The Susan G. Komen foundation has been a part of my life for years. I’ve run in the Race for The Cure for as long as I can remember and the Foundation has always had a special place in my heart. I’ve always found the concept of the Foundation beautiful, the coming together of people from every gender, race and age; energized thru the 3.2 mile race to do their part in the fight to end breast cancer. The struggle of the race represents just a miniscule piece of the battle women with breast cancer face and every runner is emotionally committed to the mission of Komen. I always felt so proud after running the race on those hot Saturdays in June. The crowds would cheer and praise every runner as they came to the finish line. However, the real heroes were those wearing the pink hats; the women who had won or were fighting the battle against breast cancer. The Race for The Cure was a living example of how far the world has come in treating and preventing breast cancer. Unfortunately, this image may no longer epitomize the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Recent publicity on Komen’s decision to stop their funding to Planned Parenthood created a stirring response from people all over America. Angry outbursts shook the Foundation’s trust of supporters. The Komen foundation has taken a big step into the world of politics that could be detrimental to their image as a charity. It is probable to say that Komen finally succumbed to the long-time threats the Foundation has received, due to its controversial partnership with Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood used Komen’s grants to allow women who otherwise would not have access to mammograms the ability to participate in breast cancer detection and screening. Planned Parenthood described their relationship with the Susan G. Komen Foundation in a press release, “Planned Parenthood has been a trusted partner with the Komen Foundation in early cancer detection and prevention services. In particular, Planned Parenthood helps the Komen Foundation reach vulnerable populations—low income women, African-American women, and Latinas—especially in rural areas and underserved communities where Planned Parenthood health centers are their only source of health care.” The partnership allowed 170,000 women to get free screenings for breast cancer who would otherwise not have had the opportunity or access to this procedure. This data explains why so many people were outraged by Komen’s decision to eliminate funding to such a beneficial program.
This week Susan G. Komen announced that they would reverse their decision and continue to support Planned Parenthood. This reversal would never have been possible if it weren’t for all the people who protested and fought against Komen’s decision. The same enthusiasm and tenacity shown by supporters participating in The Race for The Cure and their fight against breast cancer was demonstrated during this controversy. Even though the Foundation made a mistake, the volunteers and supporters showed that they too play a critical role in ensuring that the organization remains true to its mission; which is a promise made by a sister to end breast cancer.