HOMES FOR THE CURE - ABOUT SUSAN G. KOMEN
Susan G. Komen for the Cure was established in 1982 by Nancy G. Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Today, the international organization has a network of advocates working through local affiliates to save lives and end breast cancer forever, empowering people, ensuring quality of care for all and energizing scientists and researchers.
With $1.9 billion invested to date, Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to fighting breast cancer and supporting patients and their families.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure has played a critical role in every major advance in the fight against breast cancer over the past 25 years — transforming how the world talks about and treats this disease and helping to turn millions of breast cancer patients into breast cancer survivors.
The organization pledges to fulfill its promise to end breast cancer forever, and will commit more than $2 billion over the next decade to breast health care and treatment — especially for underserved women — and to research aimed at discovering the causes of breast cancer and, ultimately, its cures.
ABOUT KOMEN CENTRAL FLORIDA
The first Central Florida Race for the Cure was hosted in 1996 in Daytona Beach by a dedicated group of volunteers committed to supporting the Komen mission.
Susan G. Komen Central Florida, the national organization’s local affiliate, was established in 1999 and serves Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia counties by supporting, educating, advocating and funding community-based services for women in the fight against breast cancer.
To date, Susan G. Komen Central Florida has raised more than $5 million through various events, including its annual Komen Central Florida Race for the Cure. Seventy-five percent of the funds raised through this and other events, such as Homes for the Cure, stays in Central Florida. The remainder goes to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure grants program, which supports leading-edge research.
Locally, funds are distributed to non-profit organizations that provide breast cancer awareness, financial assistance, research, treatment and/or screening programs. The organization is especially focused reaching Hispanics, African Americans, migrant workers, the uninsured and the physically disabled — all of whom are at higher risk for breast cancer.
In 2011, Susan G. Komen Central Florida granted 15 local non-profit organizations more than $600,000 for breast health services. The organization contributed an additional $150,000 to national research initiatives.
In 2010, Susan G. Komen Central Florida helped to fund more than 1,600 initial screening mammograms, more than 1,100 diagnostic procedures (including biopsies and surgical consults) and numerous educational programs for more than 50,000 people. Breast cancer was diagnosed in 27 women who might otherwise have gone undiagnosed and untreated.
THE NEED IS GREATER THAN EVER
As of 2011, Central Florida was home to nearly 2 million women, roughly one in eight of whom will face a breast cancer diagnosis in her lifetime. Of those 235,000 women, 77,000 will be diagnosed as having “advanced stage” breast cancer — and nearly 15,000 will die.
An estimated 25 percent of women in Florida between the ages of 18 and 64 have no form of health insurance. Because of this and many other factors, approximately 30 percent of local women have not had a mammogram in the past year.
It is for these women and others that Susan G. Komen Central Florida fills gaps in breast cancer services.
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP
• Volunteer: Susan G. Komen Central Florida needs your time and talent. The organization relies on volunteers to help raise funds and educate the community. From the annual Race for the Cure in October to educational events and speaking engagements, there are numerous opportunities to help, no matter how busy your schedule. Email volunteer@komencentralflorida.org for more information.
• Advocate: Komen Champions for the Cure is a grassroots advocacy program designed to educate elected officials at the local, state and national levels about the impact of breast cancer on their constituents. You can make a difference by helping to inform policymakers. Sign up at komenadvocacy.org.
• Partner: Whether it’s through a financial donation or an in-kind service that helps lower administrative costs, Susan G. Komen Central Florida needs partners. Year-round and event-specific sponsorships are available. Email info@komencentralflorida.org or call (321) 972-5534 for more information.
• Donate: Make a gift in memory of a loved one, or simply to support the effort to end breast cancer forever. Susan G. Komen Central Florida accepts donations online, by mail or any other way that’s most convenient for you. Every dollar helps provide vital services and brings us one dollar closer to finding a cure. Email info@komencentralflorida.org or call (321)-972-5534 for more information.
• Join: Help spread the word about Susan G. Komen Central Florida’s many events and fundraising opportunities. To receive notifications and updates, email info@komencentralflorida.org.