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{{Short description|American non-profit organization}} | |||
{{Infobox company | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2019}} | |||
| company_logo = ] | |||
{{Infobox organization | |||
| company_name = Susan G. Komen for the Cure | |||
| name = Susan G. Komen | |||
| parent = | |||
| logo = Susan G Komen Logo.svg | |||
| company_type = ] | |||
| alt = Logo of Susan G. Komen | |||
| company_slogan = | |||
| type = ] | |||
| foundation = 1982 in ] | |||
| status = ]<ref name= irseos>"". ''Exempt Organizations Select Check''. Internal Revenue Service. Retrieved June 12, 2017.</ref> | |||
| founder = ] | |||
| founder = ] | |||
| location = 5005 LBJ Fwy., Ste. 250<br/>Dallas, TX 75244<br/>901 E Street NW<br/>Washington, DC 20004 | |||
| leader_name = Donna McKay | |||
| key_people = ] (Founder & ])<br/>] (])<br/>Elizabeth "Liz" Thompson (President)<br/>Dr. Eric P. Winer (Chief Scientific Adviser) | |||
| leader_title = ], ] | |||
| homepage = | |||
| formation = {{start date and age|1982}} | |||
| founding_location = ] | |||
| headquarters = ] <br/> ] | |||
| employees = 194<ref>{{cite web |title=The Susan G. Komen Board of Directors - Our People |url=https://ww5.komen.org/AboutUs/OurPeople.html |website=ww5.komen.org}}</ref> | |||
| employees_year = 2018–2019 | |||
| volunteers = 2,965<ref name= 990-2017/> | |||
| volunteers_year = 2016–2017 | |||
| revenue = $94,756,928<ref name= 990-2017/> | |||
| revenue_year = 2022–2023 | |||
| expenses = $77,854,319<ref name= 990-2017/> | |||
| expenses_year = 2022–2023 | |||
| endowment = $8,118,044<ref name= 990-2017>"". ''Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Inc''. ]. August 25, 2024.</ref> | |||
| website = {{URL|http://www.komen.org}} | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Susan G. Komen for the Cure''' |
'''Susan G. Komen''' (formerly known as '''Susan G. Komen for the Cure'''; originally as '''The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation'''; often referred to simply as '''Komen''') is a ] organization in the ].<ref name=Suliklogo>{{Cite book| first=Gayle A.|last=Sulik|title=Pink Ribbon Blues: How Breast Cancer Culture Undermines Women's Health|publisher=]|location=Oxford, England|year=2010|pages=146–150|isbn=978-0-19-974045-1|oclc= 535493589 }}</ref> | ||
|author=Gayle A. Sulik | |||
|title=Pink Ribbon Blues: How Breast Cancer Culture Undermines Women's Health | |||
|publisher=Oxford University Press | |||
|location=USA | |||
|year=2010 | |||
|pages=146–150 | |||
|isbn=0-19-974045-3 | |||
|oclc= 535493589 }}</ref><!-- Multiple author-date/short citations depend on this bibliographic entry; please stop removing it from the article. --> | |||
Komen works on patient navigation and ], providing resources for breast-cancer patients to understand the American medical system.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Komen Breast Cancer Helpline|url=https://www.komen.org/support-resources/breast-cancer-helpline/|access-date=2021-07-24|website=Susan G. Komen®|language=en-US}}</ref> They have funded research into the causes and treatment of breast cancer.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Breast Cancer Funding - We Fund Research Worldwide {{!}} Susan G. Komen®|url=http://ww5.komen.org/WhatWeDo/WeFundResearch/WeFundResearch.html|access-date=March 30, 2017|website=5.komen.org}}</ref> However, the organization has been mired by ] over ], allocation of research funding, and CEO pay. The foundation's revenue and public perception have steeply declined since 2010.<ref name="NonprofitQuarterlyJuly2018">{{Cite journal|last=McCambridge|first=Ruth|date=July 3, 2018|title=Another Komen Chapter Goes Under amidst Massive Revenue Losses|url=https://nonprofitquarterly.org/2018/07/03/another-komen-chapter-goes-under-amidst-massive-revenue-losses/|journal=Nonprofit Quarterly|access-date=December 12, 2018}}</ref><!-- Multiple author-date/short citations depend on this bibliographic entry; please stop removing it from the article. --> | |||
Since its inception in 1982, Komen has spent (through 2010) nearly $1.5 billion<ref>{{cite web|last=Mcdonald |first=Karen |url=http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1685418888/U-S-House-honors-Nancy-Brinker |title=U.S. House honors Nancy Brinker - Peoria, IL |publisher=pjstar.com |date=2010-01-20 |accessdate=2010-06-12}}</ref> for breast cancer research, education, ], health services and social support programs in the U.S.,<ref>, Dallas Morning News, accessed May 4, 2008</ref> and through partnerships in more than 50 countries.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, Founder of the World’s Largest Breast Cancer Awareness Organization to Speak to Palestinian Audience |url=http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov/pr-03272007b.html |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=2007-03-27 |accessdate=2009-02-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=10:41 EDT |url=http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/people/Credo-Nancy-Goodman-Brinker-43636377.html |title=Credo: Nancy Goodman Brinker |publisher=Washington Examiner |date=2009-04-24 |accessdate=2010-06-12}}</ref> Today, Komen has more than 100,000 volunteers<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20101015/OPINION/10150326|title=Our View: In Alexandria, it's time to run and make a difference|date=October 15, 2010|accessdate=February 17, 2011|work=]}}</ref> working in a network of 124 affiliates worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statesman.com/news/breast_cancer/austin-based-convio-helps-komen-raise-money-mobilize-1000794.html|title=Austin-based Convio helps Komen raise money, mobilize volunteers|date=October 27, 2010|accessdate=February 17, 2011|work=]}}</ref> As of January 11, 2013, Komen is listed on ] with their highest rating of four stars.<ref>, Charity Navigator. Retrieved January 11, 2013.</ref> According to the ] 2010 EquiTrend annual brand equity poll, Komen was one of the most trusted non-profit organizations in America.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nptimes.com/10Mar/breakingnews-100304-1.html |title=The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management |publisher=Nptimes.com |date=2010-03-04 |accessdate=2010-06-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Joslyn |first=Heather |url=http://philanthropy.com/article/Two-Health-Charities-Rank-as/64512/ |title=Two Health Charities Rank as America's Most Trusted Nonprofit Brands - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas |publisher=Philanthropy.com |date=2010-03-04 |accessdate=2010-06-12}}</ref> However, the organization has been criticized for its use of donor funds, as well as its choice of sponsor affiliations and its role in commercial ],<ref></ref> and its use of misleading statistics in advertising.<ref></ref><ref></ref><ref></ref> | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
' |
The foundation's ], Susan Goodman Komen, died of breast cancer in 1980 at age 36.<ref name="RegisterGuard">{{cite news|last=Cunningham|first=Chris|date=October 1, 2010|title=Promise heard around the world|newspaper=]|url=http://special.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/web/news/25292440-57/komen-cancer-breast-susan-cure.csp|access-date=March 11, 2011}}</ref><ref name="Komen's Story">, Susan G. Komen for the Cure official site. Retrieved March 2, 2008.</ref> Her younger sister ], who has stated that she believed Susan's outcome might have been better had she known more about cancer and its treatment, founded the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in 1982.<ref name="Komen's Story"/><ref name="Palm Beach Daily">{{cite news|date=July 30, 2009|title=Palm Beacher Nancy G. Brinker to Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom|newspaper=]|url=http://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/pbdnotebook/entries/2009/07/30/nancy_g_brinker_to_receive_hig.html|url-status=dead|access-date=March 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309064936/http://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/pbdnotebook/entries/2009/07/30/nancy_g_brinker_to_receive_hig.html|archive-date=March 9, 2012}}</ref> | ||
In |
In 2007, the 25th ] of the ], they changed the name to "Susan G. Komen for the Cure" and its logo to the ].<ref name="BrainerdDispatch">{{cite web|url=http://brainerddispatch.com/stories/012207/new_20070122016.shtml|title=Susan G. Komen for the Cure: New name, renewed mission to fight breast cancer|date=January 22, 2007|publisher=Brainerd Dispatch|access-date=March 11, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708091017/http://brainerddispatch.com/stories/012207/new_20070122016.shtml|archive-date=July 8, 2011}}</ref> The logo represents Komen's signature Race for the Cure event, a jogging race that raises money for the foundation.<ref name="CourierPress">{{cite web|date=January 22, 2007|title=Local Komen affiliate gets new logo|url=http://www.courierpress.com/news/2007/jan/22/local-komen-affiliate-gets-new-logo/|access-date=March 11, 2011|publisher=Courier Press}}</ref> | ||
In December 2009 Brinker was appointed CEO of the organization.<ref name="DallasBiz">{{cite news|url=http://dallas.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2009/11/30/daily26.html |title=Susan G. Komen founder Nancy Brinker returns as CEO |
