DFW-Based Breast Cancer Organization Honors Efforts of Advocates Worldwide
FORT WORTH – March 25, 2011 – More than 1,000 breast cancer advocates, grantees, partners and volunteers are converging on Fort Worth this weekend as the world’s largest breast cancer organization sets global strategy for the upcoming year and celebrates the successes of the last.
The Susan G. Komen Leadership Conference takes place March 24-26 at the Omni Hotel in Fort Worth.
“We aim to end breast cancer because we refuse to sit back while someone in the world dies from the disease every 69 seconds,” said Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, founder and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. “We face significant challenges to preserve access to cancer care as we seek better screening and new treatments. The members of the Komen for the Cure family represent the best thinking in this mission, and remembering that the power of one is within each and every one of us, we expect to leave this conference with renewed energy to end this disease forever.”
As in years past, the three-day event will unite Komen advocates and representatives from the more than 200 companies and organizations that partner with Komen. For the first time, the grantees of Komen’s more than $1.9 billion invested in research and community funding will join the event. These grantees represent Komen’s investment in science, community advocacy and international programs and are often the ones on the front lines providing education, screening and treatment support.
Other special guests include representatives from the more than 50 countries served by Komen programs. Komen works around the world with partners and non-governmental organizations to build breast cancer advocacy programs and break down cultural stigmas and barriers that prevent women from receiving proper care.
The majority of conference attendees will be representatives from more than 120 Komen Affiliates around the nation who work tirelessly every day to meet the breast health needs in thousands of U.S. communities. These are the backbone of Komen for the Cure, raising awareness and investing in local programs that uniquely meet the needs of women and men in their communities.
To date, Komen has invested more than $1.9 billion in breast cancer research, education, screening, treatment and advocacy. Research has taught us about the disease, and community programs and advocacy have shown us how to effectively reach women and men in need. At the conference, Komen advocates will share best-in-class knowledge and practices, celebrating accomplishments in the breast cancer movement and inspiring each other to keep moving forward.
Throughout the weekend, Komen for the Cure will present a number of awards to Affiliates, partners and individuals who implement and support the organization’s work. Recipients will be recognized for areas such as innovative programs, leadership and unyielding support for those affected by breast cancer. Today, Rally for the Cure® was recognized with Komen’s Mission Possible award for helping raise more than $60 million and reach almost 2 million people through golf, tennis and social events. Partners like this make our work possible.
Komen’s conference weekend will conclude with a unique opportunity for Komen supporters who have a passion not only for ending breast cancer but also for running. On Sunday, March 27, the Rock N. Roll Marathon in Dallas benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
