The Story Behind Pinky Promise
On Valentine's Day 2023, Arlett Tygesen underwent a bilateral mastectomy and the removal of 22 lymph nodes after having been diagnosed with Stage 2B invasive lobular carcinoma. She’d talked about wanting to build something for months—it was her twin sister who finally said: “Stop talking. Start planning.” A few weeks ago, Arlett sat down with five other women, all touched by cancer, none of it planned, and Pinky Promise was born. After 25+ years in finance and real estate, including nearly two decades in private equity, she brings the same rigor to building whole-journey cancer support that she once brought to deal-making. Prevention isn’t a footnote for her—but neither is living. It’s a daily practice of holding space for both.
Who We Support
Cancer is more than scans and surgery. It’s appointments, side effects, no appetite, endless forms, and the quiet 3 a.m. fear. If you don’t have someone walking beside you, it can feel impossible to carry alone.
Pinky Promise exists for patients and caregivers who are overwhelmed by the day‑to‑day of cancer. We offer guidance, connection, and practical support partners to help make the journey feel a little less heavy—and a lot less lonely.