Starting in 2019 with a “Concept ” and an understanding of design and apparel production from a previous business endeavor, a “Plan” was created. A Wayzata, MN endodontist, Dr. Michael Tulkki as well as his son , Ethan, and three other Orono classmates formed a group to help others. They were inspired by a story of a University of MN Gopher football player, Casey O’Brien who, having been diagnosed multiple times with osteosarcoma, took his battle with cancer to the football field. His story was highlighted around the nation and broadcasted on ESPN’s College Gameday. That same year his inspiration was recognized with the 2019 ESPN Disney Spirit Award. The group was able to connect with Casey that year and posed the questions…. Is there anything that would have made this easier. His response was “a shirt”. Going between practice, treatment, taking shirts off for access to ports made the journey even more difficult. With that story and inspiration, Cancer Care Foundation MN was born.
