Statements

Mission

Nikki Mitchell Foundation is dedicated to providing comfort and relief for those affected by pancreatic cancer, while raising awareness and supporting research that directly and indirectly affects pancreatic patients.

Background

Texas native, Nikki Mitchell, loved music, adventure, animals and her friends. She ran the enterprises of Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter for 22 years and eventually served as President. In December 2010, Nikki was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Taking the bull by the horns she consulted with renowned medical professionals around the country, her zeal for life never diminished. After thirty-one months of battling this disease, Nikki embarked upon her final adventure on July 9th, 2013. Her last dream was to save others from the devastating disease of pancreatic cancer. Caring about early detection research led Nikki to participate, upon her death, in a floating tumor cell research program facilitated by Johns Hopkins Hospital. Nikki's donation was the first to contribute a vast amount of data to the scientists. NMF started the month after she died and has been consistently active and growing ever since. Funds raised by NMF go to support research, patient services, and awareness.

Impact

Research- NMF has funded over $100,000 in research, including the newly established Nikki Mitchell Excellence in Pancreas Award. This $20,000 grant will be awarded annually by the Pancreas Club to promising young investigators working on innovative research.

Patient Services- In 2020, the patient services program, Bridge of Wings, issued 424 disbursements to 103 patients totaling nearly $85,000. Patients are able to remain on the program every month until they no longer need the assistance. The annual Thanksgiving campaign has grown from 15 meals in 2016 to over 1,000 last year.

Awareness- NMF has spent $236,400 towards awareness programs, including several PSA videos, radio, tv slots and print. NMF premiered their Public Service Announcement to a sold-out crowd at the Franklin Theatre in the summer of 2019. Currently, NMF is in post-production of a documentary about Nikki's flight around the world and her battle with pancreatic cancer.

Needs

Nikki Mitchell Foundation's most pressing need is recurring monthly donors. Most of our funding is event-based revenue, generated by benefit concerts and our annual Jamey Johnson Homecoming Golf Tournament. The foundation needs a more consistent monthly revenue stream to support our Bridge assistance program. On average, the NMF spends about $5,000 monthly on the Bridge assistance program for pancreatic cancer patients and their families. The foundation also needs local volunteers to help with office duties, patient outreach, and events.

Board Chair Statement

Nikki Mitchell was my best friend, my adventure buddy and my co-pilot. Her diagnosis, and eventual passing, changed the trajectory of my life. I quit my job as a corporate pilot to become her full-time caregiver and eventually serve as President of the Nikki Mitchell Foundation. Pancreatic cancer is personal to me. Every patient that we come in contact with is important to me and to this foundation. We are here to help. We are here to support caregivers like me and patients like Nikki. I know there are many foundations doing good work, and I'm glad you are considering ours's to support. From me, and from the patients and researchers who benefit from your generosity; thank you for helping us prevent, detect, and cure pancreatic cancer. We will use your money carefully, and I thank you for your trust in us. - Rhonda Miles, Board Chair

Service Categories
Primary Category:	Health Care  - Patient & Family Support
Secondary Category:	Human Services  - Fund Raising & Fund Distribution
Tertiary Category:	Medical Research  - Support NEC

Areas Served

Bridge of Wings has helped patients in 15 states and is currently assisting patients in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Kentucky, New Jersey, Tennessee and Texas. The majority of our BOW patients are from the Middle Tennessee area.

TN

National