Pink Fund's Future Secured by $1M Legacy Gift on 20th Anniversary

BINGHAM FARMS, Mich. – January 08, 2026 – As Pink Fund, a national nonprofit dedicated to aiding breast cancer patients, embarks on its 20th anniversary, it does so on its strongest financial footing to date, thanks to a transformational $1 million estate gift from the Helen "Misty" Tyree Trust. The historic donation has propelled the organization's endowment past the $1 million mark for the first time, securing its mission for a new generation of patients facing the hidden costs of cancer.

Since its inception in 2006, Pink Fund has provided a critical lifeline, distributing over $10 million in non-medical financial assistance to patients in active treatment. This new chapter, anchored by Tyree's posthumous generosity, not only celebrates two decades of impact but also casts a bright light on the often-overlooked crisis of 'financial toxicity' that accompanies a cancer diagnosis.

The Legacy of a Generous Spirit

The monumental gift comes from the trust of Helen Rae "Misty" Whitson Tyree, a dedicated philanthropist from San Francisco who passed away in January 2025 after what her obituary described as a "valiant battle with cancer." Known for her Southern charm and quiet generosity, Tyree was a passionate supporter of the arts and community improvement, often giving anonymously. Her estate made headlines for its significant contributions to several San Francisco cultural institutions, but her gift to Pink Fund reveals a deeply personal commitment to supporting others facing the same health struggles she endured.

This act of planned giving provides Pink Fund with unprecedented long-term sustainability. An endowment is a permanent fund where the principal is invested, and the organization uses the investment income for its mission. Surpassing the $1 million threshold ensures a stable, predictable source of revenue, insulating the nonprofit from the fluctuations of annual fundraising and strengthening its ability to plan for the future.

"This extraordinary estate gift from the Helen 'Misty' Tyree Trust marks a historic moment for Pink Fund," said Molly MacDonald, the organization's co-founder and CEO. "Surpassing a $1 million endowment ensures long‑term sustainability and strengthens our ability to support patients for generations to come."

Two Decades of Battling Financial Toxicity

Pink Fund was born from personal experience. Molly MacDonald, herself a breast cancer survivor, co-founded the organization with her husband, Tom Pettit, after facing her own financial crisis during treatment. She realized that even with health insurance, the inability to work and the mounting costs of everyday life could be as devastating as the diagnosis itself.

This phenomenon, now widely recognized in the medical community as 'financial toxicity,' refers to the severe economic hardship patients face due to their illness. Studies from the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society have shown that cancer patients are more than twice as likely to declare bankruptcy as those without cancer. The stress associated with this financial burden can negatively impact treatment adherence and overall health outcomes.

For 20 years, Pink Fund has been a direct response to this crisis. The organization makes payments directly to patients' creditors for essential, non-medical expenses, including housing, transportation, utilities, and insurance premiums. By covering these basic needs, the fund allows patients to focus their energy on what matters most: healing. The milestone of distributing over $10 million is a testament to the profound and persistent need for this unique form of support.

A Lifeline Beyond Treatment

The healthcare system, while focused on medical intervention, often leaves patients to navigate the devastating financial fallout on their own. Lost wages from missed work, combined with the costs of traveling to appointments and maintaining a household, create a perfect storm of economic distress. Nonprofits like Pink Fund step into this critical gap, providing a safety net where traditional systems fall short.

The organization’s work underscores a fundamental truth: a patient's well-being is intrinsically linked to their financial stability. The relief of knowing one's rent is paid or that the lights will stay on can be as powerful as any medicine in reducing stress and improving quality of life during an arduous treatment journey.

MacDonald emphasized the gravity of this choice for many patients. "The need for financial support among patients is growing faster than ever, and every contribution helps sustain our mission and ensures that no patient has to choose between paying for treatment and keeping a roof over their head," she stated.

A Year of Commemoration and Growth

To mark its two decades of service, Pink Fund is launching a year-long 20th-anniversary celebration throughout 2026. The commemoration will feature a new logo symbolizing 20 years of tangible assistance and the collaborative spirit of its supporters. The organization plans to host special events, share impactful stories from the thousands of families it has helped, and create new opportunities for donors and partners to engage with its mission.

The anniversary serves as both a reflection on past achievements and a call to action for the future. With a newly fortified endowment and a growing national awareness of financial toxicity, Pink Fund is poised to expand its impact.

As the organization looks toward its next 20 years, it invites the community to become part of its continuing story. Those interested in learning more about Pink Fund's work, its anniversary activities, or how to contribute through giving, volunteering, or corporate partnerships are encouraged to visit its website at www.pinkfund.org and follow its journey on social media.