About
The PINC Foundation (Prove It's Not Cancer) was founded out of love, loss, and the unwavering hope to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Our foundation was created in loving memory of Katelyn Walker, who courageously battled breast cancer with grace and unimaginable strength. After a six month battle Katelyn passed away on November 3, 2024, just four days before her wedding day — a moment that should have been filled with joy and celebration. Instead, her life was cut short by an aggressive form of breast cancer that might have been caught sooner with broader access to genetic testing and early detection tools.
Katelyn's Story
On February 16, 2024, Katelyn noticed a mass in her left breast and immediately sought guidance from medical professionals. Doctors considered an ultrasound the appropriate first steps given Katelyn's age of only 25 years old.
After the April 3, 2024 ultrasound, the report concluded that Katelyn's mass was “probably a benign cyst (not cancer)”. Her doctors recommended that she come back in 3 months for another ultrasound to monitor any changes.
Being dissatisfied with these results, Katelyn advocated for additional investigation of the mass, which then led to a biopsy. On May 8, 2024, the biopsy report revealed that Katelyn, in fact, had “infiltrating ductal carcinoma - Grade 3” breast cancer. Ironically, this shocking diagnosis came exactly 6 months before Katelyn and her fiancé Dominic's wedding date of November 8, 2024.
This diagnosis led to an endless amount of testing and scans, which later revealed that Katelyn's breast cancer was Stage 4 in addition to being Triple Negative.
Why We Exist
Throughout Katelyn’s journey, we witnessed firsthand the critical need for accessible genetic testing, early screenings, and timely biopsies, especially for women under 40 who may not fit traditional "risk" profiles. Early detection can save lives — and Katelyn’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of what can happen when cancer is found too late.
The PINC Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness, funding genetic testing, and supporting early detection efforts, so that fewer families have to endure the devastating loss that we did. Our mission is to empower women and families with the knowledge and tools needed to take control of their health before cancer takes control of them.
Board of Directors
Stacy Walker
Stacy Walker is the visionary founder of the PiNC Foundation (Prove It’s Not Cancer), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people through early cancer detection, patient advocacy and comprehensive wellness support.
Inspired by the life and legacy of her daughter Katelyn, Stacy turned
Founder & CEO
personal loss into purposeful action, building a foundation that supports individuals ages 20–45 navigating the uncertainty of cancer symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
With a professional background in accounting and nonprofit administration, Stacy brings over two decades of leadership experience, operational expertise, and community engagement to her role. Her strategic mindset and heart-centered mission guide PiNC’s innovative programming, from mobile screening events and "Katie Bear" Comfort Kits to the newly launched Cold Care Kits for chemotherapy patients.
Stacy is also a mother, advocate, speaker, and grassroots organizer in the San Diego community. Under her leadership, the PiNC Foundation is growing into a powerful force for health equity, early education, and remembrance, ensuring that no young adult walks their cancer journey alone.
