Susan G. Komen for the Cure

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Susan G. Komen for the Cure, formerly known as The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, is an organization supporting breast cancer research. Komen for the Cure has invested nearly $1 billion in research, education and health services, is the world's single largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to curing breast cancer at every stage.^{[citation needed]} Komen also maintains the world's largest network of breast cancer survivors and activists.^{[citation needed]} Komen has more than 75,000 volunteers nationwide - 122 affiliates in the United States (47 of 50 states) and 3 in other countries.

Komen annually awards work in the field of cancer research with the Komen Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction.

Contents 1 History 2 Grants and awards 2.1 Research grants 3 Public policy 4 Global activities 5 Events 6 See also 7 Notes 8 External links 8.1 Official websites 8.1.1 Events 8.1.2 Affiliates

[edit] History

In 1978,^[1] Nancy Brinker promised her sister, Susan Komen of Peoria, Illinois, who was dying of breast cancer, that Brinker would find a way to speed up breast cancer research.^[2] In 1982, Brinker founded the The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in Komen's memory.

In 2007, the 25th anniversary of the Foundation, it changed its name to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, created a new logo, and adopted the explicit mission "to end breast cancer forever".

[edit] Grants and awards

Every major advance in the fight against breast cancer has been touched in some way by a Komen Grant.^{[citation needed]}

Since 1982, Komen for the Cure 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 for the Cure 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.

In addition to funding research, Komen and its Affiliates fund non-duplicative, community-based breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment projects for the medically underserved.^[3]

[edit] Research grants

Susan G. Komen for the Cure has dedicated nearly $1 billion to creating awareness and finding a cure for breast cancer, making it one of the nation's largest private funding sources for breast health and breast cancer.^{[citation needed]}

Since 1982, Komen has awarded more than 1,000 breast cancer research grants totaling more than $180 million.^[3] Frequently, Komen has funded research that has let to landmark discoveries to find a cure for and eventually prevent breast cancer.^{[citation needed]} Credited with bringing a new level of integrity to the grant application and review process^{[citation needed]}, Komen adheres to a peer-review process that is recognized by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

As of 2007, research grants are available for basic, clinical, and translational research; postdoctoral fellowships; and breast cancer disparities research.^[4]

[edit] Public policy

Komen for the Cure 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. As part of their efforts, Komen has established Komen Champions for the Cure, a structured advocacy organization that, through community involvement, contacts Congress, federal officials, state legislators, and other policy makers about breast cancer.^[5]

[edit] Global activities

Because 10 million women around the world could die from breast cancer in the next 25 years without a cure. Though breast cancer is a global disease, reaction and approach to its diagnosis and treatment vary greatly by a country's culture and economic means.^{[citation needed]}

Komen for the Cure believes that no single approach to breast health will prove effective around the world, so it and works with local communities and organizations to develop programs to meet the needs of particular groups or cultures.

[edit] Events

• Komen Race for the Cure — a series of 5 kilometer run/fitness walk foot races to raise money and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrates breast cancer survivorship, and memorializes those who lost their battle with the disease
• The Breast Cancer 3-Day — a 60-mile walk for women and men: participants walk 60 miles (96.6 km) in three days to help raise millions of dollars for breast cancer research and patient support programs.
• Passionately Pink for the Cure — a fundraising and education program in conjunction with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• Komen Champions for the Cure (see [[#Public Policy|]] above)

[edit] See also

• Nancy Brinker
• Race for the Cure
• Breast Cancer 3-Day
• Komen Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction
• List of health related charity fundraisers

[edit] Notes

1. ^ "About Komen" (old version). Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation official page. Retrieved 2007-02-18.
2. ^ "Susan G. Komen's Story" by Nancy Brinker. Susan G. Komen for the Cure official page. Retrieved 2007-02-18.
3. ^ ^{a b} Komen Grants & Awards. Susan G. Komen for the Cure official page. Retrieved on March 30, 2007.
4. ^ "Research Grants". Susan G. Komen for the Cure official page. Retrieved 2007-02-18.
5. ^ "Public Policy". Susan G. Komen for the Cure official page. Retrieved 2007-02-18.

[edit] External links

[edit] Official websites

• Susan G. Komen for the Cure website

[edit] Events

• Komen Race for the Cure website
• Breast Cancer 3-Day website
• Act Now End Breast Cancer website
• Passionately Pink for the Cure™ website

[edit] Affiliates

• Susan G. Komen for the Cure United States Affiliates
• Susan G. Komen for the Cure Puerto Rico Affiliate
• Susan G. Komen for the Cure Deutschland e.V.
• Susan G. Komen for the Cure Italia onlus