History of Elsa U. Pardee Foundation

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History of Elsa U Pardee Foundation

The Elsa U. Pardee Foundation was established in 1944 under the terms of the will of Mrs. Elsa U. Pardee, whose life was taken by cancer in October 2, 1944. Mrs. Pardee provided a $1 million trust fund “for the promotion of the control and cure of cancer.” Research into the control and cure of cancer has always been the central real purpose of Pardee Foundation. However, in 1951, due to concern of the Foundation Trustees about the high cost of cancer treatment, the Pardee Cancer Treatment Committee was formed. Today, about one-third of the Foundation’s grants are made to the Pardee Cancer Treatment Funds, which provide financial assistance to the needy cancer patients in Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, and Midland County. Since 1951, about $36 million in grants has helped thousands of cancer patients seek treatment and support.

The Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund is funded by a yearly grant from the Pardee Foundation to help cancer patients who need financial assistance. (Name changed to Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund in 1985.)

Community Leadership and Local Impact

Each Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund is governed by a local Board of Trustees made up of representatives from area businesses, cancer-related organizations, healthcare professionals, public schools, community members, and local leaders. This community- based approach helps ensure funding decisions reflect the unique needs of the people each Fund serves. The Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund is not affiliated with MyMichigan Health, the American Cancer Society, or any other healthcare institution. It operates independently to provide direct financial assistance to eligible cancer patients throughout the communities it serves.