The Susan G. Komen foundation is working toward ending breast cancer in North Carolina

The Susan G. Komen foundation is making a difference in the lives of people affected by breast cancer, committed to helping those affected by the disease, from providing resources and support to funding research initiatives that could lead to breakthrough discoveries in the treatment and cure of metastatic breast cancer. With a history spanning 40 years, the Susan G. Komen foundation has witnessed and contributed to significant improvements in the prognosis of such a life-altering disease.

In 1982, Nancy Brinker founded the Susan G. Komen foundation in honor of her sister, Susan, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Since then, the foundation has become a global leader in the fight against breast cancer. They are the largest private funder of research dedicated to finding a cure for the disease as well as preventing it, having invested over $1.1 billion in research in the foundation’s 40 years. Susan G. Komen's work has led to major advances in the treatment of breast cancer, and their efforts have helped countless people affected by the disease.

The foundation is also committed to providing resources and support to those affected by breast cancer. They have a nationwide network and work with individuals like Kimberly Burrows, the State Executive Director of North and South Carolina, to provide access to care and increase awareness about the disease. "At Komen, we are looking at that 360-degree approach and how someone can have all the assistance they need," said Burrows. "We know there are some huge medical disparities that need to be addressed, and we are helping bring early detection and access care to the communities that need it."

Beyond providing resources, their research funding towards understanding Metastatic breast cancer includes a one-of-a-kind collaborative initiative with North Carolina research universities. "We collaborate with Duke and UNC, who have received 3 grants towards research for Metastatic breast cancers,” said Burrows. "These collaborative research initiative grants were awarded in 2021. The 3-year, $500,000 grants are still in process and we will be getting updates from researchers at a metastatic breast cancer research event in the Triangle. We know to make the next major step [towards a cure] we need this collaboration." By not only providing grants but having these organizations work in collaboration, the best and the brightest are working towards a common goal of ending metastatic breast cancer.

"Considering [October] is Breast Cancer Awareness month, we wanted to celebrate what the Susan G. Komen Foundation does. We wanted to partner with them because they have a track record of contributing to the 42% decrease in the breast cancer death rate," said Ben Whitley from Whitley Law Firm, describing why his firm felt it important to support the non-profit. "We like supporting them because they are offering resources to those with few resources to access care and allow them to make informed decisions and advocate for themselves and others," said Whitley. With one case of breast cancer being diagnosed about every two minutes in the United States, Susan G. Komen's work is more important than ever. “We have some world-class universities right here in North Carolina and any money Susan G Komen can put towards independent research towards cures and treatments will go a long way," added Whitley when asked about the work the foundation does with local universities to increase knowledge about treating breast cancer. With the foundation being the largest contributor to breast cancer research behind the government, their work is having a major impact on the fight against breast cancer. Thanks in part to their efforts, breast cancer mortality rates have declined by 39% since 1989, and they continue to invest in research that could lead to even more advances in treating the disease.

"Our financial support networks have doubled this year and are predicted to triple so we can provide resources all over the state, and anyone can call. We have even had people call Komen from the US Virgin Islands," said Burrow. "Komen and my team can truly make a difference, so if you get that breast cancer diagnosis, it's an easier journey." Metastatic breast cancer is the deadliest form of the disease, and Susan G. Komen's work is helping to change that. They are committed to finding a cure for breast cancer, and their efforts are making a difference in the lives of those affected by the disease both across the nation and in North and South Carolina in particular.