History
In 1996, Ken D'Angelo founded HomeVestors of America, Inc., the "We Buy Ugly Houses®" franchise. He started the business from his home and, through the years, it has grown to become one of the leading franchise organizations in the United States.

In September 2004, Ken was diagnosed with bile duct cancer. This rare form of cancer is considered to be particularly deadly, as it is difficult to detect, and there are limited means for treating it.

On the recommendation of his gastroenterologist, Ken went to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, for further evaluation and treatment. Sadly, Ken's cancer proved to be too aggressive for the treatment to save his life. Just a few months after his initial diagnosis, Ken died in January 2005.

The Ken D'Angelo Foundation, Inc. was established in April 2005 to continue the legacy of a man who helped thousands of people during his short lifetime of just 55 years. Ken D'Angelo was friend, motivator, and mentor to countless people who hoped to make their living in the real estate industry. He was a companion to family and friends, and loved by people from all walks of life. The foundation gives us, the benefactors of Ken's unselfish support, an opportunity to remember him and to continue his good deeds.

The Ken D'Angelo Foundation, Inc. is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code, and contributions are deductible under Section 170 of the Code.

Non-profit Tax ID: 20-2836882

Mission
The Ken D'Angelo Foundation exists to:

• Award scholarships to students who are pursuing degrees from U.S. accredited colleges and universities in real estate, franchising, or entrepreneurship/business.
• Make charitable contributions toward the continued medical research into the causes of and treatments for bile duct cancer, the disease that claimed Ken's life.
• Continue the legacy of the late Ken D'Angelo, founder of HomeVestors of America, Inc.

Scholarships
The Ken D'Angelo Foundation memorializes Ken's legacy by awarding scholarships to students who are pursuing degrees from U.S. accredited colleges and universities in real estate, franchising, or entrepreneurship/business. Scholarships range in value from $1,000 to $2,500. They are awarded annually in the spring of each year. Since the Foundation was formed, there have been a total of 15 scholarships awarded.

To apply for a scholarship, a student must:

• Be a graduate of an accredited U.S. high school
• Have graduated with a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade-point average
• Be enrolled in, or plan to enroll as an undergraduate in, a U.S. accredited four-year college or university
• Major in real estate, franchising, or entrepreneurship/business.

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Research
Part of the mission of The Ken D'Angelo Foundation is to support the continuing medical research into the causes of, and a cure for, bile duct cancer, the disease that claimed Ken's life. This rare form of cancer is considered to be particularly deadly, as it is difficult to detect and offers limited treatment options.

At the time of Ken's diagnosis, one of the few possible treatment options available to him was liver transplantation. The only medical facility in the United States attempting this type of treatment was the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

After doctors at the Mayo Clinic determined that Ken was not a suitable candidate for a transplant, Ken underwent a treatment there called Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT), wherein a photoactive drug is injected systemically, and an endoscopic laser is directed at the cancerous tissue in an attempt to kill the cancer cells. The procedure has been used with some success on esophageal cancer patients, but sadly, Ken's cancer proved to be too aggressive for the treatments to save his life.

Ken requested that the Mayo Clinic be supported in bile duct cancer research, so that others diagnosed with this disease might encounter better treatment therapies and better chances for survival. To date, The Ken D'Angelo Foundation has donated $25,000 to the Mayo Clinic to be used for bile duct cancer research.

Help Us Continue Ken's Legacy
In order to fulfill our mission, we need your support. Your donation is welcome at any time. And no contribution is too small -- or too large!

Make a Donation

The Ken D'Angelo Foundation, Inc. is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code, and contributions are deductible under Section 170 of the Code.