In December 2009, Nancy Brinker was appointed CEO of the organization.<ref name="DallasBiz">{{cite news|url=http://dallas.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2009/11/30/daily26.html |title=Susan G. Komen founder Nancy Brinker returns as CEO — Dallas Business Journal |publisher=Dallas.bizjournals.com |date=December 2, 2009 |access-date=June 12, 2010}}</ref> ] became CEO in 2012. In November 2016, the organization announced that Salerno would step down as CEO the following month.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20161117/NEWS/161119923|title=Susan G. Komen's CEO is stepping down|newspaper=Modern Healthcare|access-date=November 21, 2016}}</ref> In 2017, former fashion executive and breast cancer survivor Paula Schneider became the CEO.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/10/business/paula-schneider-susan-komen-corner-office.html|title=Paula Schneider on Running American Apparel and Fighting Cancer|last=Gelles|first=David|date=August 10, 2017|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-05-30|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In 2023, the former executive director of the Nobel Prize-winning organization ] (PHR) Donna McKay became the CEO.<ref>{{Cite web |last=BCRF |date=2023-04-13 |title=Donna McKay Joins BCRF as President and CEO |url=https://www.bcrf.org/blog/2023-bcrf-announces-new-ceo/ |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=Breast Cancer Research Foundation |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
==Philosophy== | |||
Komen advocates for breast self-awareness as a primary method for fighting breast cancer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dglobe.com/event/article/id/45421|title=Digital mammography reaches Worthington|date=January 30, 2011|accessdate=April 26, 2011|work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/BreastSelfAwareness.html |title=Understanding Breast Cancer | Breast Self-Awareness |publisher=Susan G. Komen for the Cure |date=2012-10-22 |accessdate=2012-10-26}}</ref> Komen supports ] mammography and ]s, as well as ever-increasing levels of government spending on diagnosing and treating breast cancer.<ref name=Suliksplit /> They promote early detection as the primary tool for preventing breast cancer deaths.<ref>Sulik, 2010. page 131.</ref> | |||
Their response to scientific evidence that the indiscriminate nature of ] for all middle-aged and older women, regardless of each woman's individual risk of developing breast cancer, results in ] of some women whose cancer would regress on its own or would grow so slowly that it would never harm them—for every one woman whose life is saved by screening mammography, between two and ten women will receive completely unnecessary and toxic treatment for a harmless growth, 250 to 500 women will be wrongly told that they might have breast cancer (]s), and 125 to 250 will have biopsies performed<ref>{{cite book | |||
|author=Welch, H. Gilbert | |||
|coauthors=Woloshin, Steve; Schwartz, Lisa A. | |||
|title=Overdiagnosed: Making People Sick in the Pursuit of Health | |||
|publisher=Beacon Press | |||
|location= | |||
|year=2011 | |||
|page=149 | |||
|isbn=0-8070-2200-4 | |||
|oclc= }}</ref>—is to "keep hammering away at our basic message, which is, early detection saves lives".<ref>{{cite news | |||
| title= The Trouble with Mammograms | |||
| date= 17 August 2009 | |||
| author= Aschwanden, Christie | |||
| newspaper= ] | |||
| url= http://articles.latimes.com/2009/aug/17/health/he-breast-overdiagnosis17 }}</ref> | |||
By contrast, organizations like the ] follow a ] model, in which individual women are educated by their physicians about their options and encouraged to make individualized, ] decisions about their health care.<ref name=Suliksplit /> Other organizations advocate more research into the environmental causes of breast cancer and ].<ref name=Suliksplit>Sulik, 2010. pages 52–53.</ref> | |||
==Activities== | ==Activities== | ||
Line 56: | Line 40: | ||
===Use of funds=== | ===Use of funds=== | ||
{{Pie chart | {{Pie chart | ||
|caption = '''Komen's |
| caption = '''Komen's Fiscal Year 2020 Spending''' | ||
|value1 = |
| value1 = 51 | ||
|label1 = |
| label1 = Education | ||
|color1 = LimeGreen | | color1 = LimeGreen | ||
|value2 = |
| value2 = 22 | ||
|label2 = |
| label2 = Fundraising | ||
|color2 = LightPink | | color2 = LightPink | ||
|value3 = |
| value3 = 14 | ||
|label3 = |
| label3 = Administration | ||
|color3 = DodgerBlue | | color3 = DodgerBlue | ||
|value4 = 5 |
| value4 = 5 | ||
|label4 = |
| label4 = Research | ||
|value5 = |
| value5 = 5 | ||
|label5 = |
| label5 = Treatment | ||
|value6 = |
| value6 = 3 | ||
|label6= |
| label6= Screening | ||
}} | }} | ||
In the |
In the 2020 fiscal year, Komen reported $195 million in public support, less direct benefits to ]s. Of this, $137 million came from contributions and $72 million from Komen's flagship Race for the Cure and Breast Cancer 3 Day fundraisers.<ref name="2010Statements">{{cite journal|last=The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.|year=2021|title=Consolidated Statements of Activities|url=https://www.komen.org/wp-content/uploads/fy19-20-annual-report.pdf|journal=Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Annual Report|access-date=July 23, 2021}}</ref> It spent the majority (51%) of this money on education efforts, which included advocacy, patient support services, national campaigns and educational events. 36% of the budget goes toward fundraising and ] costs, and the remaining 13% is split between research, treatment, and screening efforts.<ref name="2010Statements" /> | ||
That same fiscal year, Komen reported approximately US $360 million in expenses. $283.2 million of this went towards program services: $75.4 million (20.9 percent of total expenditure) went to research, $140.8 million (39.1 percent) went to public health education, $46.9 million (13 percent) went to health screening services, and $20.1 million (5.6 percent) went to treatment services. The other $76.8 million went to supporting services, including $36.1 million (10 percent of total expenditure) toward fund-raising costs and $40.6 million (11.3 percent) toward general and administrative costs.<ref name=2010Statements /> | |||
The Komen CEO salary in 2010 was $459,406 a year.<ref></ref> Komen paid founder and CEO Nancy Brinker $417,712 in 2011.<ref name="REUTERS"></ref> | |||
===Grants and awards=== | ===Grants and awards=== | ||
Komen provides funding for basic, clinical, and ] breast cancer research and in breast health education. As of 2007, the organization had awarded more than 1,000 breast cancer research grants totaling more than $180 million.<ref name="Grants">{{cite web |url=http://cms.komen.org/komen/GrantsAwards/index.htm |title=Komen Grants & Awards |publisher=Susan G. Komen for the Cure official page |access-date=March 30, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070315004245/http://cms.komen.org/komen/GrantsAwards/index.htm |archive-date=March 15, 2007 }}</ref> | |||
{{As of|2007}}, research grants are available for basic, clinical, and translational research; postdoctoral fellowships; and breast cancer disparities research.<ref>. Susan G. Komen for the Cure official page. Retrieved 2007-02-18.</ref> | |||
Komen awards three-year postdoctoral fellowships to individuals working under the guidance of experienced cancer researchers in order to recruit and retain young scientists in the field of breast cancer research. | |||
In addition to funding research, Komen and its affiliates fund non-duplicative, community-based breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment projects for the medically under-served.<ref name="Grants" /> | |||
Since 1992, Komen has also annually awarded work in the field of cancer research with the ]. | Since 1992, Komen has also annually awarded work in the field of cancer research with the ]. | ||
In 2012, an analysis of Komen's finances by Reuters showed that the proportion of fundraising dollars it spent on research grants decreased by more than half. While the absolute dollar amount of those grants had been steadily growing, it was not keeping pace with the surge in donations Komen had received.<ref name="REUTERS">{{cite web|date=February 8, 2012|title=Insight: Komen charity under microscope for funding, science|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-healthcare-komen-research-idUSTRE8171KW20120208|access-date=May 4, 2019|website=Reuters.com}}</ref> In 2011, the foundation spent $63 million (15%) of its donations on research grants and awards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pdf.reuters.com/pdfnews/pdfnews.asp?i=43059c3bf0e37541&u=2012_02_06_06_47_88922e0de0044de08a8946f8442db305_PRIMARY.gif|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709175058/http://pdf.reuters.com/pdfnews/pdfnews.asp?i=43059c3bf0e37541&u=2012_02_06_06_47_88922e0de0044de08a8946f8442db305_PRIMARY.gif|url-status=dead|title=pdfnews.asp (550x442 pixels)|date=July 9, 2012|archive-date=July 9, 2012|website=Archive.is|access-date=May 4, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ww5.komen.org/404.aspx|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20150318061214/http://ww5.komen.org/404.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 18, 2015|title=404 | Susan G. Komen®|access-date=May 4, 2019}}</ref> | |||
In recent years, Komen has cut by nearly half the proportion of fund-raising dollars it spends on research grants, according to a 2012 ] analysis. In 2011, the foundation spent $63 million (15 percent) of its donations on research grants and awards.<ref></ref><ref></ref><ref></ref> In 2012, ] formed a partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to promote breast cancer awareness. As part of the campaign, WWE adorned their sets with pink ribbons, put a pink middle rope on the ring, filmed numerous PSAs, and sold special John Cena "Rise Above Cancer" merchandise. All of these efforts culminated in a donation from WWE of $1 Million, which was presented to Susan G. Komen representatives in an in-ring ceremony during the October 29, 2012 episode of Raw.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/Wwe#Social_Media.2C_TV-PG.2C_and_Public_Service_Initiatives</ref> | |||
===Global activities=== | ===Global activities=== | ||
In 2006, Komen joined the US-Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research, a ] program. Komen has programs in Egypt, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ww5.komen.org/WhatWeDo/AroundtheWorld/MiddleEast/MiddleEast.html|title=Breast Cancer in the Middle East - Susan G. Komen®|website=5.komen.org|access-date=May 4, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://2001-2009.state.gov/r/partnerships/88041.htm|title=U.S.-Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research|date=July 10, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206115201/http://2001-2009.state.gov/r/partnerships/88041.htm|archive-date=February 6, 2009}}</ref> | |||
