Meet Cindy

About Cindy

Cindy Brinker Simmons graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts in communications and Spanish. Upon returning to Dallas following her graduation, Cindy began a distinguished thirty-year career in public relations and strategic communications.

In 1980, Cindy established Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer (WOKC), which funds innovative and novel pediatric cancer research projects nationwide. Additionally, WOKC provides multiple support programs designed to offer comfort and hope to young cancer patients and their families. Cindy established WOKC in memory of her mother, the late great tennis champion Maureen “Little Mo” Connolly Brinker, who died of cancer in 1969 at the age of thirty-four.

Cindy is president of the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation (MCB), one of the most respected junior tennis organizations worldwide. MCB furthers junior tennis development for talented players through its national and international “Little Mo” tournaments. MCB has also created programs that promote good sportsmanship, kindness, and strong moral character.

In 2008, Cindy was appointed by Texas Speaker Tom Craddick to the Oversight Committee of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. This state agency is designed to fund groundbreaking cancer grants, deliver cancer prevention programs to underserved populations in Texas, and bring top cancer specialists to the state.

Cindy has devoted herself to philanthropic concerns. Her board participation has included Dallas Theological Seminary, East-West Ministries International, Virginia Athletics Foundation at the University of Virginia, International Tennis Hall of Fame, Greater Dallas Metroplex Salvation Army, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (Dallas Chapter), Children’s Health (formerly Children’s Medical Center Dallas), and The Covenant School.

Throughout the years, Cindy has received multiple awards including, but not limited to, “Dallas Mother of the Year,” the “Roaring Lambs“ ministry award as a woman of faith, the “Children’s Hope Award” from Orphan Outreach, and the Dallas Tennis Association Lifetime Achievement Award. Most recently, Cindy was honored with the 2023 Intercollegiate Tennis Association David A. Benjamin Achievement Award presented annually to a former varsity tennis player who has excelled in their career and contributed to society through their humanitarian efforts. In 2022, she received the “Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser” award for National Philanthropy Day from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Dallas Chapter. In 2021, Cindy received the State of Texas “Governor’s Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award” presented by Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott. Additionally, she was recognized as “Person of the Year” by the Preston Hollow People newspaper in 2021.

Cindy is the author of the popular book, LITTLE MO’s LEGACY: A Mother’s Lessons, A Daughter’s Story. The book chronicles the lessons her late mother taught her in life and in death.

Cindy has one treasured son, William. Her beloved husband, Bob, passed away in 2005 after a valiant three-year battle with cancer. Cindy’s absolute favorite pastime is gathering with her family and friends with a cup of Earl Grey hot tea enjoying deep and meaningful conversations.

Some of Cindy's favorite quotes from Restored to feed your soul.

"Suffering is a universal experience. You won’t go looking for trouble, but it sure comes looking for you."

"Trials can be treasures in disguise."

"My love for God and my trust in Him allowed me to choose joy even when my circumstances screamed of heartbreak and grief."

"God is glorious even when your circumstances are not."

"It is never too late to be used by God."

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