Susan G. Komen for the Cure® was founded on a promise made between
two sisters – Susan Goodman Komen and Nancy Goodman Brinker. Suzy was diagnosed
with breast cancer in 1978, a time when little was known about the disease and it
was rarely discussed in public. Before she died at the age of 36, Suzy asked her
sister to do everything possible to bring an end to breast cancer. Nancy kept her
promise by establishing Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in 1982.
More than 25 years later, Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is a global leader in the
breast cancer movement and is the world's largest and most progressive grassroots
network of more than 100,000 survivors and activists in 125 cities and communities.
With nearly $1 billion invested to date, Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is the world's
single largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to curing breast cancer at every
stage – from the causes, to the cures, to the pain and anxiety of every moment in
between. Working with grassroots activism and events such as the Komen Race for
the Cure®, the world's largest and most successful education and fundraising event
for breast cancer, the Komen organization has promised to save lives and end breast
cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing
science to find the cures.
In order to ensure their funds are making the greatest impact, Komen Affiliates
work with local medical experts and community leaders to conduct comprehensive community
needs assessments. These community profiles are then used to establish local grant
application and review processes consistent with the Komen's high standards and
promise. Last year, Komen Affiliates granted more than $30 million to support community-based
education, screening and treatment programs.