Around 458,000 people worldwide die from breast cancer every year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en/index.html |title=Cancer Fact Sheet |publisher=World Health Organization |accessdate = 2007-04-11 }}</ref> Komen for the Cure states that its aim is to "reduce the burden of breast cancer on a global level". Believing that no single approach to breast health will prove effective around the world, Komen works with local communities and organizations to develop programs for particular groups or cultures.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cms.komen.org/komen/AboutUs/OurGlobalReach/index.htm |title=Susan G. Komen for the Cure: Our Global Reach |accessdate = 2007-04-11}}</ref> | |||
In 2006, Susan G. Komen for the Cure announced their involvement with the ], a ] program that unites leading breast cancer advocates in the U.S. and the Middle East with the goal increasing early detection of breast cancer and reduce mortality through improved awareness, increased clinical resources, and research.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.bcpartnership.org/about-us/ | title = About Us | publisher = ] | location = ] | accessdate = 2009-05-09 }}</ref> | |||
In 2010, Komen was active in over 50 countries, with its largest affiliates in ] and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wusa9.com/life/community/health/buddycheck/story.aspx?storyid=82661&catid=45 |title=Washington, DC | Susan G. Komen For The Cure Pushes Global Awareness |publisher=WUSA9.com |access-date=June 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303230730/http://www.wusa9.com/life/community/health/buddycheck/story.aspx?storyid=82661&catid=45 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
On October 28, 2010, Jerusalem |
On October 28, 2010, ] held its first Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, with over 5,000 Christian, Muslim, and Jewish participants.<ref>{{cite news|last=Eglash |first=Ruth |url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=193177 |title='Race for the Cure' braves J'lem traffic in historic march |publisher=Jerusalem Post |date=October 28, 2010 |access-date=October 26, 2012}}</ref> Before the race, the ]'s ] were illuminated pink by Komen's founder, Nancy Brinker, ] ], and the ]'s wife ]. | ||
==Fundraising== | ==Fundraising== | ||
===Cause marketing=== | ===Cause marketing=== | ||
{{as of|2013}}, Komen raised over $36 million a year from over 60 ] partnerships.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/about-delta/corporate-responsibility/force-for-global-good/breast-cancer-research-foundation.html|title=Breast Cancer Research Foundation|date=May 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501091301/http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/about-delta/corporate-responsibility/force-for-global-good/breast-cancer-research-foundation.html|archive-date=May 1, 2013}}</ref>{{update inline|date=December 2021}} | |||
The Organization raises over $35 million a year from over 60 ] partnerships. These include prominent campaigns, such as those with ], which runs the Save Lids to Save Lives program, and a partnership with ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.causemarketingforum.com/page.asp?ID=197 |title=Cindy Schneible, VP Cause MarketingSusan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fndn. - Cause Marketing Forum - Cause Related Marketing Source |publisher=Cause Marketing Forum |date=2003-06-19 |accessdate=2010-06-12}}</ref> | |||
Cause marketing allows Komen to associate the breast cancer ] with its organization. by promoting the "fear, hope and goodness" associated with the breast cancer brand, Komen is able to promote itself, ], its sponsoring corporations, and ].<ref>Sulik, 2010. pages 133-146.</ref> | |||
===Events=== | ===Events=== | ||
] | ] | ||
The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is Komen's main fundraising event and the world's largest funding event for breast cancer.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/fl-brinker-appointment-20091203,0,7987489.story |title=Topic Galleries - South Florida |publisher=Sun-Sentinel |access-date=October 26, 2012}}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> It consists of a series of ] and fitness walks to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. | |||
The '''Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure''' is the world's largest fundraising event for breast cancer.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/fl-brinker-appointment-20091203,0,7987489.story |title=Topic Galleries - South Florida |publisher=Sun-Sentinel |date= |accessdate=2012-10-26}}</ref> It consists of a series of ] and fitness walks to raise money for ], to raise awareness of the disease, to celebrate those who have survived breast cancer, and memorialize those who have not. | |||
The first race was run in ] in 1983, with 800 participants.<ref> |
The first race was run in ] in 1983, with 800 participants.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011015937/http://cms.komen.org/Komen/NewsEvents/RacefortheCure/index.htm |date=October 11, 2007}}</ref> By 2016, over 1.6 million people participated in the race.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://apps.komen.org/raceforthecure/ |title=Komen Race for the Cure |publisher=Susan G. Komen for the Cure |access-date=October 26, 2012}}</ref> | ||
The primary source of revenue |
The race's primary source of revenue is donations collected by the participants. In 2011, Komen said that three-quarters of the event's proceeds were being used locally to pay for community outreach programs, breast health education, and ] and treatment projects run by the Komen affiliate, with the remaining quarter sent to the central organization.<ref name=Iam>, Komen's "I am the Cure" website, accessed June 10, 2011.</ref> | ||
Komen's other nationwide events include: | Komen's other nationwide events include: | ||
<!--please limit this list to notable, nationwide events only --> | <!--please limit this list to notable, nationwide events only --> | ||
* ], a 60-mile (97 km) fundraiser walk | |||
] | |||
* Susan G. Komen Marathon for the Cure – fundraiser half and full marathon | |||
* ''']''' — a 60-mile walk for women and men: participants walk 60 miles (96.6 km) in three days to help raise millions of dollars for breast cancer research and patient support programs | |||
*Susan G. Komen Bowl for the Cure – fund-raising and awareness initiative founded in 2000 and sponsored by ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bowl.com/bftc/|title=Bowl for the Cure|publisher=USBC|access-date=January 25, 2011}}</ref> and The Bowling Foundation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bowlingfoundation.org/BFTC_Events.aspx|title=Charitable Arm of Bowling|publisher=The Bowling Foundation|access-date=January 25, 2011}}</ref> | |||
* '''Susan G. Komen Marathon for the Cure''' — a grassroots fundraising program offering fitness enthusiasts the chance to join in the fight against breast cancer by running or walking a full (26.2 mi) or half (13.1 mi) marathon. | |||
* '''Susan G. Komen Passionately Pink for the Cure''' — a year-round fundraising and education program allowing participants to choose any date, invite friends, wear pink, have fun and raise money for the cause. | |||
* '''Susan G. Komen Bowl for the Cure''' — a year-round fund-raising and breast cancer awareness initiative founded in 2000 and sponsored by ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bowl.com/bftc/|title=Bowl for the Cure|publisher=USBC|accessdate=2011-01-25}}</ref> and The Bowling Foundation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bowlingfoundation.org/BFTC_Events.aspx|title=Charitable Arm of Bowling|publisher=The Bowling Foundation|accessdate=2011-01-25}}</ref> | |||
===Mobile fundraising=== | |||
In October 2008, Susan G. Komen for the Cure launched a ] campaign, allowing supporters to donate money by ].<ref></ref> | |||
==Controversy and criticism== | ==Controversy and criticism== | ||
In 2010, Komen was rated one of the most trusted ] organizations in America.<ref>{{cite web|date=March 4, 2010|title=The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management|url=http://www.nptimes.com/10Mar/breakingnews-100304-1.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100308035311/http://www.nptimes.com/10Mar/breakingnews-100304-1.html|archive-date=March 8, 2010|access-date=June 12, 2010|publisher=Nptimes.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Joslyn|first=Heather|date=March 4, 2010|title=Two Health Charities Rank as America's Most Trusted Nonprofit Brands - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas|url=http://philanthropy.com/article/Two-Health-Charities-Rank-as/64512/|access-date=June 12, 2010|website=Philanthropy.com}}</ref> But, in light of scandals breaking between 2011 and 2017, revenue declined by roughly 80%, and a number of affiliates merged or dissolved.<ref name="NonprofitQuarterlyJuly2018" /> Komen's ranking on Charity Navigator, which was four stars (the highest rating) in 2013, sank to two stars in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Charity Navigator - Historical Ratings for Susan G. Komen for the Cure|url=http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.history&orgid=4509|access-date=2021-07-24|website=Charity Navigator|language=en}}</ref> As of 2021, it ranks three stars, with a score of 82 out of 100.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Charity Navigator - Rating for Susan G. Komen for the Cure|url=http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=4509|access-date=2021-07-24|website=Charity Navigator|language=en}}</ref> In 2023 it ranks 4 stars with a 95% rating.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Charity Navigator - Rating for Susan G. Komen |url=https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/751835298 |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=www.charitynavigator.org}}</ref> | |||
