The Komen Message

This year, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is celebrating more than 20 years of patient advocacy, building awareness and raising funds for innovative research and community outreach programs. In the process, we’re renewing our promise in the fight against breast cancer - to remain dedicated to advancing research, education, screening and treatment. We are steadfast in our faith that one day we will truly have something to celebrate: a world without breast cancer.

The 20th anniversary of the Komen Foundation was bittersweet for me. The Komen Foundation was established after I lost my sister Suzy to breast cancer - that’s the bitter. The sweet is the fact that today, many other families won’t have to go through what my family endured when we lost Suzy. The cumulative knowledge, awareness and progress in breast cancer today amazes me. Women used to suffer alone, but now doors have been opened so that those who face a breast cancer diagnosis have better screening and treatment options and a better quality of life. They also have a vast and growing support network.

But there is still much to be done. There are women everywhere who do not understand the importance of early detection and do not have access to annual screening mammography. We must remain committed to ensuring that every woman follows a positive breast health regimen by receiving regular mammography screening and clinical breast examinations and performing monthly breast self-examinations.

As U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Hungary, I had the honor and the privilege of meeting women and men around the globe who are responding to the life-saving message of early detection and are fighting in the trenches everyday to bring breast health awareness to their communities. As you can imagine, I do a lot of traveling, and I can tell you that I met more people embracing the spirit of the breast cancer cause throughout Europe than I ever have before.

When my sister faced breast cancer, information designed for patients was few and far between, and Suzy’s lack of awareness kept her from fully participating in most treatment decisions. Because of that, we at the Komen Foundation have always kept the patient’s experience at the forefront. As Ambassador, I carried the torch of breast health awareness everywhere I went with the hope that one day, women across the globe will find solace in the light of empowerment, and become their own best advocates.

I am so very proud of our history and the work of Komen Affiliates who reach into their communities to keep the subject of breast cancer high in the public consciousness every day. Heartfelt thanks to Komen Affiliates, corporate partners, individual donors and Komen Foundation staff and volunteers. This journey has unquestionably been made more meaningful and successful by the encouragement of the good friends we’ve made along the way.

With love and gratitude,

Nancy G. Brinker
Founder