In 1980, Nancy Brinker lost her sister and best friend, Susan Goodman Komen, to breast cancer at the age of 36. She left behind not only her loving sister and parents, but also a husband and two young children. As Nancy watched her die, she wondered how this could happen in one of the most medically advanced countries in the world.
In the last months of Susan's life, Nancy made a promise to her sister: she would dedicate the rest of her life to eradicating breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment.
In 1982, Nancy Brinker established Susan G. Komen for the Cure with only a few hundred dollars of her own and a shoebox full of friends' names. Two short years later, Nancy discovered her own breast cancer. Through Susan's experience, Nancy learned to take charge of her own health and sought the most advanced treatment options available.
Today, Susan G. Komen for the Cure is a leader in the field of breast cancer education, screening and treatment - and is the largest private funding source for breast cancer research and community outreach programs. In 2004, Susan G. Komen for the Cure celebrates more than 20 years of patient advocacy, building awareness and raising nearly $600 million. Key to its success is their Races Series, the largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world. This event, created by Nancy, has grown from one local race with 800 participants to a national series of more than 100 Races with more than 1.5 million participants expected in 2004.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure(a Texas nonprofit corporation)was formed in 1982. The stated mission is to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment. Volunteers around the world work through local Komen Affiliates and Susan G. Komen for the Cure events to further their mission.
Komen is a 501(c)3 organization as determined by the Internal Revenue Service.
Komen is approved as a participant in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) and is a national federation member of Independent Charities of America (ICA).
Since its inception, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and its Affiliates have raised in excess of $600 million.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure runs one of the most innovative, responsive grant programs in breast cancer today, with a focus on research projects with potential for high impact that may not be considered by other agencies. Each year, Komen awards project grants and fellowships in basic, clinical and translational research.
Since its inception, Susan G. Komen for the Cure has awarded more than 1,000 research and project grants totaling over $144 million.
In addition to research on a national and international level, Komen Affiliates fund non-duplicative, community-based breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment projects for the medically underserved. In order to ensure that efforts are not being duplicated, Komen Affiliates work with local medical experts and community leaders to conduct comprehensive community needs assessments.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world. Since its origination in Dallas in 1983, the Komen Race for the CureŽ Series has grown from one local race to an international series with more than 100. More than 1.5 million participants are expected in 2004.
Administrative and fundraising expenses remain less than 10% of Komen's spending.
90% of net revenue, or 90 cents of every dollar, supports Komen's mission to eradicate breast cancer as a life threatening disease through research, education, screening and treatment.
To learn more about the foundation please visit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.org