===Pinkwashing |
===Pinkwashing=== | ||
{{Anchor|Pinkwashing in cause marketing}} | |||
Komen is a key entity in the controversy over "]"—the use of breast cancer and the ] by corporate marketers, especially to promote products that might be unhealthy—in return for a donation to the cause. Komen benefits greatly from these corporate partnerships, receiving over $55 million a year<ref name="usatoday.com">{{cite news| url=http://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/health/medical/breastcancer/2010-09-30-Promisebook30_CV_N.htm | work=USA Today | first=Liz | last=Szabo | title=A 'Promise' spurred Susan G. Komen, breast cancer fight | date=2010-09-29}}</ref> from two hundred and sixteen corporate sponsors.<ref name="NYT-pinking">{{cite news| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/16/business/in-the-breast-cancer-fight-the-pinking-of-america.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all | work=New York Times | first=Natasha | last=Singer | title=Welcome, Fans, to the Pinking of America | date=2011-10-15}}</ref> However, critics say many of these promotions are deceptive to consumers and benefit the companies more than the charity.<ref name="Time">{{cite news | first=Stukin| last=Stacie| title=Pink Ribbon Promises| publisher=]| date=2006-10-08 | url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1543947-1,00.html| accessdate = 2007-04-23 }}</ref> | |||
{{Main|Pinkwashing (breast cancer)}} | |||
Komen has become controversial for alleged "]". The term criticizes ''either disproportionate publicity for organizations that donate very little'', or ''organizations using the ] to promote products that may be ]ic.'' | |||
] | |||
====Donation criticisms==== | |||
Since their Save Lids to Save Lives campaign began in 1998, Yoplait has donated more than $25 million to Komen. In 2010 their annual maximum commitment was raised to $1.6 million.<ref name="GM">{{cite web | |||
Komen benefits from ] partnerships, receiving over $55 million a year<ref name="usatoday.com">{{cite news| url=https://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/health/medical/breastcancer/2010-09-30-Promisebook30_CV_N.htm | work=USA Today | first=Liz | last=Szabo | title=A 'Promise' spurred Susan G. Komen, breast cancer fight | date=September 29, 2010}}</ref> from 216 corporate sponsors.<ref name="NYT-pinking">{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/16/business/in-the-breast-cancer-fight-the-pinking-of-america.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all | newspaper=] | first=Natasha | last=Singer | title=Welcome, Fans, to the Pinking of America | date=October 15, 2011}}</ref> Critics {{Who|date=January 2024}}say many of these promotions are deceptive, benefiting the companies more than the charity, and promoting products that may cause cancer.<ref name="Time">{{cite news | first=Stukin| last=Stacie| title=Pink Ribbon Promises| magazine=]| date=October 8, 2006 | url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1543947-1,00.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930115411/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1543947-1,00.html| url-status=dead| archive-date=September 30, 2007| access-date = April 23, 2007 }}</ref> | |||
| last = General Mills | |||
| first = | |||
| authorlink = General Mills | |||
| coauthors = | |||
| title = Press Release: Yoplait Expands Commitment To Breast Cancer Cause By Raising The Bar For Support To Long-Time Partner Susan G. Komen For The Cure | |||
| work = Perishable News | |||
| publisher = Phoenix Media Network | |||
| date = 2010-09-10 | |||
| url = http://www.perishablenews.com/index.php?article=0009564 | |||
| doi = | |||
| accessdate = 2010-09-28}}</ref> | |||
In return, a major sponsor such as Yoplait obtains an exclusive contract; no other yogurt manufacturer (such as ], who enquired in 2000) has the opportunity to use the branding.<ref name="CNNmoney">{{Cite news | |||
| last = Orenstein | |||
| first = Susan | |||
| authorlink = | |||
| coauthors = | |||
| title = The Selling of Breast Cancer Is corporate America's love affair with a disease that kills 40,000 women a year good marketing--or bad medicine? | |||
| work = Business 2.0 | |||
| publisher = CNN Money | |||
| date = 2003-02-01 | |||
| url = http://money.cnn.com/magazines/business2/business2_archive/2003/02/01/335955/index.htm | |||
| doi = | |||
| accessdate = 2012-02-08}}</ref> | |||
Some campaigns require that consumers mail ] for a promoted item before the manufacturer donates, and some have a cap on the maximum amount donated.<ref name="boston1">{{cite news|first=Kris|last=Freiswick|url=http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/articles/2009/10/04/sick_of_pink/ |title=Sick of pink |newspaper=] |date=October 4, 2009 |access-date=June 11, 2013}}</ref> | |||
In 2002, ] operator ] launched a "Charge for a Cure" campaign which claimed that "in the search for a cure, every dollar counts." The amount donated per qualifying transaction, regardless of purchase amount, was one penny.<ref>No Family History: The Environmental Links to Breast Cancer, Sabrina McCormick, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, July 16, 2010 ISBN 978-0-7425-6409-1 page 52</ref> | |||
Since its Save Lids to Save Lives campaign began in 1998, ] has donated more than $25 million to Komen. In 2010, its annual maximum commitment was raised to $1.6 million.<ref name="GM">{{cite press release|title = Yoplait Expands Commitment To Breast Cancer Cause By Raising The Bar For Support To Long-Time Partner Susan G. Komen For The Cure|work = Perishable News|publisher = Phoenix Media Network|location=Phoenix, Arizona|date = September 10, 2010|url = http://www.perishablenews.com/index.php?article=0009564|access-date = September 28, 2010}}</ref> | |||
In return, a major sponsor such as Yoplait obtains an exclusive contract; no other yogurt manufacturer may use the branding.<ref name="CNNmoney">{{Cite news|last = Orenstein|first = Susan|title = The Selling of Breast Cancer Is corporate America's love affair with a disease that kills 40,000 women a year good marketing--or bad medicine?|work = Business 2.0|publisher = ]|location=Atlanta, Georgia|date = February 1, 2003|url = https://money.cnn.com/magazines/business2/business2_archive/2003/02/01/335955/index.htm|access-date = February 8, 2012}}</ref> In 2002, credit card operator ] launched the "Charge for a Cure" campaign that claimed that "in the search for a cure, every dollar counts." The amount donated per qualifying transaction, regardless of the purchase amount, was one cent.<ref>{{cite book|first=Sabrina|last=McCormick|title=No Family History: The Environmental Links to Breast Cancer|publisher=]|location=Lanham, Maryland|date=2010|isbn=978-0-7425-6409-1|page=52}}</ref> | |||
====Health criticisms==== | |||
In May 2009, ] maker ] announced a donation to the ] affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure of proceeds collected from the sale of the M&P9 JG, "a full-size ] engraved with the ] on the slide and packaged with two pink grip inserts".<ref name="SmithWesson">{{cite web | |||
] water bottle.]] Several water bottle retailers have partnered with Komen.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sparkletts.com/bottled-water-social-responsibility.jsf |title=Dedicated to Fighting Breast Cancer|website=Sparkletts.com|access-date=November 16, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bevindustry.com/articles/86790-real-water-launches-limited-edition-pink-bottle-to-support-susan-g-komen|title=Real Water launches limited-edition pink bottle to support Susan G. Komen|date=September 24, 2013|work=Beverage Industry|access-date=July 15, 2014}}</ref> Water cooler bottles made of ] may contain ], which has been linked to breast cancer ] growth.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140306163359.htm|title=BPA linked to breast cancer tumor growth|newspaper=]|date=March 6, 2014|access-date=July 15, 2014}}</ref> For the 2008 model year, ] built a branded limited edition of 2,500 ] motorcars with a "Warriors in Pink" package<ref>{{cite web|first=John|last=Neff|url=https://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/11/ford-reveals-2008-mustang-with-warriors-in-pink-package/ |title=Ford reveals 2008 Mustang with Warriors in Pink package |website=Autoblog |date=May 11, 2007|access-date=June 11, 2013}}</ref> as part of its long-running association with Komen;<ref>{{cite news |url=http://entertainment.blogs.foxnews.com/2011/11/05/jennifer-aniston-ford-warriors-in-pink-team-up-to-fight-breast-cancer/ |title=Jennifer Aniston, Ford 'Warriors in Pink' team up to fight breast cancer |website=] |date=November 5, 2011 |access-date=June 11, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304183844/http://entertainment.blogs.foxnews.com/2011/11/05/jennifer-aniston-ford-warriors-in-pink-team-up-to-fight-breast-cancer/ |archive-date=March 4, 2014 }}</ref> an additional 1,000 were offered for 2009's model year.<ref>{{cite web|first=Capra|last=Ovidiu |url=http://www.zercustoms.com/news/Ford-Warriors-In-Pink-Mustang.html |title=Ford Warriors In Pink Mustang |website=ZerCustoms |date=March 19, 2008 |access-date=June 11, 2013}}</ref> A longitudinal study found that women employed in the ] industry are almost five times as likely to develop breast cancer before ] than women in a ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2012/11/19/auto_plastics_industry_linked_to_breast_cancer_new_study_shows.html |title=Auto plastics industry linked to breast cancer, new study shows |newspaper=] |date=November 19, 2012 |access-date=June 11, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://openchannel.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/11/19/15280942-study-finds-breast-cancer-risk-for-women-in-auto-plastics-factories |title=Study finds breast cancer risk for women in auto plastics factories |website=] |date=November 19, 2012|access-date=June 11, 2013}}</ref> | |||
