patch: Where will the money raised from this year's concert have the most immediate impact?
Toft: We advance research that has the greatest potential to improve cancer detection, treatment and survivorship. Through rigorous review and transparent stewardship, we direct every dollar toward meaningful impact.
To date, Curebound has invested $51.5 million in groundbreaking research projects across 23+ types of adult and pediatric cancer — projects that are rewriting what's possible in oncology. We are accelerating progress at a pace that was unimaginable a decade ago and yet the future we envision depends on our collective actions today. Federal funding cuts have left critical research at extreme risk. We simply cannot allow innovation to stall — not when patient lives hang in the balance and new, exciting treatments are on the horizon.
Patch: You're not only the CEO of Curebound, you're also a colon cancer survivor. Can you tell us about your story? How has your experience shaped your leadership and mission?
Toft: I know this fight personally. I am a colon cancer survivor of 20 years, and now, an incredibly grateful patient. I was diagnosed at age 45 in the emergency room, without any history of colon cancer in my family. I immediately knew that if I were lucky enough to survive, I would dedicate the rest of my life to improving cancer care in my lifetime.
The research that saved my life was once just an idea — a bold vision pursued by scientists who believed cures were possible. Today, Curebound and the researchers we fund carry that same belief forward. I first engaged with Curebound as a survivor and Founders Circle donor, then served on the board of directors for two years. My transition to CEO, when asked to serve, was an immediate "yes" because I have a strong belief in our community-powered research accelerator model. Our team is inspired, compassionate, talented, and relentless — the right combination to deliver huge impact, and I am proud to serve with them on this important mission.
Patch: March was Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. What do you wish more people understood about colorectal cancer and the importance of screening? I know we're seeing more younger people diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Toft: Colon cancer, like many cancers, has a 90% survival rate when detected early. Early detection of colon cancer is best achieved through regular, preventive screenings now starting at age 45 for average-risk individuals. Importantly, all individuals with a first-degree relative — parent, sibling or child — diagnosed with colorectal cancer or advanced polyps should start screening at age 40, or 10 years younger than the age of the earliest diagnosis in their family, whichever comes first. Most people are not aware of this fact, and I hope they will speak with their physicians about getting screened.
Patch: As someone who has lived through cancer and now leads an organization funding research, what does a night like Concert for Cures mean to you personally?
Toft: This cause is close to my heart, so I hope you will buy a ticket and share this meaningful night with us. Curebound's Concert for Cures is a one-night benefit dedicated to funding innovative cancer research, supporting the scientists and institutions working to turn discoveries into real treatments for real people.
Patch: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Toft: By joining the Curebound Concert for Cures, our Cancer Challenge (bike/spin/run/walk) in August, or our Giving Circles, you can become part of a movement that is shaping the future of cancer care. Your support brings us closer to cures for all patients. Together, we can turn vision into reality. Cancer is relentless. But so are we.
Concert tickets are available at curebound.org and ticketmaster.com.
Gates open at 6:30 p.m. May 15 at Petco Park. The show begins at 8 p.m.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
San Diego, CA Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.