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.

A major fundraiser for the Susan B. Komen Foundation is the 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.

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.