| last = Smith & Wesson | |||
| first = | |||
| authorlink = Smith and Wesson | |||
| coauthors = | |||
| title = Smith & Wesson Commences Donations To Breast Cancer Awareness Charity | |||
| work = Press Release | |||
| publisher = | |||
| date = 2009-05-26 | |||
| url = http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson2/upload/other/MP9%20JG%20Charity%20Donation%20PR%20Final.pdf | |||
| doi = | |||
| accessdate = 2012-03-07}}</ref> | |||
The funds donated are to benefit breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment. | |||
In April 2010, Komen partnered with ] chain ] to offer "Buckets for the Cure," a promotion in which fried and ] was sold in pink, branded buckets. The collaboration was criticized by media outlets, including '']''<ref>{{cite web|title=Scientists & KFC |work=]|publisher=] |date=April 29, 2010 |url=http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/308102/april-29-2010/tip-wag---scientists---kfc |access-date=April 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100808154046/http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/308102/april-29-2010/tip-wag---scientists---kfc |archive-date=August 8, 2010 }}</ref> and ],<ref name="Bitchmagazine">{{cite web |last=Wallace |first=Kelsey |title=Mad World: Workin' at the Pink Wash |magazine=]|publisher=Bitch Media |date=May 4, 2010 |url=http://bitchmagazine.org/post/mad-world-pinkwashing |access-date=September 28, 2010}}</ref> and raised questions about promoting unhealthy eating habits. KFC contributed over $4.2 million to Komen, the largest single contribution in the organization's history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ww5.komen.org/KomenNewsArticle.aspx?id=6442452377 |title=KFC Presents to Susan G. Komen for the Cure a Check for more than $4.2 Million: Single Largest Donation in Organization's History |publisher=Susan G. Komen for the Cure |date=August 24, 2010 |access-date=October 26, 2012}}</ref> The partnership with KFC, which has since ended, allowed Komen "to reach many millions of women that they had been unable to reach before", said Brinker.<ref name="usatoday.com" /> | |||
In April 2010, Komen paired with ] chain ] to offer "Buckets for the Cure," a promotion in which fried and grilled chicken was sold in pink branded buckets. The collaboration garnered criticism from media outlets including '']''<ref>{{cite web | |||
| last = | |||
| first = | |||
| authorlink = | |||
| coauthors = | |||
| title = Scientists & KFC | |||
| work = The Colbert Report | |||
| publisher = Comedy Central | |||
| date = 2010-04-29 | |||
| url = http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/308102/april-29-2010/tip-wag---scientists---kfc | |||
| accessdate = 2011-04-27}}</ref> and ],<ref name="GM">{{cite web | |||
| last = Wallace | |||
| first = Kelsey | |||
| authorlink = | |||
| coauthors = | |||
| title = Mad World: Workin' at the Pink Wash | |||
| work = Mad World | |||
| publisher = Bitch Media | |||
| date = 2010-05-04 | |||
| url = http://bitchmagazine.org/post/mad-world-pinkwashing | |||
| accessdate = 2010-09-28}}</ref> and raised criticisms about the promotion of unhealthy eating habits and ], since obesity itself contributes to breast cancer.<ref name="NYDaily">{{cite news | first=Rosemary| last=Black| title=Eat fried chicken for the cure? KFC's fundraiser with Susan G. Komen group raises some eyebrows | publisher=]| date=2010-04-22 | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2010/04/22/2010-04-22_eat_fried_chicken_for_the_cure_kfcs_fundraiser_with_susan_g_komen_group_raises_s.html#ixzz0yIlwo6t4| accessdate = 2010-09-01 }}</ref> KFC contributed over $4.2 million to Komen, the largest single contribution in the organization's history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ww5.komen.org/KomenNewsArticle.aspx?id=6442452377 |title=KFC Presents to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® a Check for more than $4.2 Million: Single Largest Donation in Organization’s History |publisher=Susan G. Komen for the Cure |date=2010-08-24 |accessdate=2012-10-26}}</ref> The partnership with KFC, which has since ended, allowed Komen "to reach many millions of women that they had been unable to reach before," said Brinker.<ref name="usatoday.com"/> | |||
In April 2011, Komen introduced a perfume brand, "Promise Me," promoted by Brinker on the ],<ref name="HSN">{{Cite news |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/health/medical/health/medical/cancer/story/2011/07/Komens-pink-ribbons-raise-green-and-questions/49472438/1 |last=Szabo |first=Liz |title=Komen's pink ribbons raise green, and questions |work=] |date=July 18, 2011 |access-date=November 16, 2014}}</ref> only to encounter opposition due to its potentially harmful ingredients ], ], ], and ]. Komen said it intended to reformulate the perfume but did not withdraw existing stocks of the "Promise Me" product from distribution.<ref name="DallasNews">{{Cite news |last=Weiss |first=Jeffrey |title=Dallas-based Komen for the Cure in a stink over perfume |newspaper=] |date=October 6, 2011 |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/dallas/headlines/20111006-dallas-based-komen-for-the-cure-in-a-stink-over-perfume.ece |access-date=March 8, 2011}}</ref> | |||
In April 2011 Komen introduced its own-brand $60 perfume "Promise Me", complete with promotional appearances by Komen CEO Nancy Brinker on the ],<ref name="HSN">{{Cite news | |||
| last = Szabo | first = Liz | |||
| authorlink = | coauthors = | |||
| title = Komen's pink ribbons raise green, and questions | |||
| work = USA Today | publisher = | |||
| date = 2010-07-00 | url = | doi = | accessdate = 2011-03-06}}</ref> only to encounter opposition due to ], ], ] and galaxolide as potentially harmful ingredients. Komen stated its intention to have the product reformulated but has refused to withdraw existing stocks of the "Promise Me" product from distribution.<ref name="DallasNews">{{Cite news | |||
| last = Weiss | |||
| first = Jeffrey | |||
| authorlink = | |||
| coauthors = | |||
| title = Dallas-based Komen for the Cure in a stink over perfume | |||
| work = Dallas Morning News | |||
| publisher = | |||
| date = 2011-10-06 | |||
| url = http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/dallas/headlines/20111006-dallas-based-komen-for-the-cure-in-a-stink-over-perfume.ece | |||
| doi = | |||
| accessdate = 2011-03-08}}</ref> | |||
In October 2014, the Houston-based oil field services company ] was reported to have produced 1,000 pink drill bits to raise breast cancer awareness. The bits are used to break up geologic formations in oil patches for ].<ref name=ff>{{cite news|last1=Meyers|first1=Rhiannon|title=Breast cancer awareness heads to oil patch on a pink drill bit|url=http://fuelfix.com/blog/2014/10/03/breast-cancer-awareness-heads-to-oil-patch-on-a-pink-drill-bit/|access-date=October 23, 2014|work=Fuel Fix|publisher=]|date=October 3, 2014|archive-date=October 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020230532/http://fuelfix.com/blog/2014/10/03/breast-cancer-awareness-heads-to-oil-patch-on-a-pink-drill-bit/|url-status=dead}}</ref> These ties have been criticized because more than a third of the more than 700 chemicals used in fracking are ]s and at least a quarter increase the risk of cancer.<ref name=WP>{{cite news|first=Karuna|last=Jaggar|title=Komen is supposed to be curing breast cancer. So why is its pink ribbon on so many carcinogenic products?|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/10/21/komen-is-supposed-to-be-curing-breast-cancer-so-why-is-its-pink-ribbon-on-so-many-carcinogenic-products/|access-date=October 23, 2014|newspaper=]|date=October 21, 2014}}</ref> | |||
To critics of ] the use of a potentially deadly disease as a marketing vehicle detracts from the original message; in the words of one member of the IV League, a group of terminal (Stage IV) breast cancer patients interviewed in the ] documentary ], "It's like they're using our disease to profit and that's not OK."<ref name="CPwire-PinkRibbonsInc">{{Cite news | |||
| last = Szklarski | |||
| first = Cassandra | |||
| authorlink = | |||
| coauthors = | |||
| title = NFB doc 'Pink Ribbons Inc.' examines the politics of marketing disease | |||
| work = The Canadian Press | |||
| publisher = Winnipeg Free Press (Postmedia) | |||
| date = 2012-01-31 | |||
| url = http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/health/nfb-doc-pink-ribbons-inc-examines-the-politics-of-marketing-disease-138396234.html | |||
| doi = | |||
| accessdate = 2011-03-06}}</ref> | |||
===Legal battles over trademarking=== | ===Legal battles over trademarking=== | ||
In 2007, the organization changed its name to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and |
In 2007, the organization changed its name to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and trademarked the running ribbon as part of its branding strategy.<ref>{{cite news | first=Gayle | last=Sulik| title=The Battle "For the Cure": The Phrase, That Is |website=OUP blog| publisher=]| date=December 20, 2010 | url=http://blog.oup.com/2010/12/breast-cancer/| access-date = December 28, 2010}}</ref> Komen has come under fire for legal action against other organizations using the phrase "for the cure" in their names. An August 2010 '']'' article detailed a case in which Komen told the organization Uniting Against Lung Cancer no longer to use the name "Kites for the Cure" for its annual fund-raising event. Komen also wrote to the organization to warn it "against any use of pink in conjunction with 'cure.'"<ref>{{cite news | first=Clifford M.| last=Marks| title=Charity Brawl: Nonprofits Aren't So Generous When a Name's at Stake | newspaper=]| date=August 5, 2010 | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703700904575390950178142586?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_6#articleTabs%3Darticle| access-date = September 1, 2010}}</ref> More than 100 small charities have received legal opposition from Komen as a consequence of the use of the words "for the cure" in their names.<ref name=Bassett /> Among the offending ]s and events were "''Par for the Cure,"'' "''Surfing for a Cure,"'' "''Cupcakes for a Cure,''" and "''Mush for the Cure''".<ref name=Bassett>{{cite web|title=Susan G. Komen Foundation Elbows Out Charities Over Use Of The Word 'Cure' |first=Laura |last=Bassett |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/07/komen-foundation-charities-cure_n_793176.html |website=] |date=December 7, 2010 |access-date=January 4, 2011}}</ref> | ||
