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The Pearl Miniex Cancer Foundation was established to help ease the financial burden cancer places on patients and families across Louisiana.
We recognize that a cancer diagnosis impacts far more than health. It can interrupt income, strain household finances, and force families to make difficult choices while already facing one of the most challenging times of their lives.
Our mission is to provide compassionate financial assistance and practical support so that patients and caregivers can focus on what matters most: their health, their families, and moving forward with dignity and hope.
Every request for assistance is reviewed with care, integrity, fairness, and respect.
Our Mission
To provide compassionate financial assistance and practical support to cancer patients and caregivers across Louisiana, helping ease the everyday financial burdens that can accompany a cancer diagnosis.
Our Vision
A Louisiana where no individual or family facing cancer has to choose between essential household needs and the care they need.
Our Values
Compassion. Dignity. Integrity. Fairness. Stewardship. Hope.
Almo Miniex
Honorary Member
For 45 years, Almo Miniex shared a life, a family, and a lasting love with Pearl Miniex. As Pearl’s husband, he stood beside her through the many chapters of their life together and remains an important part of the family whose love for her inspired the Pearl Miniex Cancer Foundation.
Today, he continues to honor Pearl’s memory and the values that defined their life together: family, compassion, perseverance, and caring for others. His presence serves as a reminder that behind every person facing cancer is a family walking that journey alongside them.
Meet the Board
Keisha Orphey
Founder, President
Keisha Orphey founded the Pearl Miniex Cancer Foundation in memory of her mother, Pearl Miniex, whose journey with B-cell lymphoma gave Keisha a firsthand understanding of how deeply cancer can affect an entire family.
With more than 19 years of experience in the insurance industry, Keisha brings a strong background in advocacy, financial decision-making, and helping individuals navigate difficult circumstances. She leads the Foundation with a commitment to ensuring every person seeking assistance is treated with compassion, dignity, fairness, and respect.
For Keisha, the Foundation is a continuation of Pearl's legacy and a promise to turn one family's experience with cancer into meaningful help for another.
Tanya Hoodye
Vice President & Director
Tanya Hoodye serves as Vice President and Director of the Pearl Miniex Cancer Foundation. Her commitment to the mission is personal, having witnessed the impact of cancer through the experiences of her grandfather, aunt, and a dear friend.
Tanya brings decades of professional experience across operations, administration, real estate, and consulting, as well as experience in nonprofit development and operations. Her background in leadership, relationship management, and strategic problem-solving brings valuable perspective to the Foundation's work.
Tanya is honored to help carry forward a mission centered on providing practical assistance, compassion, dignity, and hope to Louisiana families affected by cancer.
Melanie Carter
SECRETARY & DIRECTOR
Melanie Carter serves on the Board of Directors of The Pearl Miniex Cancer Foundation, supporting its mission to assist individuals, families, and caregivers affected by cancer throughout Louisiana. A real estate professional with experience in business management, Melanie brings strengths in client relations, communication, organization, and problem-solving. She is proud to contribute her professional experience and compassion to the Foundation’s commitment to providing support, encouragement, and hope to those navigating the challenges of cancer.
Briana Carter-Lyles
COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR & DIRECTOR
Briana Carter-Lyles is honored to serve on the Board of Directors of The Pearl Miniex Cancer Foundation, where she is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of those impacted by cancer and the caregivers who support them. As an elementary school teacher and business owner, Briana brings a strong commitment to service, leadership, and community. She is proud to contribute her experience, compassion, and dedication to the Foundation’s efforts to provide support, encouragement, and hope to individuals and families throughout Louisiana.
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