What TWISTED PINK does

Twisted Pink is a Louisville, Kentucky-based 501(c) nonprofit organization founded in 2014 by Caroline Johnson, a stage 3 ER+ breast cancer survivor, with the mission of funding metastatic breast cancer (MBC, Stage IV) research and providing direct support services to breast cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. The organization has deployed over $1.91 million across 15 research initiatives at 7 major institutions including Johns Hopkins, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Dana-Farber, Mount Sinai, Weill Cornell, and the University of Louisville, often leveraging matching arrangements that multiply donor impact (e.g., a 2017 collective grant of $600,000 matched to $1.2 million).

Its programmatic offering combines tangible patient support (Boxes of Hope care packages shipped since 2021, the Dandelion Toolkit for Stage IV patients), peer community infrastructure (a private Facebook support group launched in 2018, the annual MBC Symposium held at UL Health Brown Cancer Center), financial assistance (Jennifer Casey Alderman Legacy Scholarship of $2,500 annually over four years, Robert L. Delaby $2,500 travel grant), and educational resources (Insider's Guide to MBC book, monthly video education sessions, blog content, clinical trial finder). The organization funds breakthrough research grants typically in the $100,000-$200,000 range to investigators focused on triple-negative breast cancer, brain metastases, CDK4/6 resistance, and immunotherapy.

Twisted Pink operates as a community-led, event-driven nonprofit funded through individual donations, corporate and foundation grants, peer-to-peer fundraising, and signature events (Unmask the Cure gala, Chunkin Pumpkins community festival, MBC Symposium). It is governed by a board of directors that includes representatives from Genentech, Amgen, Natera, Anthem BCBS, State Farm, and other regional institutions, and it partners with United Breast Cancer Foundation, Conquer Cancer Foundation, Lilly, Pfizer, Daiichi Sankyo, and a coalition of MBC-focused advocacy organizations. The organization is founder-led, with three part-time staff and a small operational footprint, and is not venture-backed or PE-owned.

Name

TWISTED PINK

Legal name

Twisted Pink

Website

https://twistedpink.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Twisted Pink is a Louisville, KY-based nonprofit that funds metastatic breast cancer research (over $1.91M deployed since 2015 across 15 initiatives at 7 institutions) and delivers support programs including Boxes of Hope care packages, peer support groups, scholarships, and education to breast cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Cancer Support Services

NAICS

Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

Disease-Specific Research & Support (e.g., Cancer, Diabetes, ALS) (BPAGACAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Rare Disease & Special Needs Support Organizations (BPAGACAM), Health & Medical Research Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAL)

Keywords

• Metastatic breast cancer research
• Patient support programs
• Cancer care packages
• Breast cancer advocacy
• Peer support community

Headquarters

HQ city

Louisville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals supporting metastatic breast cancer research and patient programs. Donations can be one-time, monthly, or in honor/memory of loved ones.
2. Corporate and Foundation Grants: Sponsorships, matching gifts, and grants from corporations and foundations to support research initiatives and patient programs.
3. Event Fundraising: Revenue from fundraising events including annual galas, community festivals, and peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Twisted Pink is a nonprofit that funds metastatic breast cancer (Stage IV) research and delivers direct support programs to people affected by breast cancer. Its primary offerings include the Boxes of Hope care package program, a private peer support group, two named scholarship programs, a Clinical Trial Finder, an annual MBC Symposium, and educational content such as video sessions and the Insider's Guide to MBC book. The organization has invested over $1.91 million in MBC research across 15 initiatives at 7 major institutions since 2015.