Komen says that the organization protects its trademarks as a matter of financial stewardship |
Komen says that the organization protects its trademarks as a matter of financial stewardship to prevent confusion among donors; others suggest that the trademark issue is more about dominating the pink ribbon market.<ref>Sulik, 2010, pp. 146–150.</ref> | ||
Critics have also asserted that the slogan itself implies that the majority of Komen's ] will fund research for a cure instead of mere treatment or detection; however Komen's own figures for the 2020 fiscal year reveal that only 5% of their total budget goes to research.<ref name="2010Statements" /><ref name=AmericanProspect>{{cite news|title=Shopping for the Cure|first=Ellen|last=Leopold|url=http://prospect.org/article/shopping-cure|newspaper=]|date=October 7, 2001|access-date=February 8, 2012}}</ref> In the words of cancer survivor Alicia Staley,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.awesomecancersurvivor.com/2012/10/lawsuits-for-the-cure-from-the-archives.html |title=Lawsuits for the Cure: From the Archives |publisher=Awesome Cancer Survivor |date=October 7, 2012 |access-date=June 11, 2013}}</ref> "an organization that is actively pursuing other small charities over the use of the term 'for the cure' does not spend the majority of their own funds towards research for a cure."<ref>{{cite web | title=Lawsuits for the Cure | first=Alicia C. | last=Staley | url=http://community.wegohealth.com/profiles/blogs/lawsuits-for-the-cure | work=WegoHealth | date=December 8, 2010 | access-date=February 8, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510165638/http://community.wegohealth.com/profiles/blogs/lawsuits-for-the-cure | archive-date=May 10, 2012}} cited by http://pinkribbonblues.org/2011/01/poor-pink-goliath/</ref> | |||
Others suggest that the trademark issue is more about dominating the pink ribbon market.<ref>Sulik, 2010. pages 146-150.</ref> | |||
The slogan itself implies to donors that the majority of Komen's funds go to research, specifically research to find a means to cure (and not merely treat or detect) the disease.{{According to whom|date=November 2012}} By Komen's own figures, however, 21% of the total budget goes to research.<ref name=AmericanProspect>{{cite news|title=Shopping for the Cure|first=Ellen|last=Leopold|url=http://prospect.org/article/shopping-cure|newspaper=The American Prospect|date=2001-10-07|accessdate=2012-02-08}}</ref> In the words of one critic, "A organization that is actively pursuing other small charities over the use of the term 'for the cure' does not spend the majority of their own funds towards research for a cure."<ref>{{cite web|title=Lawsuits for the Cure|first=Alicia C.|last=Staley|url=http://community.wegohealth.com/profiles/blogs/lawsuits-for-the-cure|work=WegoHealth|date=2010-12-08|accessdate=2012-02-08}}</ref> | |||
===Relationship with Planned Parenthood=== | ===Relationship with Planned Parenthood=== | ||
Beginning in 2007, Komen granted money to pay for 170,000 clinical breast exams and 6,400 |
Beginning in 2007, Komen granted money to pay for 170,000 clinical breast exams and 6,400 mammogram referrals through the ] and affiliates.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/komen-for-cure-planned-parenthood-sparks-fly/|title=Komen for Cure, Planned Parenthood sparks fly|author=Nancy Cordes|website=Cbsnews.com|date=February 2, 2012 |access-date=May 4, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.balloon-juice.com/2012/02/01/komens-house-of-cards/|title=Komen's House of Cards – Balloon Juice|website=Balloon-juice.com|access-date=May 4, 2019}}</ref> Komen had said its affiliates provide funds for screening, education, and treatment programs in dozens of communities where Planned Parenthood is the only place poor, uninsured or under-insured women can receive these services.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ww5.komen.org/Content.aspx?id=16162 |title=Susan G. Komen for the Cure | About Us | Planned Parenthood |access-date=January 25, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101227070739/http://ww5.komen.org/Content.aspx?id=16162 |archive-date=December 27, 2010 }}</ref><ref> August 2010</ref> ] clinics do not perform mammograms, instead making referrals for their patients to sites that do them.<ref>{{cite news |last = Hee |first = Michelle Ye |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2015/10/02/the-repeated-misleading-claim-that-planned-parenthood-provides-mammograms/ |title = The repeated, misleading claim that Planned Parenthood 'provides' mammograms |newspaper = The Washington Post |date = October 2, 2015 |access-date = April 13, 2017 |archive-date = May 4, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170504163409/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2015/10/02/the-repeated-misleading-claim-that-planned-parenthood-provides-mammograms/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Robertson |first=Lori |date=2012-10-18 |title=Planned Parenthood and Mammograms |url=https://www.factcheck.org/2012/10/planned-parenthood-and-mammograms/ |access-date=2022-11-04 |website=FactCheck.org |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
On January 31, 2012, Komen stopped funding Planned Parenthood, citing a congressional investigation by |
On January 31, 2012, Komen stopped funding exams provided by ], citing a congressional investigation by Representative ] and a newly created internal rule about not funding organizations under federal, state, or local investigation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/02/top-susan-g-komen-official-resigned-over-planned-parenthood-cave-in/252405/ |title=Top Susan G. Komen Official Resigned Over Planned Parenthood Cave-In |author=Jeffrey Goldberg |author-link=Jeffrey Goldberg |date=February 2, 2012 |work=The Atlantic |access-date=February 3, 2012}}</ref> While conservative religious and ] applauded the move,<ref name="Seattle">{{cite web|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2017397734_apusplannedparenthoodkomen.html|title=Reactions heated on Planned Parenthood-Komen rift (AP)|website=Seattletimes.nwsource.com|access-date=May 4, 2019}}</ref> it was ] by several editorials, women's health advocacy groups,<ref name="Seattle" /><ref>{{dead link|date=January 2018|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2012/01/31/susan_b_komen_charity_throws_planned_parenthood_under_the_bus_.html|title=Susan G. Komen charity throws Planned Parenthood under the bus.|journal=Slate |date=January 31, 2012 |last1=Marcotte |first1=Amanda }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salon.com/2012/02/01/komen_for_the_cure_sells_out_women_again/singleton/|title=Komen for the Cure sells out women, again (Salon, Feb 1, 2012)|website=Salon.com|date=February 2, 2012 |access-date=May 4, 2019}}</ref> and politicians.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/susan-g-komen_n_1247262|title=Susan G. Komen Faces Backlash Over Planned Parenthood Decision|first=Laura|last=Bassett|date=February 1, 2012|website=HuffPost|access-date=May 4, 2019}}</ref><ref> ('']'', February 2, 2012)</ref> | ||
In the 24 hours after the news broke, Planned Parenthood received more than $400,000 from 6,000 donors,<ref name="Seattle" /> followed by pledges of a $250,000 matching grant from ] Mayor ]<ref> |
In the 24 hours after the news broke, Planned Parenthood received more than $400,000 from 6,000 donors,<ref name="Seattle" /> followed by pledges of a $250,000 matching grant from ] Mayor ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2012/02/02/politics/planned-parenthood-bloomberg/index.html|title=Supporters rally around Planned Parenthood amid funding uproar - CNNPolitics|website=CNN|date=February 2, 2012 |access-date=May 4, 2019}}</ref> and a $250,000 gift from a foundation run by the CEO of Bonanza Oil Co. in Dallas to replace the lost funding.<ref> ('']''), February 2, 2012)</ref> | ||
Four days later, Komen's |
