From Pain to Purpose: Marissa McKinnis and the Mission Behind Putt Away Cancer Foundation
From Pain to Purpose: Marissa McKinnis and the Mission Behind Putt Away Cancer Foundation
From Pain to Purpose: Marissa McKinnis and the Mission Behind Putt Away Cancer Foundation
Cancer does more than attack the body. It affects families, finances, emotions, faith, and the quiet moments people rarely talk about. For Marissa McKinnis, founder of the Putt Away Cancer Foundation, that reality became personal through her sister’s battle with cancer. What began as a heartfelt birthday celebration has grown into a Texas nonprofit dedicated to giving hope, financial support, and dignity back to cancer warriors and their families.
Based in San Antonio, Texas, Putt Away Cancer Foundation serves people impacted by all forms of cancer because, as McKinnis makes clear, “they all matter.”
The foundation was created in honor of her sister, Leilani Davis, whose strength and resilience inspired Marissa to turn pain into purpose. “I couldn’t take the disease,” McKinnis shared, “but what I could do was take her story and be a blessing to others.”
A Different Kind of Cancer Foundation
While many organizations provide assistance for specific needs such as food, transportation, medical care, or housing, Putt Away Cancer Foundation takes a more personal approach. Through its Circle of Hope Awards, recipients are given funds without strict limitations on how they must use the money.
For McKinnis, that freedom matters.
A person battling cancer may need help with bills. But they may also need one peaceful day, a small moment of joy, a chance to pamper themselves, or the ability to bless a loved one. Putt Away Cancer Foundation recognizes that healing is not only medical. Sometimes, support means allowing people to feel human again.
The foundation also provides Hope Scholarships for Texas high school graduates and college students who have been affected by cancer through a significant family member. These scholarships help young people continue their education while carrying the emotional weight of seeing someone they love face the disease.
The Struggles People Don’t Always See
Cancer creates obvious financial challenges, but McKinnis believes some of the deepest struggles are emotional and spiritual. Many cancer warriors feel pressure to stay strong for their families, even when they are exhausted, afraid, or overwhelmed.
That is why community is central to the foundation’s work.
Putt Away Cancer Foundation offers more than fundraising. It offers a circle of hope, a safe space where people can be heard without feeling like a burden. Sometimes, McKinnis explained, people battling cancer do not want to share their full pain with a spouse, parent, sibling, or child because they do not want their loved ones to suffer with them.
In those moments, having someone simply listen can be powerful.
From Birthday Celebration to Movement
The journey began in 2015 as a birthday celebration designed to raise money for another cancer organization in honor of McKinnis’ sister. But what started as a one-time act of love soon became something bigger.
McKinnis felt called to build something of her own, something that could directly touch people’s lives. By 2016, Putt Away Cancer Foundation became an official nonprofit.
Today, the organization raises funds throughout the year to support cancer warriors and scholarship recipients. As the foundation celebrates its 10-year anniversary, McKinnis has set a goal of awarding $1,000 to each cancer warrior selected this year.
Events Built on Joy, Laughter, and Community
Putt Away Cancer Foundation events are not designed to feel heavy or overly formal. McKinnis believes in creating experiences where people can laugh, connect, and enjoy themselves while supporting a serious mission.
The foundation’s signature miniature golf tournament reflects that spirit. Mini golf allows people of all ages, backgrounds, and athletic abilities to participate. The organization has also hosted bowl-a-thons and other community-centered events that make giving feel accessible, joyful, and inclusive.
For McKinnis, laughter is part of the healing process.
Her events remind people that supporting cancer warriors does not always have to be wrapped in sadness. It can also be filled with smiles, hugs, and moments of light.
Faith, Family, and the Strength to Keep Going
When the work becomes heavy, McKinnis credits her mother as one of her greatest sources of strength. Her mother reminds her not to quit, especially when things do not move as quickly or as smoothly as she hopes.
This mission is deeply personal for McKinnis. She describes it as her “heart’s work,” guided by faith and purpose.
“If God gave you the vision,” she believes, “He also gives the provision.”
That faith has helped carry the foundation for a decade and continues to fuel its future.
How to Support Putt Away Cancer Foundation
Putt Away Cancer Foundation is a Texas nonprofit and recognized 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax-deductible, and supporters can contribute directly through the foundation’s website.
The organization can also be found through United Way payroll deduction programs, allowing employees to support the foundation directly from their paychecks.
To donate, volunteer, or learn more, visit:
www.puttawaycancer.org
Follow the foundation on social media:
@puttawaycancer
Be Real Everyday and Deliver
When asked what B.R.E.A.D’s message, “Be Real Everyday And Deliver,” means to her, McKinnis summed it up with purpose and truth.
To her, it means standing in your calling, living authentically, and not allowing outside voices to drown out the spirit within. It means doing the work from the heart and remaining committed to the mission even when the journey gets difficult.
That is exactly what Marissa McKinnis continues to do through Putt Away Cancer Foundation.
She took her sister’s story, transformed it into service, and built a movement that reminds cancer warriors they are not alone.