Product overview

Twisted Pink is a nonprofit organization operating as a platform of interconnected programs focused on metastatic breast cancer. The core offerings include Boxes of Hope (care packages), a Private Support Group (peer community), Scholarship Programs (Jennifer Casey Alderman Legacy Scholarship and Robert L Delaby Scholarship), a Clinical Trial Finder tool, an annual MBC Symposium educational event, and Video Education Sessions. The organization also partners with Savor Health to provide nutrition support through Ina, a dietitian-on-demand service, and distributes the Insider's Guide to MBC as an educational resource. These programs work together to provide hope and connection to those impacted by breast cancer while funding breakthrough research.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Boxes of Hope Care packages delivered to individuals in active treatment for breast cancer. Each box is carefully assembled by Twisted Pink team members (many of whom are survivors) and contains breast cancer facts, health and beauty products, comfort items, and trusted resources. Stage IV (metastatic) patients also receive a Dandelion Toolkit that explains metastatic breast cancer in plain language. Free to eligible patients in active treatment in the United States; $20 shipping and handling fee applies for self-requests, and gift boxes can be sent to loved ones.
• Private Support Group A private Facebook group providing peer support and connection for individuals living with metastatic breast cancer, breast cancer survivors, and caregivers in a safe, privacy-focused environment. Membership requires an application and approval process.
• Jennifer Casey Alderman Legacy Scholarship Award Annual $10,000 scholarship awarded to young adults who have lost a parent to metastatic breast cancer or who have financial hardship due to a parent currently living with MBC. Recipients receive $2,500 annually over up to 4 years of undergraduate study. Scholarship is limited to residents of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, or Tennessee.
• Robert L. Delaby Scholarship Award A $2,500 travel grant awarded to metastatic breast cancer patient advocates to attend the annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.
• Clinical Trial Finder Online tool helping patients find metastatic breast cancer clinical trials matched to their diagnosis, with trial alerts and search functionality.
• MBC Symposium Annual education event bringing together patient advocates, oncology professionals, and researchers to discuss advances and gaps in the metastatic breast cancer landscape. Held in Louisville, KY at UL Health Brown Cancer Center with online session recordings available.
• Savor Health Ina (partner access) Free access for breast cancer survivors to Ina, a dietitian-on-demand service offering evidence-based nutrition information, provided through Twisted Pink's partnership with Savor Health.
• Insider's Guide to MBC Comprehensive book by Anne Loeser providing information about approved therapies, scientific studies, cutting-edge research, clinical trials, and palliative care for metastatic breast cancer patients and their loved ones. Distributed through Amazon.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $1.91 million invested in MBC research since 2015
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Conquer Cancer FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023In collaboration with Conquer Cancer, Twisted Pink awarded the Metastatic Breast Cancer Impact Award to Dr. Ashley Schreier for study on immunotherapies targeting metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Two-year, $200,000 grant supporting phase II clinical trial.
• United Breast Cancer Foundation (UBCF)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Partnership to deliver Boxes of Hope care packages to individuals in active treatment for breast cancer. UBCF provides in-kind product donations and grant funding ($10,000 in 2026) to support the program. The collaboration has been ongoing since 2021.
• Hope Scarves and The Cancer Couch FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Metastatic Breast Cancer Research Collective - $600,000 collective grant that was matched to $1.2 million, supporting research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Dana-Farber Cancer Center at Harvard University.
• The Lexington Cancer FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvided initial grant to launch Twisted Pink's private Facebook support group in 2018, enabling the creation of a peer support community for MBC patients and survivors.
• Kentucky ColonelsminorGTM or Marketing Partner2025 grant to support the purchase of the Dandelion Project - visual kit that explains Metastatic (Stage IV) Breast Cancer diagnosis in plain language.
• Shirley's WayminorGTM or Marketing Partner2026 grant of $5,000 to support the Box of Hope program for sourcing quality products.
• Savor HealthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to provide free access to Ina, a dietitian-on-demand service offering evidence-based nutrition information to breast cancer survivors.
• ABCD (After Breast Cancer Diagnosis)minorOthersInternational breast cancer organization providing free, customized one-to-one emotional support to empower anyone impacted by breast cancer diagnosis.
• Know Your LemonsminorOthersBreast cancer education organization Twisted Pink partners with to promote early detection and breast health awareness.
• Conquer Cancer FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccelerating breakthroughs in cancer research. Twisted Pink collaborates on research grants including the Metastatic Breast Cancer Impact Award.
• Metastatic Breast Cancer AllianceminorOthersCoalition advocating for and supporting research for MBC patients. Twisted Pink listed as a partner organization.
• Patient Advocate FoundationminorOthersProvides patients with arbitration, mediation, and negotiation to settle issues with access to care, medical debt, and job retention.
• Pink FundminorOthersProvides financial support to help meet basic needs, decrease stress, and allow breast cancer patients to focus on healing.
• Susan G KomenminorOthersMajor breast cancer organization Twisted Pink partners with for patient resources and awareness.
• Tigerlily FoundationminorOthersOrganization focused on educating and empowering women at risk and diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly in underserved communities.
• Young Survival CoalitionminorOthersOrganization dedicated to critical issues facing young women diagnosed with breast cancer.
• UberlubeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIn-kind product donor for Boxes of Hope program - provides sample packets of their product.
• UnCancerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIn-kind product donor for Boxes of Hope program - provides oral care dry mouth candies.
• Cancer Today MagazineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIn-kind content donor for Boxes of Hope program.
• LillyminorGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Lead Education Sponsor for MBC Symposium.
• PfizerminorGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Lead Education Sponsor for MBC Symposium.
• Daiichi SankyominorGTM or Marketing PartnerPink Diamond Sponsor for 2025 Annual Gala (Unmask the Cure).
• UL Health Brown Cancer CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for MBC Symposium at the Kosair for Kids Clinical & Translational Research Building.
• NateraminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupport Sponsor for 2025 Annual Gala.
• Baptist HealthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupport Sponsor for 2025 Annual Gala; healthcare provider partner.
• Captain's Quarters (Chunkin Pumpkins)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent creator for Chunkin Pumpkins - free family festival raising money for MBC research. Over $125,000 donated over 10 years.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves1 record

