Welcome to 
PinkRibbon
About important things
At PinkRibbon International, this is more than a mission — it’s personal.
Behind every ribbon is a name, a face, a story. A mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend. Someone we’ve loved, someone we’ve lost, someone still fighting. This is why we do what we do — and why we invite you to stand with us.
When illness strikes a loved one, it does not only change their life — it reshapes the lives of everyone around them.”
A personal letter from the Founder, Walter Scheffrahn
These words are not just a quote — they come directly from Walter Scheffrahn, the man who started PinkRibbon International. In this heartfelt message, Walter shares the story of his sister Désirée, the battles that shaped his vision, and the promise that still guides our mission today.
How it all started
Inspired by a desire to raise breast cancer awareness and fund research, PinkRibbon International was envisioned in 1997.
Walter Scheffrahn formally founded PinkRibbon Inc. in 2008 to support his sister, Désirée, during her battle.
Today, we’re a global initiative fighting all female gender-related cancers impacting millions.
The journey of PinkRibbon International
Since 1973, each milestone has carried the PinkRibbon forward — from its first steps to a global movement for women’s health, symbolising hope, research, and change.
2025 – Reintroduction
PinkRibbon International unveils a new global structure, with affiliates across continents and a coordinated campaign for transparency and accountability. The Expert Advisory Group is created to guide research funding worldwide.
2024 – A broader mission
The organization expands its focus from breast cancer to all female gender-related cancers. The 85% | 15% pledge is reaffirmed, ensuring most donations directly support research.
2008 – Founding in New York
Walter Scheffrahn formally establishes Pink Ribbon Inc. in New York, pledging transparency and impact. The commitment: 85% of donations go to research, while only 15% cover operations and outreach.
1997 – Going digital
The website pinkribbon.com is launched, creating one of the first global online platforms for cancer awareness. Later, this initiative is taken over by PinkRibbon International.
1992 – The pink ribbon goes global
Estée Lauder Companies and Self magazine distribute 1.5 million pink ribbons at beauty counters across the U.S., making the pink ribbon a worldwide symbol of breast cancer awareness.
1991 – The first peach ribbons
Charlotte Haley hand-makes peach ribbons to highlight underfunded cancer prevention. Her idea inspires Self magazine and Estée Lauder, who adopt the ribbon, changing the color to pink for broader appeal.
1985 – Breast cancer awareness month
The American Cancer Society and AstraZeneca launch the first official Breast Cancer Awareness Month, promoting mammography and early detection, though no ribbon is yet associated.
1979 – Yellow ribbon of solidarity
Penelope Laingen ties yellow ribbons during the Iran Hostage Crisis. The gesture spreads nationwide as a symbol of remembrance and hope — inspiring the use of ribbons for causes.
1973 – A cultural beginning
The song “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree” popularizes the ribbon as a symbol of waiting and remembrance, planting the seed for future awareness movements.
What we stand for
Every diagnosis of female cancer dramatically changes a life, and yet so many of these diseases could be prevented or treated more effectively if research were developed and quality care were accessible.
PinkRibbon directs at least 85% of all donations directly to funding research projects. We are completely transparent about the use of your support, publishing information on all projects that have passed a rigorous review by our Global Expert Advisory Group, ensuring scientific validity and an equitable approach.
We believe the pink ribbon should symbolize not empty promises, but real results and lives saved. We reject “pinkwashing.”
of all donations go directly to scientific research funding
Become a part of PinkRibbon
Join the movement
This is not just our movement — it’s yours too.
Whether you’re walking this road as a survivor, a loved one, a researcher, or simply as someone who believes in a world where no woman is left behind, we welcome you.
You belong here
Join us. Donate. Partner. Speak out. Shine.
Together, we can make the invisible visible.
Together, we can turn pink into a promise.
Together, we’re not just raising awareness
— we’re changing lives
With heartfelt thanks,
The PinkRibbon International Team
Meet our board
At the heart of PinkRibbon International are people who care deeply — many with personal ties to the cause.
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ADVISORY COUNSEL
A global team of medical experts and researchers guiding our work with evidence-based insights and a shared commitment to women’s health.
Prof. Karen Flegg
Breast cancer specialist, Australian National University
Dr. Shrikant Atreya
Palliative care consultant, Tata Medical Centre, Kolkata; chair of the WONCA global group on palliative care and cancer.
Prof. Nick Orr
Cancer geneticist at Queen’s University Belfast whose research explores how inherited genetic variation influences breast cancer risk in both women and men
Prof. David Weller
James Mackenzie professor of general practice, University of Edinburgh
Dr. Sarah Friend
Medical oncologist and breast cancer expert, CEO of myFriendMD (USA)
Fionnuala Shannon
Director of Global Operations, PinkRibbon International
Prof. Afeyodion Akhator
Professor of Surgery in the department of Surgery in Delta State University
President & Founder Walter Scheffrahn
Founder and President of PinkRibbon International
Prof. Kienan Savage
Professor of Molecular Oncology and Deputy Director of the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research (PGJCCR)
Your support could be someone’s turning point donate today.
A diagnosis changes everything — but so can your support. Your donation funds free counselling, peer mentorship, educational guides, and life-saving research. Every pound makes a difference.
Global PinkRibbon map
Every dot on the map represents a place where care, support, and action are alive. Click on a country to discover how you can get help, join local programs, or connect with trusted partners in your area.
Bank transfer details
Help us by donating directly
Bank name: FLAGSTAR BANK, N.A.
Adress: 1400 Broadway 25th Floor, New York, NY 10018
Beneficiary ABA Number: 026013576
Beneficiary Bank Swift BIC Code: SIGNUS 33
Swift code: MRMDUS33
Beneficiary Account Number: 1505722597
Beneficiary Name: PINK RIBBON INC