Tell our readers about your foundation and how it got started.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure was founded in 1982 when Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. Today, it is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. The Orange County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure was established in 1991, and is one of the largest and has been among the most successful affiliates raising funds to end breast cancer forever.
What is the foundation's most important message?
Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s vision is a world without breast cancer. Because 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, it is important for our organization to continually reach out to the local community with breast health education and services, and invest in groundbreaking breast cancer research. Early detection is your best protection.
How long have you been doing the OC Race for the Cure? How much do you expect to raise this year?
The Komen Orange County Race for the Cure is in its 18th year, its first Race in 1991. Our fundraising goal is $3.1 million. While many nonprofits are having a hard time this year, we are looking to the community to band together and raise money for the cure. More people are without health insurance this year and therefore without access to lifesaving breast health care, which makes funding for the Race even more critical. Our services help those in need to ensure that as many women and men as possible have access to breast health care.
The Susan G. Komen Foundation's reach extends beyond Orange County, and in fact, beyond the United States. What are some of your global initiatives?
Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the world’s 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. There are hundreds of affiliates worldwide. For more info on Global Initiatives, please see this link: http://ww5.komen.org/AboutUs/GlobalInitiatives.html
What are some of the merchandise items you sell on the website? What percentage of the proceeds go towards research?
OCKomenMerchandise.com is a proactive way to reach women with the lifesaving message of early detection and to help raise additional funds for breast cancer research and community outreach programs. The merchandise includes bracelets, key chains, water bottles, pins, hats and t-shirts. Please see info on how the proceeds are divided in the next question.
How can our readers get involved in your foundation?
We always welcome donations, which will be invested in ending breast cancer forever. 75% of the funds we raise stays right in the OC community – funding local breast cancer awareness and education programs, breast health self-examination classes, medical and diagnostic services for uninsured and underinsured women, and other community breast health needs. 25% is invested in groundbreaking breast cancer research. Additionally, there are several opportunities to volunteer with the Komen Orange County Affiliate, at various events like the Race, other fundraisers, and everyday activities.
Additionally, Komen does address issues concerning the Persian community and Middle Eastern/Muslim populations in Orange County. We provide funding for Community Grant recipient Access California Services, a local non-profit grassroots organization that provides culturally and linguistically appropriate services to the Arab/Muslim communities in Orange County. Through the community grant, Access California Services has a breast health program called, “The Pink Standard for Breast Health,” and through this program they provide patient navigation services, as well as outreach and education initiatives that aim to increase breast health and breast cancer awareness.
