Komen FAQ's

Q: What is Susan G. Komen for the Cure?      
 A:  Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the largest and most progressive grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists in the world.  With a dedicated network of U.S. and International Affiliates and through events such as Race for the Cure®, Komen promises to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures.
                                    
Q: How did the Susan G. Komen for the Cure begin?
A: Susan G. Komen for the Cure was founded on a promise made between two sisters – Susan Goodman Komen and Nancy Goodman Brinker. Suzy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1978, a time when little was known about the disease and it was rarely discussed in public. Before she died at the age of 36, Suzy asked her sister to do everything possible to bring an end to breast cancer. Nancy kept her promise by establishing the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in 1982 in Suzy’s memory.                  

Q: What is the relationship between the local Komen Affiliate and the national organization?                       
A: Up to 75 percent of our Affiliate’s net income stays in Oregon and SW Washington to fund local breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs. Last year, Komen Affiliates granted more than $40 million to support community-based education, screening and treatment programs.
Remaining net income (25 percent) supports the National Komen Research Grant Program, which funds groundbreaking breast cancer research, meritorious awards and educational and scientific programs around the world.    

Q: I think I may have breast cancer, what do I do?            
A: Contact your physician immediately.                 

Q: Where can I find out more information about breast cancer, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of breast cancer?                                                      
A: Through Komen's national website at: www.komen.org and also here within our site.            

Q: I need to get a mammogram but I am uninsured or underinsured, how can Komen help me?                                               
A: We fund the Oregon Breast and Cervical Cancer Program and the Washington Breast and Cervical Care Program which provide free women's health checks to eligible women.  Click here for more information. 

Q: I would like to volunteer for Komen, how do I get involved?                                                
A: Contact Volunteer Program Manager, Lori Kresse at 503-552-9160 or email her at: lkresse@komenoregon.org.

Q: I would like to make a donation to the foundation who do I contact?
A: Contact Director of Development Stephen Guntli at sguntli@komenoregon.org or 503-546-7431.