Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

Author: Sally Hayes
Published: 2009/02/19 - Updated: 2019/02/06
Topic: Foundations and Nonprofits - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation has been making a difference in the lives of women with breast cancer for over 20 years.

Introduction

Susan G. Komen for the Cure, formerly known as The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, often referred to as simply Komen, is an organization supporting breast cancer research.

Main Item

Since its inception in 1982, Komen has raised over $1 billion for research, education and health services, making it the largest breast cancer charity in the world.

Komen has taken the stand that scientific progress needs to be complemented by sound public policy. Komen works to influence public policy-makers at the federal, state and local levels to increase public investment in quality breast health and breast cancer care.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation story is both inspiring and sad at the same time. The foundation has been making a difference in the lives of women with breast cancer for over 20 years. Research and clinical trials are supported by the foundation along with local outreach for many communities. Its network started in the United States, but now is worldwide. The mission of the foundation is to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease for women. It supports education, screening, research and treatment throughout the world.

Susan G. Komen and her sister Nancy grew up in Peoria Illinois. After Susan went to college, she came back to Peoria to marry her high school sweetheart. She had a great life until she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Twenty years ago, breast cancer was not well understood and family doctors were not well trained to treat it. If Susan G. Komen had been recently diagnosed with breast cancer, her chances of recovering would have been much higher than they were 20 years ago.

Susan G. Komen not only resolved to beat breast cancer, but also set out in the process to make it easier for all women who were fighting it. One of the things Susan wanted to do was to make hospital waiting rooms more cheery for women fighting breast cancer. Susan G. Komen went through an agonizing experience with breast cancer, and as a result, her sister Nancy promised to do everything she could to help other women with breast cancer. In 1982, Nancy Brinkman founded the Susan G. Komen Foundation in memory of her sister Susan who had died from breast cancer.

Race for the Cure

Anyone wanting to walk or run in the event can take pledges to raise funds for the foundation. Many enter the race in honor of a loved one that has died from cancer, while many are supporting loved ones battling cancer. You can walk or run in the Race for the Cure and make a difference for someone with breast cancer. Visit www.komen.org to find the nearest affiliate to you. Free breast screening is made available through the funds the event raises. It could save someone's life.

According to the United Nations World Health Organization, more than 500,000 people worldwide die from breast cancer every year, and breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide.

Nancy Brinkman thought that one person could make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. The Susan G. Komen Foundation was birthed out of that and now helps breast cancer patients around the world.

Since 1982, Komen has provided funding for basic, clinical, and translational breast cancer research and for innovative projects in the areas of breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment. In addition, Komen awards three-year postdoctoral fellowships to individuals working under the guidance of experienced cancer researchers in order to recruit and retain young scientists in the field of breast cancer research.

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Citing and References

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Cite This Page: Sally Hayes. (2009, February 19 - Last revised: 2019, February 6). Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved March 20, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/foundations/susan-g-komen.php

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