Mary Kay Ash Foundation Grants $500K to Advance Breast Cancer Research & Early Detection
The Mary Kay Ash Foundation, a long-standing advocate for women’s health innovation, has announced a $500,000 grant to the Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation. The funding will accelerate a cutting-edge clinical trial for triple-negative breast cancer and support emerging early-detection initiatives at the newly launched Texas Cancer Interception Institute, shifting care approaches from reactive treatment to proactive prevention.
The grant is divided into two key components:
The grant is divided into two key components:
- $100,000 will further support the groundbreaking TRIM-EBC Clinical Trial, led by internationally recognized Celebrating Women Chair for Breast Cancer Research, Dr. Joyce O’Shaughnessy. This study investigates whether weight-loss medications can lower the chance of recurrence in breast cancer patients who are overweight.
- The remaining funds represent a multi-year investment in the Texas Cancer Interception Institute, an initiative dedicated to identifying and addressing cancer in its earliest, most treatable phases. The program aims to help women go from saying, “I have cancer,” to, “I have cancer, but we found it early.” Designed for widespread implementation, this effort seeks to transform early detection and intervention practices to improve breast cancer survival and beyond.
This new commitment highlights the shared vision between the two organizations: to advance breakthrough cancer research that improves patient outcomes and moves us closer to curing cancers that disproportionately affect women. Over the last twenty years, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has donated $1.3 million to the Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation, reinforcing a partnership founded on scientific advancement and compassion.
“The Mary Kay Ash Foundation remains deeply dedicated to discovering cures for cancers that impact women—we advocate for our mothers, daughters, sisters, and every woman we care about,” said Michael Lunceford, President of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation Board of Directors.
“This grant marks an important step toward reshaping cancer care by emphasizing early detection and promising new treatment paths, all with the goal of ensuring long, healthy lives after cancer. We are privileged to collaborate with Baylor Scott & White in moving women’s health forward.”
In honor of its unwavering commitment to women’s health, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation received the esteemed Circle of Care Award at the 2025 Celebrating Women Luncheon, hosted by the Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation. The award recognizes organizations that significantly influence the future of breast cancer care through advocacy, philanthropy, and innovation. Since its beginning, the luncheon has raised more than $42 million to support research, expand detection efforts, and fund programs helping women and families facing breast cancer.
“Mary Kay Ash believed women could change the world, and that belief continues through the Foundation’s strong investments in early detection and improved treatments,” said Christina Goodman, President of the Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation.
“When brilliant leaders like Dr. Joyce O’Shaughnessy join forces with organizations driven by compassion, remarkable advancements occur. Together, we’re bringing renewed hope, healing, and expanded possibilities to patients and families in our communities.”
Did You Know?
Mary Kay is dedicated to ending cancers affecting women on a global scale, with its influence extending across continents through research support and awareness initiatives:
“The Mary Kay Ash Foundation remains deeply dedicated to discovering cures for cancers that impact women—we advocate for our mothers, daughters, sisters, and every woman we care about,” said Michael Lunceford, President of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation Board of Directors.
“This grant marks an important step toward reshaping cancer care by emphasizing early detection and promising new treatment paths, all with the goal of ensuring long, healthy lives after cancer. We are privileged to collaborate with Baylor Scott & White in moving women’s health forward.”
In honor of its unwavering commitment to women’s health, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation received the esteemed Circle of Care Award at the 2025 Celebrating Women Luncheon, hosted by the Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation. The award recognizes organizations that significantly influence the future of breast cancer care through advocacy, philanthropy, and innovation. Since its beginning, the luncheon has raised more than $42 million to support research, expand detection efforts, and fund programs helping women and families facing breast cancer.
“Mary Kay Ash believed women could change the world, and that belief continues through the Foundation’s strong investments in early detection and improved treatments,” said Christina Goodman, President of the Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation.
“When brilliant leaders like Dr. Joyce O’Shaughnessy join forces with organizations driven by compassion, remarkable advancements occur. Together, we’re bringing renewed hope, healing, and expanded possibilities to patients and families in our communities.”
Did You Know?
Mary Kay is dedicated to ending cancers affecting women on a global scale, with its influence extending across continents through research support and awareness initiatives:
- In Spain, Mary Kay collaborates with the FERO Foundation to advance metastatic breast cancer research.
- In Brazil, the Instituto Mary Kay provides cancer education and screening initiatives that serve thousands of women each year.
- In Malaysia, Mary Kay partners with the National Cancer Society to promote early detection.
- In Canada, the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation funds Look Good Feel Better® workshops for women undergoing cancer treatment and donates products to help them regain confidence and feel beautiful after treatment.
Collectively, Mary Kay Inc., its international markets, and its four company-supported foundations and charitable funds have contributed nearly $44 million globally to help eliminate cancers that affect women.
Click here to know more about Mary Kay’s ongoing global impact.
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