How It All Began
Compass to Care was founded from the deeply personal experience of its founder, Michelle Ernsdorff-May. Inspired by the love and sacrifices of her parents during her own battle with childhood cancer, Michelle created Compass to Care to honor them and help families facing similar challenges today.
The Ernsdorff Family's Story
As a child, Michelle battled kidney cancer. Her parents faced overwhelming financial challenges just to get her to treatment. Her father once shared how he hitchhiked more than 200 miles home from the Mayo Clinic after an unexpected hospitalization because they couldn’t afford the trip back to work.
Recognizing that many families still face these same hardships today, Michelle was determined to change that reality. From her journey, Compass to Care was born – to ensure no child misses life-saving cancer treatment because their family can’t afford the travel.
In honor of her parents, Michelle founded Compass to Care, The Mike & Sandy Ernsdorff Childhood Cancer Foundation in 2010, turning her family’s struggle into a mission of hope for families nationwide.
Since its inception, Compass to Care has grown to become a leading nationwide provider of transportation support for children with cancer.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, we’ve helped thousands of families access life-saving care, transforming miles into hope for every child’s journey.
Mike Ernsdorff hitch hiked over 200 miles home, when Michelle was unexpectedly hospitalized, because he did not have enough money to pay for a car rental or bus ticket.
Compass to Care is named in honor of Mike Ernsdorff and he has been a Board Member since its inception.
Sandy Ernsdorff was a constant caregiver for Michelle when she was fighting cancer, during which she was pregnant and gave birth to her 4th child.
Compass to Care is named in honor of Sandy Ernsdorff and she has been a Board Member since its inception.