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Susan G. Komen: Susan G. Komen is the most recognized breast cancer nonprofit globally and an active Twisted Pink partner. It funds much broader breast cancer research and patient support, with substantially greater scale and brand.
• National Breast Cancer Coalition: The National Breast Cancer Coalition is a large advocacy and policy-focused breast cancer organization. It operates broadly in the same disease space and competes for policy and research attention.
• Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF): BCRF is the largest US nonprofit funder of breast cancer research. While much broader than Twisted Pink, it directly competes for donor mindshare and supports overlapping researchers (e.g., Dana-Farber, Memorial Sloan Kettering).

Direct peers

• Hope Scarves: Hope Scarves is a direct peer and existing collaborative partner with Twisted Pink (2017 Metastatic Breast Cancer Research Collective). Both are Louisville-based nonprofits serving breast cancer patients through peer support and research funding.
• Young Survival Coalition: Young Survival Coalition is dedicated to young women diagnosed with breast cancer. It is a Twisted Pink advocacy partner and shares the patient-support and education focus for the breast cancer community.
• Pink Fund: Pink Fund provides financial assistance to breast cancer patients in active treatment, covering basic living expenses. It is a Twisted Pink resource partner with overlapping patient-support mission and direct-to-patient distribution model.
• Living Beyond Breast Cancer: Living Beyond Breast Cancer is a national nonprofit providing trusted information and community support to people affected by breast cancer. It overlaps with Twisted Pink in patient education and peer-support programming.
• Tigerlily Foundation: Tigerlily Foundation focuses on educating and empowering women at risk of and diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly in underserved communities. It is a listed Twisted Pink advocacy partner with overlapping patient-support mission.
• METAvivor: METAvivor is a direct peer — a US nonprofit exclusively focused on funding metastatic breast cancer research and supporting MBC patients. Closely comparable mission, disease focus, and stakeholder community to Twisted Pink.
• The Cancer Couch Foundation: The Cancer Couch Foundation is a direct peer and co-funder with Twisted Pink in the 2017 MBC Research Collective. Both are small, focused MBC research grantmaking nonprofits with overlapping research beneficiary lists.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/twistedpinkcharity
• Xx.com/curetwistedpink

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about TWISTED PINK