Four days later, Komen's board of directors reversed the decision and announced that it would amend the policy to "make clear that disqualifying investigations must be criminal and conclusive in nature and not political.".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ww5.komen.org/News/Statement-from-Susan-G--Komen-Board-of-Directors-and-Founder-and-CEO-Nancy-G--Brinker.html|title=Statement from Susan G. Komen Board of Directors and Founder and CEO Nancy G. Brinker - Susan G. Komen®|website=5.komen.org|access-date=May 4, 2019}}</ref> Several top-level staff members resigned from Komen during the controversy.<ref> (], February 1, 2012) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205031612/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-bc-us--plannedparenthood-komen,0,4477705.story |date=February 5, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/komen-official-quits-planned-parenthood-dispute-15529421 |title=Komen Official Quits |publisher=ABC News (US) |access-date=October 26, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/07/us/komen-executive-resigns/index.html |publisher=CNN |title=Komen Foundation VP resigns, blasts Planned Parenthood |date=February 8, 2012}}</ref> In August, Brinker announced she would leave her CEO role.<ref name="reutersbrinker2012">Reuters (August 8, 2012). </ref> The number of participants at various Komen fundraising events dropped 15–30% in 2012.<ref name=NPR>{{cite news|last=Hensley |first=Scott |url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/06/01/154135526/planned-parenthood-controversy-hangs-over-komens-fundraising-races |title=Planned Parenthood Controversy Hangs Over Komen's Fundraising Races : Shots - Health News |publisher=NPR |date=June 1, 2012 |access-date=October 26, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Lisa DeJong |url=http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2012/09/race_for_the_cure_sees_drop_in.html |title=Komen Race for the Cure sees drop in participants in Cleveland |publisher=Cleveland Plain Dealer |date=Sep 2012 |access-date=October 26, 2012}}</ref> The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure fundraising walks were scaled back to seven US cities in 2013 from 14, due to a 37% drop in participation over the preceding four years.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22788993 |title=Komen breast cancer charity cancels three-day events |work=] |date=June 5, 2013 |access-date=June 11, 2013}}</ref> In January 2014 it was reported that the foundation saw a decline of 22% in contributions in the year following their decision to cease (and then resume) funding for Planned Parenthood.<ref>{{cite news|last=Stengle|first=Jamie|title=Komen sees big drop in 2013 contributions|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/01/03/komen-sees-big-drop-in-contributions-after-dispute/4314041/|access-date=March 4, 2014|newspaper=USA Today|date=January 3, 2014}}</ref> | ||
], the Brinker protégée whose ] was at the center of the Planned Parenthood controversy, resigned and has published a book on the controversy titled ''Planned Bullyhood''.<ref name="Abramovitch2012">Abramovitch, Seth (August 13, 2012). '']''</ref> | |||
===Embryonic stem cell research=== | ===Embryonic stem cell research=== | ||
{{Expand section|date=February 2012}} | |||
Komen has also been criticized for ending funding for ], beginning late in 2011, for suspected political reasons.<ref>{{cite news|author=The Madeleine Brand Show | February 3rd, 2012, 9:13am |url=http://www.scpr.org/programs/madeleine-brand/2012/02/03/22392/susan-g-komen-for-the-cure-foundation-reverses-its |title=Post-Planned Parenthood, stem cell research may be Komen's next controversy | The Madeleine Brand Show |publisher=89.3 ] FM |date=2012-02-03 |accessdate=2012-10-26}}</ref> | |||
In 2006, Komen wrote in its newsletter that embryonic stem cell research had promise for curing breast cancer.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://motherjones.com/files/cancer_stem_cell_research_shows_promise.pdf|title=Cancer Stem Cell Research Shows Promise (Komen's frontline newsletter, Fall 2006)|website=Motherjones.com|access-date=May 4, 2019}}</ref> One such grant recipient was Robert A. Weinberg, Ph.D., through ].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130213131940.htm|title=Protein central to cancer stem cell formation provides new potential target|website=ScienceDaily|language=en|access-date=2020-02-07}}</ref> In 2011, the anti-abortion Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer said that Komen gave $12 million to institutions such as ] and the U.S. ] that funded stem cell research, which the Coalition considered to be abortion. In 2012, Komen said that it had never funded stem cell research. According to ''Science'' magazine, Christopher Umbricht got nearly $600,000 from Komen for molecular marker research at Johns Hopkins that includes stem cells.<ref>{{cite news|author=The Madeleine Brand Show |url=http://www.scpr.org/programs/madeleine-brand/2012/02/03/22392/susan-g-komen-for-the-cure-foundation-reverses-its |title=Post-Planned Parenthood, stem cell research may be Komen's next controversy | The Madeleine Brand Show |publisher=89.3 ] FM |date=February 3, 2012 |access-date=October 26, 2012}}</ref><ref>, Mother Jones, February 2012</ref><ref>. By John Travis. ''Science''. February 6, 2012</ref> | |||
Potentially affected are millions of dollars funding cancer research at institutions such as ] and the ], which also conduct research using embryonic stem cells.<ref></ref> | |||
===CEO salary=== | |||
Komen has not clarified its current position on embryonic stem cell research, which it supported in 2006.<ref></ref> | |||
According to Komen's 2011–12 IRS ] declarations, Brinker made $684,717 that fiscal year,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://bizbeatblog.dallasnews.com/2013/05/nancy-brinker-gets-big-pay-raise.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503143633/http://bizbeatblog.dallasnews.com/2013/05/nancy-brinker-gets-big-pay-raise.html/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 3, 2013 |title=Nancy Brinker gets big pay raise |first=Cheryl |last=Hall |work=Dallas News |date=May 3, 2013 }}</ref> a 64% raise. Komen said the last CEO salary hike had taken place in November 2010.<ref name="salary-nbc">{{cite news |title=Susan Komen CEO's salary draws fire as donations drop, races are canceled |author=Lisa Myers |author2=Talesha Reynolds |url=http://openchannel.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/10/18869742-susan-komen-ceos-salary-draws-fire-as-donations-drop-races-are-canceled |work=] |date=June 10, 2013 }}</ref> Charity Navigator continued to give Komen favorable overall ratings<ref name="charity-nav">{{cite web|title=Charity Navigator - Rating for Susan G. Komen for the Cure|url=http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=4509|access-date=May 4, 2019|website=Charity Navigator}}</ref> based on figures Komen had declared to the IRS,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ssir.org/articles/entry/the_ratings_game|title=The Ratings Game (SSIR)|website=Ssir.org|access-date=May 4, 2019}}</ref> but Charity Navigator president and CEO Ken Berger called this compensation "extremely high".. | |||
{{blockquote|This pay package is way outside the norm. It's about a quarter of a million dollars more than what we see for charities of this size. This is more than the head of the Red Cross is making for an organization that is one-tenth the size of the Red Cross.|Ken Berger of ], a group that evaluates and rates charities<ref name="salary-nbc"/>}} | |||
===CEO Salary=== | |||
According to NBC News, tax documents reveal that CEO Nancy Brinker received a 64 percent raise and now makes $684,000 a year. Ken Berger, president and CEO of Charity Navigator, which evaluates and rates charities, called Brinker’s salary "extremely high."<ref>Lisa Myers and Talesha Reynolds, "Susan Komen CEO's salary draws fire as donations drop, races are canceled," NBC News, June 10, 2013. http://openchannel.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/10/18869742-susan-komen-ceos-salary-draws-fire-as-donations-drop-races-are-canceled</ref> | |||
After the release of this information, ] was named CEO, with Brinker named Founder and Chair of Global Strategy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ww5.komen.org/News/Susan-G--Komen®-Names-Dr--Judith-Salerno-as-President-and-Chief-Executive-Officer.html|title=Susan G. Komen Names Dr. Judith Salerno as President and Chief Executive Officer |website=5.komen.org|access-date=May 4, 2019}}</ref> | |||
"This pay package is way outside the norm," he said. "It's about a quarter of a million dollars more than what we see for charities of this size. This is more than the head of the Red Cross is making for an organization that is one-tenth the size of the Red Cross." The American Red Cross had revenue of about $3.4 billion, while Komen’s was about $340 million last year.<ref>Id.</ref> | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
*] | *] | ||
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==References== | ||
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{{Reflist}} | ||
== Further reading == | == Further reading == | ||
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* King, Samantha (2006). '']: Breast Cancer and the Politics of Philanthropy''. ] Press. ISBN |
* King, Samantha (2006). '']: Breast Cancer and the Politics of Philanthropy''. ] Press. {{ISBN|0-8166-4898-0}} | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
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* {{official website|http://www.komen.org/}} | ||
* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116222421/http://nationalraceforthecure.org/ |date=January 16, 2009 }} | |||
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Latest revision as of 23:46, 25 November 2024
American non-profit organization
Formation | 1982; 43 years ago (1982) |
---|---|
Founder | Nancy Goodman Brinker |
Founded at | Dallas, Texas |
Type | Nonprofit organization |
Legal status | 501(c)(3) |
Headquarters | Dallas, Texas United States |
President, CEO | Donna McKay |
Revenue | $94,756,928 (2022–2023) |
Expenses | $77,854,319 (2022–2023) |
Endowment | $8,118,044 |
Employees | 194 (2018–2019) |
Volunteers | 2,965 (2016–2017) |
Website | www |
Susan G. Komen (formerly known as Susan G. Komen for the Cure; originally as The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation; often referred to simply as Komen) is a breast cancer organization in the United States.
Komen works on patient navigation and advocacy, providing resources for breast-cancer patients to understand the American medical system. They have funded research into the causes and treatment of breast cancer. However, the organization has been mired by controversy over pinkwashing, allocation of research funding, and CEO pay. The foundation's revenue and public perception have steeply declined since 2010.
History
The foundation's namesake, Susan Goodman Komen, died of breast cancer in 1980 at age 36. Her younger sister Nancy Brinker, who has stated that she believed Susan's outcome might have been better had she known more about cancer and its treatment, founded the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in 1982.
