Our History

In 1987, Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr. and Dr. Steven Stroup formed The Cancer Education and Research Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to grant funds for cancer research. In 1992, Sarah Cannon, also known as comedienne “Minnie Pearl,” offered her stage name to the organization after being successfully treated for breast cancer—and The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation (MPCF) was born.

In July 2001, MPCF shifted gears as a nonprofit, moving from a granting organization to a service provider. We opened our doors, literally, to support adults impacted by cancer with direct services such as survivor retreats, life coaching, and nutrition consultations.

In 2013, we got a new name and a new look as PearlPoint Cancer Support. Building on our experience and expertise, as well as on Minnie Pearl’s legacy of warmth and compassion, we began to use technology to expand our reach beyond our long-standing home base of Nashville, TN. Through telephonic services and a robust collection of online educational materials, we truly began providing assistance to patients and caregivers anytime, anywhere.

In 2017, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) acquired PearlPoint. With the support and guidance of LLS, PearlPoint continues to offer free nutrition education and consultations to patients and caregivers of all cancer types, regardless of treatment center or location. LLS is the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to fighting blood cancers. LLS recognizes the important role nutrition plays in improving quality of life for cancer patients and is proud to continue PearlPoint Nutrition Services.