In 1987, Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr., and Dr. Steven Stroup formed The Cancer Education and Research Council. 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 lent her stage name to The Foundation, a 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. Today, The Foundation's services are comprehensive, and "hope through research, support, and education" has become a working theme throughout all of our efforts.
