Michelle Ernsdorff-May: Driving Hope and Healing with Compass to Care

Founders and Philanthropists

Issue 8

Michelle Ernsdorff-May

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is meeting founders and philanthropists who are making a tangible impact on the world. Michelle Ernsdorff-May, the founder of Compass to Care, is one such person. Her nonprofit provides transportation for pediatric cancer patients, offering not just rides but also hope and relief to countless families. Every year, millions of patients miss critical appointments due to a lack of reliable transportation, and Michelle is determined to change that.

How It Started

When I sat down with Michelle, I was immediately struck by the stories she shared—including her own. As a child, Michelle battled cancer and had to travel regularly between her home and Mayo Clinic. The financial strain of those trips was overwhelming for her family. In her TEDx talk, Michelle recalls how her father once had to hitchhike from Minnesota back to Iowa just to make it to work.

This experience left a profound impact on her, shaping her life in unexpected ways. After cancer, Michelle faced additional health challenges, including severe scoliosis that required more trips to Mayo and a brace that was physically and emotionally taxing.

Despite her love for science and a dream of becoming a doctor, Michelle grew up in a very middle-class family, where the burden of medical school debt seemed insurmountable. She chose a different path, starting her career working at Emory and USC on cutting-edge PET imaging technology used in cancer and cardiovascular treatments, transitioning to the corporate side of the PET imaging world working with IBA Molecular.  But as Michelle climbed the corporate ladder, she saw firsthand how transportation and financial barriers prevented many patients from accessing life-saving care.

The Birth of Compass to Care

Michelle’s unique perspective led her to create Compass to Care. “We have this amazing technology, but so many people can’t access it because of where they live or what they can afford,” she explains. “Even in urban areas, financial barriers still exist.” She realized that something needed to be done to remove those barriers, particularly for children battling cancer.

In just 35 days—an incredibly short time in the nonprofit world—Michelle submitted her paperwork to the IRS and and received her 501c3 status. Compass to Care was officially born. Her meticulous planning and organizational skills helped the organization quickly establish itself as a leader in cancer transportation. Today, they are a lifeline for families facing overwhelming medical journeys.

15 Years In: Stories of Impact

Compass to Care has been helping families for over 15 years, and Michelle has no shortage of stories that highlight their life-changing work. One such story is of Jordan, a three-year-old girl who was diagnosed with cancer behind her eye. She was given a 10% chance of survival, but her mother wasn’t willing to accept those odds. After researching treatment options, she found that proton therapy offered a higher chance of success—but it required traveling out of state. That’s where Compass to Care stepped in, covering the cost of travel. Jordan is now cancer-free and recently got her driver’s license.

While Michelle cannot control the medical outcomes, her nonprofit helps ease the financial and emotional burden for families. Compass to Care covers the cost of hotels, airfare, lodging, and ground transportation, so families can focus on what matters most: their child’s recovery.

What’s Next?

Michelle’s honesty and passion shine through, especially when it comes to discussing the future. “Fundraising doesn’t come naturally to me, but I do it because I know how important it is,” she admits. “We just hired a full-time chief development officer, and I’m excited about the growth that’s ahead. We’re already a leader in cancer transportation, and our impact is only going to grow.”

The need for Compass to Care’s services increases every year, and the organization is committed to meeting that demand. With more families in need of support, Michelle and her team are driven to expand their reach. If you’re interested in supporting this incredible mission, you can donate or learn more at: Compass to Care Donations.

Final Thoughts

Michelle is not only an inspiring leader but as I asked about prioritizing, I learned she’s also a philosopher in her own right. “Don’t ‘should’ all over me,” she says with a smile. “There are always things I should be doing, but some days, I focus on the things I love doing. That’s what keeps me going. And of course, most days I focus on needs.”

When she’s not busy leading Compass to Care, Michelle finds joy in making memories with her seven-year-old daughter and husband. She knows how lucky she is to have a healthy child and never takes it for granted.   Her compassion and dedication have made a profound difference in the lives of countless families—and with your support, her work will continue to touch many more.