A Letter from Walter Scheffrahn

“When illness strikes a loved one, it does not only change their life — it reshapes the lives of everyone around them.”

In 2002, my sister Désirée was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was the mother of my nephew Daniel — only one year old at the time — and she faced the terrifying thought that she might not live to see him grow up. The illness, and the invasive surgeries that followed, left her with lifelong consequences, including permanent disabilities. The cancer returned twice more. With each recurrence, our emotions were thrown between hope and fear, relief and despair. Her struggle marked her life profoundly, and it left a lasting imprint on our family — and on my sense of purpose. Later, more friends were confronted with the disease, among them my former partner Angelien, to whom I wish all strength and support.

By 2007, with years of experience in global brand introductions, I had become aware of the darker side of the nonprofit world. Watchdog groups like Breast Cancer Action had exposed how charities abused the pink ribbon for profit and marketing — pinkwashing rather than true change. It was then that I made a commitment: to build a global organisation that would be different. One that would direct funds to research rather than empty awareness, and that would protect “Pink Ribbon” as a free symbol for all — not the property of the few.

The journey has been anything but easy. I encountered the ruthlessness of the nonprofit sector firsthand: court cases, shaming, even threats. Yet through perseverance, and the belief that the mission mattered more than the obstacles, we survived. And in surviving, we grew stronger.

I owe much to the people who stood with me. My thanks go to:

• Rich Elam of Brada Kuttner Attorneys Legal & Tax, and John Kennedy with his colleagues at LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae LLP, for their essential support in setting up the charity in New York.
• David Hasson and Venicia Mestey of Seckendorf Hasson Reilly & Kobay CPA’s, LLC, for being our trusted financial backbone through the years.
• Aaron Wood, my friend and IP lawyer, whose creativity, character, and brilliance were crucial in navigating our legal challenges.
• Supernova-dev, a trusted partner of Andersen Lab, who redesigned and developed our website — building the platform that has served as the backbone of our international mission.

I am deeply grateful to our dedicated team, who gave their time and energy freely, working tirelessly and without pay. They never lost faith, even when the path was difficult, always believing that this initiative — though it carried no commercial value — was a greater cause and one of life’s most meaningful goals.

My heartfelt thanks also go to my dear friends Ton van der Stap and Xavier Weert, who volunteered as board members and stood beside me with commitment and loyalty. To Ray Landgraaf and Sophie van der Stap, and in the spirit of Jurriaan van Dam, I owe a special debt of gratitude — they never stopped believing that this small idea would one day grow into a global movement.

Finally, I want to thank my family — for listening again and again to my stories, for tolerating my obsession, and for the time I could not give them. Their patience and love have been my foundation throughout this journey.

Today, as PinkRibbon International advances its mission across breast cancer and other female cancers, I am proud that we remain true to our pledge: 85% of all donations go directly to scientific research funding. With the guidance of our Scientific Research Advisory Council, composed of world-leading professionals, we ensure transparency, fairness, and global impact.

At the same time, I recognise that it is time for me to step back from day-to-day leadership. The organisation is entering a new phase of further professionalism, and with that evolution my role naturally changes. I have now moved to the Founder’s Council, where I will continue to watch, support, and safeguard the growth of PinkRibbon International from the sidelines.

I warmly invite everyone to remain critical, caring, and engaged — to help monitor and nurture PinkRibbon International with love, so that it may continue to grow into a true global force in the fight to prevent, detect, and ultimately eliminate breast cancer and other female cancers.