The Power of a Promise™

20th Anniversary of the Komen Foundation

Even more impressive than the distinguished history of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is how far we have come in just 20 years. The year 2002 marks the 20th Anniversary of the Foundation. Visit the Komen Foundation online to find out how we are celebrating.

The Komen Foundation was founded on a promise made between two sisters – Susan G. Komen and Nancy Brinker. Suzy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1978, when it was rarely discussed in public and little was known about the disease. 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 her memory.

Twenty years later, the Komen Foundation is a global leader in the fight against breast cancer through its support of innovative research and community-based outreach programs. Working through a network of U.S. and international Affiliates and events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, the Foundation is fighting to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by funding research grants, and supporting education, screening and treatment projects in communities around the world.

Today, we celebrate the power of a promise and how the vision of one can make a difference in the lives of millions.

Where We've Been —A review of 20 years to eradicate breast cancer