Journal of Hope
Spring 2009: Denny Bixby – Surviving the Odds
Three and a half years ago, the staff and board of The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation bid a fond farewell to colleague and director of development Sally Dadmun Bixby.…
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Why The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation?
When Sarah Cannon, also known as comedienne “Minnie Pearl,” was successfully treated for breast cancer in 1990, she became a passionate supporter in the fight against cancer and offered her stage name to our 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. Funded through corporate and private donations as well as events supported by Minnie Pearl’s friends and fans, The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation is an active organization whose guiding principles honor Minnie Pearl’s generosity and caring spirit.
How are you different from other cancer organizations?
We are a local nonprofit public charity yet have a national reach as we seek to serve any adult in any location who is impacted by cancer. Rather than duplicate programs and services that already exist, we work to develop programs and services that address unmet needs. All of our programs are free of charge and available regardless of a patient’s treatment facility.
Aren’t you the same as the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center or affiliated with HCA?
While we have a close working relationship with the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center and HCA, we are an independent nonprofit charity. As a nonprofit, we are not a treatment facility but work with various community partners to build effective educational and support programs and services to complement cancer treatment and to assist anyone impacted by cancer.
What is your geographic scope?
We serve people throughout the Southeast but have effective programs in place that can and do serve people from across the country.
As a foundation, how do you make grants?
We are not a foundation in that we are not building a corpus and do not make grants to other organizations. Instead we are a direct services agency providing programs free of charge to adults impacted by cancer.
Who is eligible for your services?
Any adult, man or woman, who has been impacted by cancer is eligible for our services, which are offered free of charge and regardless of where someone is being treated. We serve patients, caregivers, survivors, the healthcare community, and anyone wanting to know more about cancer and its treatment.
How many people do you help annually?
We serve approximately 2,000 people annually through our oncology social work services, nutritional consultations, and programs designed specifically to address the needs of those impacted by cancer.
What role do volunteers play?
We are often in need of volunteers for special events and in-house projects. Volunteer activities range from rest stop workers and finish line cheerleaders at our HOW100 cycling event to banquet room and silent auction set-up for our Women’s Event. Our volunteers, both who assist with events and who offer guidance through Board of Directors and committee participation, enable us to fulfill the mission of the organization and to perpetuate the organization’s compassionate spirit.