SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE

By Melanie Chadwell
Melanie Chadwell
January 26, 2007

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is marking its 25th anniversary with a renewed and impassioned mission that incorporates a new name and logo, a $1 billion commitment and a host of initiatives designed to support its promise to end breast cancer forever. The organization’s new name is Susan G. Komen for the Cure and will be represented by a new logo featuring a customized version of the ubiquitous pink ribbon.

Nancy G. Brinker, a breast cancer survivor, founded the organization in 1982 on a promise she made to her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died of breast cancer at age 36. For the past 25 years, Komen for the Cure has played a critical role in every major advance in the breast cancer movement. It has grown to become the world’s largest grassroots network of survivors and activists, investing nearly $1 billion in the cause and turning breast cancer into a priority health issue for women, researchers, health professionals and politicians. To learn more about Komen, go to www.komen.org.

The “Upper Cumberland” is the most recent affiliate chapter of the Komen for the Cure. According to Eileen Stuber, president of the new affiliate, “We will now be able to enjoy the many benefits and resources that come from working with such an experienced and successful organization as Komen. We will immediately begin taking advantage of the guidance and training that they offer to develop programs for the Upper Cumberland.” The organization can now raise money locally to support breast cancer education, screening, treatment and awareness efforts in our own region, while also supporting the research efforts of the national organization. Since 75% of monies raised locally remains with the area affiliate, nonprofit organizations will soon be able to request grants for community-based projects.

A “Kickoff for the Cure” fundraising dinner and “Tee it up for the Cure” Golf Tournament will be held in Cookeville in April. To request information about sponsorship opportunities for these events or about Komen grants, contact the Upper Cumberland Komen affiliate at PO Box 2692, Cookeville, TN 38502-2692 or eileenstuber@hotmail.com.

Pictured – Upper Cumberland Board and Steering Committee Members with representatives from the national Komen organization.