.png)
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.