The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is known throughout
the world as a leader in breast cancer endeavors that support
research grants and education about the disease. The Foundation’s
origin arose from the love between two sisters … one
who was dying of breast cancer at the age of 36 (Susan Goodman
Komen) and the other who made a promise to do what she could
to eradicate the disease (Nancy Goodman Brinker). The Susan
G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 1982 by Nancy
in memory of her sister, Susan.
The global objective of the organization is to advance research,
education, screening, and treatment in the fight to eradicate
breast cancer as a life-threatening disease. Dallas, Texas
is the home of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
which proudly acknowledges over 75,000 volunteers in over
100 areas across the globe. The many U. S. and international
Komen Affiliates handle several yearly events, one of which
is the Komen Race for the Cure. In 2003, there were 112 races
in the United States and two international races, and also
a series of 5K runs/walks which was the largest series in
the world. Recent annual participants number about 1.5 million
people.
Through the Foundation, funding is provided for the Komen
Foundation Award and Research Grant Program and the Komen
Affiliate Grant Program, as well as, a National Toll-Free
Breast Care Helpline which receives approximately 50,000 calls
and 3500 emails from both men and women seeking information
annually. Most of the funding received by the organization
remains close to the community where it is raised, providing
local outreach programs that positively impact the lives of
millions of people. Because the Foundation is diligently watchful
of the money it raises, less than 10% goes to administration.
The rest goes to education (36%), screening (11%), treatment
(6%), fundraising (16%) and its breast cancer research programs
(22%). The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was recognized
as one of “America’s Best 100 Charities”
in 2001.
To learn more about the Susan G Komen Foundation:
www.komen.org
Janet Brown is a medical writer
and graduate of Loyola University New Orleans. Her personal
experiences with breast cancer have drawn her to her current
work developing breast cancer patient education and awareness
materials. She currently lives in Georgia.
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