😍 Taste for the Cure 2026 raised $159,000. Thank you! See the photos →
FRIENDS DON'T LET Friends FIGHT CANCER ALONE.
Offering HOPE for those
fighting breast cancer.
Team Michelle is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to breast cancer research, survivor support, and families in need — since 2010.
$2.4M+
TOTAL RAISED
SINCE 2010
800+
CARE PACKAGES
DELIVERED FREE
90+
ACTS OF LOVE
GRANTS AWARDED
$560k+
RESEARCH FUNDED
SINCE 2018
Team Michelle is a non-profit made up of family and friends dedicated to ending breast cancer, providing financial support to survivors and their families and raising funds for cancer research.
Our MISSION
Our Impact
Our Purpose
Team Michelle's Acts of Love
Team Michelle was founded for one simple purpose: to support breast cancer patients, survivors, and families. We do this through financial and emotional support, along with funding breast cancer research. View more details about Team Michelle programs below.
SUPPORT PROGRAM
CARE PACKAGES
Know someone battling breast cancer? TM sends free care packages to any breast cancer survivor who could use a little reminder that they are not alone in this journey. Through a partnership with Thrive Causemetics and local nonprofits care packages get sent across the country free of charge.
Financial PROGRAM
Acts of Love
Acts of Love provides grants of up to $1,000 to help Survivors in need during their journey to recovery. It is available to current patients as well as survivors who are struggling with cancer related expenses.
Research PROGRAM
Research Funding
Team Michelle funds cutting edge breast cancer research at UCI with Dr. Devon Lawson and at Univ of Kansas with Dr Shane Steklein. Since 2018, $560,000 has been given to our research projects
Community
PARTNER WITH US
We are always actively seeking and working with community partners to raise awareness and partner with local organizations and businesses to share the mission of Team Michelle with our greater community.
FINANCIAL PROGRAM
ACTS OF LOVE
Acts of Love provides grants of up to $1,000 to help survivors in need during their journey to recovery. Available to patients in active treatment and survivors struggling with cancer-related expenses.
A Note From Our Founder
On December 17, 2009, I received the gift of HOPE.
That day I was diagnosed at the age of 32 with Stage III breast cancer while nursing my 11-month-old baby girl, Maya.
With no family history of cancer and no other risk factors, the news came as a shock. For the next year I fought to rid my body of cancer while enduring chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, ovary removal, lymph node removal, radiation and reconstructive surgeries.
On December 17, 2010 I received my last radiation treatment and was declared to have No Evidence of Disease exactly one year from the date of my diagnosis.
I have learned so much from my journey to health, but the most important lesson and greatest gift of this entire process was the gift of HOPE.
HOPE that my doctors could not only treat but CURE me of my cancer. HOPE that I could live a healthy long life. HOPE that I could expand my family and raise my children. And HOPE that I could participate in a crazy 60-mile walk to say thank you.
That little group we called “Team Michelle” has grown into so much more, offering HOPE for those fighting breast cancer and HOPE for more outcomes like mine.
Michelle
Upcoming Events
Mark Your Calendar
07
FREE • DONATIONS WELCOME
OCTOBER
2026
WEDNESDAY
SATURDAY
FIT BODY BOOT CAMP • EDUCATION NIGHT
An Evening with Michelle
WED, OCTOBER 7 • 7:30PM
FIT BODY BOOT CAMP • MISSION VIEJO
IN PARTNERSHIP
Hear founder Michelle Buessing share her story, and learn what the latest breast cancer statistics and research mean for the women you love.
NOW THROUGH
30
PINK OUT GAME
October 2026
El Toro Pep Squad + Football · Care Package Drive
Help Us Fill Cancer Care Packages
El Toro, Trabuco and Crean Lutheran are competing in the Pink Out Challenge to see which school collects the most care-package items. Drop off donations in ASB Room 603 or at the Pink Out Game on October 30.
Want to be the first to know about our next walk, event, or fundraiser? Join our mailing list today.
Get Involved
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
There are three powerful ways to support Team Michelle - every action brings us closer to a world without breast cancer.
Merch for a Cure
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON