Our History

The Josh Palmer Fund is more than just an organization—it’s a living promise, born from the heart of one young man and his family, extended to their entire community. In 1999, a diagnosis of late stage Hodgkin’s disease shook the Palmer family to its core. But instead of allowing fear to define their journey, Josh and his loved ones transformed their pain into purpose—igniting a wave of support from friends, neighbors, and caring souls across the Twin Tiers.

From the start, the Fund was rooted in raw, human need. The Palmers quickly understood that while cancer wages war on the body, the emotional and financial toll can be just as heavy. Medical bills pile up. Daily life is disrupted. Families are thrown into a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty. That’s why the mission of the Josh Palmer Fund became clear: not just to raise awareness—but to make a real, lasting difference in the moments that matter most.
Every single dollar raised tells a story—of a parent who could afford gas for their child’s treatment, of a family whose lights stayed on, of someone finding a sliver of peace in the hardest moments of their life. The Fund’s annual events are more than just fundraisers—they are gatherings of hope and resilience. From student-athletes to cancer survivors to entire families, these events unite people in the fight, celebrating courage, progress, and the bonds that hold us all together.

At the core of it all is human connection. The Fund’s partnership with WINK (Women in Pink)—founded by local women determined to support others fighting the same battle—reflects its deepest values: that every woman, regardless of her story, deserves fast, compassionate help when she needs it most.
Uplifting the next generation is equally vital to the Fund’s mission. Each year, up to $5,000 in scholarships are awarded to graduating student-athletes throughout the region—not only for their accomplishments, but for the character, compassion, and commitment they carry forward as leaders of tomorrow.