The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Promise: to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science the find the cures.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure was founded on a promise 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 age 36, Suzy asked her sister to do everything possible to bring an end to breast cancer. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure, we have invested more than $1.3 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.

Toledo’s first Race for the Cure was held in 1994 with 600 participants and led to the inception of the Northwest Ohio Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure in 1999. Today, our Affiliate’s Race for the Cure has grown to include more than 17,000 participants and raises more than $800,000 annually. Additionally, the Komen Northwest Ohio Affiliate raises significant money through third-party events, Affiliate sponsored events, and personal contributions. Up to 75% of net proceeds generated by the Komen Northwest Affiliate stay in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. These funds are distributed through grants made to organizations that deliver treatment, services and education throughout the Affiliate’s service area. The remaining 25% goes to the National Susan G. Komen for the Cure Grants Program for energizing science to find the cures. All the money sent to the National organization is designated for research. Affiliate support is never used to support operations expenses at the National level.