John Tarantino’s remarkable journey is a testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and transformative leadership. As a lawyer, philanthropist, and speaker, his life has been defined by an unwavering commitment to make a profound difference in the world, particularly in the realm of cancer care.
A Legal Leader with a Heart for Philanthropy
John is not only a distinguished attorney, serving as President Emeritus and Senior Counsel at the highly respected law firm Adler Pollock & Sheehan P.C., but he is also a passionate advocate for causes close to his heart. His legal expertise has earned him accolades from prestigious organizations, including Best Lawyers of America, Chambers USA, Benchmark, and Lawdragon. However, it is his work outside the courtroom that has truly defined his legacy.
Transforming Cancer Care
John’s TEDx talk, “Redemption Stories”, delivered at the TEDxProvidence conference in May 2023, has resonated with millions worldwide, reaching over 24 million views to date. In it, he shares a deeply personal narrative about loss, hope, and redemption—honoring his late wife, Pat, who passed away from Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer, a disease with a devastatingly low survival rate. In the face of this heartbreaking tragedy, John and Pat made a remarkable decision: they sold their home and cashed in Pat’s life insurance policies, donating the entire sum to cancer research.
The profound impact of this selfless act has been reflected in the overwhelming response to John’s TEDx talk, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer research. Additionally, he regularly receives messages from people around the globe, thanking him for providing them with hope and reminding them they are not alone in their struggles.
Leading the Charge in Precision Oncology
Beyond speaking engagements, John has taken a leadership role in Iylon Precision Oncology, an organization focused on using cutting-edge clinical and genomic data to provide personalized cancer treatment recommendations. This initiative has grown rapidly, boasting a network of over 80 oncologists worldwide, and is already revolutionizing the way cancer care is delivered.
One of the cornerstones of Iylon’s success is the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to accelerate cancer research. In 2024, the organization focused on training AI to analyze millions of data points to detect tumors earlier and more accurately—a process that traditionally takes decades. Thanks to AI, John is optimistic that this timeline can be shortened to just a few years. In 2025, Iylon plans to use a $1 million grant to further develop AI technology, ensuring that it will continue to improve cancer outcomes for patients globally.
In a powerful act of generosity, John donates the proceeds from all his speaking engagements directly to support this vital work, ensuring that every dollar helps advance cancer research.
Advocating for Health Equity
John’s commitment to philanthropy extends beyond cancer research. He is also deeply involved in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through his work with the Papitto Opportunity Connection (POC), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting marginalized communities in Rhode Island. Through POC, John advocates for greater investment in education, training, and entrepreneurship, and his efforts have helped fund initiatives that create opportunities for those in need.
One of POC’s most impactful initiatives is the $1 Million Innovation Grant, awarded in June 2024. The first recipient of this grant is the Brown Health Comprehensive Sickle Cell Program, which is working to become a national model for sickle cell care. Given that sickle cell disease disproportionately affects Black and Latino communities, John’s work here is particularly personal and vital, aiming to address the systemic inequities that often go unaddressed in healthcare.
A Future Focused on Change and Hope
As he prepares for his second TEDx talk in February 2025 at the TEDxProvidence conference, John will share a new message of hope: “You can always change your life, no matter what you are experiencing. You always think you only have one life—but then you have another.” His own life story is a testament to this belief. Despite experiencing profound loss, John has found purpose and a renewed sense of blessing in his work—continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in healthcare, philanthropy, and beyond.
As we move into 2025, John Tarantino’s influence will only continue to grow. His work with Iylon, POC, and his ongoing commitment to cancer research and health equity will ensure that his impact reaches even greater heights, creating a lasting legacy for generations to come.
For more information or to book John Tarantino for a speaking engagement, you can connect with him via his LinkedIn profile.