In 2007, the 25th anniversary of the organization, they changed the name to "Susan G. Komen for the Cure" and its logo to the pink ribbon. The logo represents Komen's signature Race for the Cure event, a jogging race that raises money for the foundation.
In December 2009, Nancy Brinker was appointed CEO of the organization. Judith A. Salerno became CEO in 2012. In November 2016, the organization announced that Salerno would step down as CEO the following month. In 2017, former fashion executive and breast cancer survivor Paula Schneider became the CEO. In 2023, the former executive director of the Nobel Prize-winning organization Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) Donna McKay became the CEO.
Activities
Use of funds
Komen's Fiscal Year 2020 Spending
Education (51%) Fundraising (22%) Administration (14%) Research (5%) Treatment (5%) Screening (3%)In the 2020 fiscal year, Komen reported $195 million in public support, less direct benefits to donors. Of this, $137 million came from contributions and $72 million from Komen's flagship Race for the Cure and Breast Cancer 3 Day fundraisers. It spent the majority (51%) of this money on education efforts, which included advocacy, patient support services, national campaigns and educational events. 36% of the budget goes toward fundraising and administrative costs, and the remaining 13% is split between research, treatment, and screening efforts.
Grants and awards
Komen provides funding for basic, clinical, and translational breast cancer research and in breast health education. As of 2007, the organization had awarded more than 1,000 breast cancer research grants totaling more than $180 million.
Since 1992, Komen has also annually awarded work in the field of cancer research with the Komen Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction.
In 2012, an analysis of Komen's finances by Reuters showed that the proportion of fundraising dollars it spent on research grants decreased by more than half. While the absolute dollar amount of those grants had been steadily growing, it was not keeping pace with the surge in donations Komen had received. In 2011, the foundation spent $63 million (15%) of its donations on research grants and awards.
Global activities
In 2006, Komen joined the US-Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research, a Middle East Partnership Initiative program. Komen has programs in Egypt, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
In 2010, Komen was active in over 50 countries, with its largest affiliates in Italy and Germany.
On October 28, 2010, Jerusalem held its first Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, with over 5,000 Christian, Muslim, and Jewish participants. Before the race, the Old City's walls were illuminated pink by Komen's founder, Nancy Brinker, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, and the Prime Minister of Israel's wife Sara Netanyahu.
Fundraising
Cause marketing
As of 2013, Komen raised over $36 million a year from over 60 cause marketing partnerships.
Events
The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is Komen's main fundraising event and the world's largest funding event for breast cancer. It consists of a series of 5K runs and fitness walks to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.
The first race was run in Dallas, Texas in 1983, with 800 participants. By 2016, over 1.6 million people participated in the race.
The race's primary source of revenue is donations collected by the participants. In 2011, Komen said that three-quarters of the event's proceeds were being used locally to pay for community outreach programs, breast health education, and breast cancer screening and treatment projects run by the Komen affiliate, with the remaining quarter sent to the central organization.
Komen's other nationwide events include:
- Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure, a 60-mile (97 km) fundraiser walk
- Susan G. Komen Marathon for the Cure – fundraiser half and full marathon
- Susan G. Komen Bowl for the Cure – fund-raising and awareness initiative founded in 2000 and sponsored by USBC and The Bowling Foundation.
Controversy and criticism
In 2010, Komen was rated one of the most trusted nonprofit organizations in America. But, in light of scandals breaking between 2011 and 2017, revenue declined by roughly 80%, and a number of affiliates merged or dissolved. Komen's ranking on Charity Navigator, which was four stars (the highest rating) in 2013, sank to two stars in 2014. As of 2021, it ranks three stars, with a score of 82 out of 100. In 2023 it ranks 4 stars with a 95% rating.
Pinkwashing
Main article: Pinkwashing (breast cancer)
Komen has become controversial for alleged "pinkwashing". The term criticizes either disproportionate publicity for organizations that donate very little, or organizations using the pink ribbon to promote products that may be carcinogenic.
Donation criticisms
Komen benefits from corporate partnerships, receiving over $55 million a year from 216 corporate sponsors. Critics say many of these promotions are deceptive, benefiting the companies more than the charity, and promoting products that may cause cancer.
Some campaigns require that consumers mail proof of purchase for a promoted item before the manufacturer donates, and some have a cap on the maximum amount donated. Since its Save Lids to Save Lives campaign began in 1998, Yoplait has donated more than $25 million to Komen. In 2010, its annual maximum commitment was raised to $1.6 million. In return, a major sponsor such as Yoplait obtains an exclusive contract; no other yogurt manufacturer may use the branding. In 2002, credit card operator American Express launched the "Charge for a Cure" campaign that claimed that "in the search for a cure, every dollar counts." The amount donated per qualifying transaction, regardless of the purchase amount, was one cent.
Health criticisms
Several water bottle retailers have partnered with Komen. Water cooler bottles made of polycarbonate may contain BPA, which has been linked to breast cancer tumor growth. For the 2008 model year, Ford Motor Company built a branded limited edition of 2,500 Ford Mustang motorcars with a "Warriors in Pink" package as part of its long-running association with Komen; an additional 1,000 were offered for 2009's model year. A longitudinal study found that women employed in the automotive plastics industry are almost five times as likely to develop breast cancer before menopause than women in a control group.
In April 2010, Komen partnered with fast food restaurant chain KFC to offer "Buckets for the Cure," a promotion in which fried and grilled chicken was sold in pink, branded buckets. The collaboration was criticized by media outlets, including The Colbert Report and Bitch magazine, and raised questions about promoting unhealthy eating habits. KFC contributed over $4.2 million to Komen, the largest single contribution in the organization's history. The partnership with KFC, which has since ended, allowed Komen "to reach many millions of women that they had been unable to reach before", said Brinker.
In April 2011, Komen introduced a perfume brand, "Promise Me," promoted by Brinker on the Home Shopping Network, only to encounter opposition due to its potentially harmful ingredients coumarin, oxybenzone, toluene, and galaxolide. Komen said it intended to reformulate the perfume but did not withdraw existing stocks of the "Promise Me" product from distribution.
In October 2014, the Houston-based oil field services company Baker Hughes was reported to have produced 1,000 pink drill bits to raise breast cancer awareness. The bits are used to break up geologic formations in oil patches for hydraulic fracturing. These ties have been criticized because more than a third of the more than 700 chemicals used in fracking are endocrine disruptors and at least a quarter increase the risk of cancer.
Legal battles over trademarking
In 2007, the organization changed its name to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and trademarked the running ribbon as part of its branding strategy. Komen has come under fire for legal action against other organizations using the phrase "for the cure" in their names. An August 2010 Wall Street Journal article detailed a case in which Komen told the organization Uniting Against Lung Cancer no longer to use the name "Kites for the Cure" for its annual fund-raising event. Komen also wrote to the organization to warn it "against any use of pink in conjunction with 'cure.'" More than 100 small charities have received legal opposition from Komen as a consequence of the use of the words "for the cure" in their names. Among the offending organizations and events were "Par for the Cure," "Surfing for a Cure," "Cupcakes for a Cure," and "Mush for the Cure".
Komen says that the organization protects its trademarks as a matter of financial stewardship to prevent confusion among donors; others suggest that the trademark issue is more about dominating the pink ribbon market.
Critics have also asserted that the slogan itself implies that the majority of Komen's income will fund research for a cure instead of mere treatment or detection; however Komen's own figures for the 2020 fiscal year reveal that only 5% of their total budget goes to research. In the words of cancer survivor Alicia Staley, "an organization that is actively pursuing other small charities over the use of the term 'for the cure' does not spend the majority of their own funds towards research for a cure."
Relationship with Planned Parenthood
Beginning in 2007, Komen granted money to pay for 170,000 clinical breast exams and 6,400 mammogram referrals through the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and affiliates. Komen had said its affiliates provide funds for screening, education, and treatment programs in dozens of communities where Planned Parenthood is the only place poor, uninsured or under-insured women can receive these services. Planned Parenthood clinics do not perform mammograms, instead making referrals for their patients to sites that do them.
On January 31, 2012, Komen stopped funding exams provided by Planned Parenthood, citing a congressional investigation by Representative Cliff Stearns and a newly created internal rule about not funding organizations under federal, state, or local investigation. While conservative religious and anti-abortion groups applauded the move, it was denounced by several editorials, women's health advocacy groups, and politicians.
In the 24 hours after the news broke, Planned Parenthood received more than $400,000 from 6,000 donors, followed by pledges of a $250,000 matching grant from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and a $250,000 gift from a foundation run by the CEO of Bonanza Oil Co. in Dallas to replace the lost funding.
Four days later, Komen's board of directors reversed the decision and announced that it would amend the policy to "make clear that disqualifying investigations must be criminal and conclusive in nature and not political.". Several top-level staff members resigned from Komen during the controversy. In August, Brinker announced she would leave her CEO role. The number of participants at various Komen fundraising events dropped 15–30% in 2012. The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure fundraising walks were scaled back to seven US cities in 2013 from 14, due to a 37% drop in participation over the preceding four years. In January 2014 it was reported that the foundation saw a decline of 22% in contributions in the year following their decision to cease (and then resume) funding for Planned Parenthood.
Karen Handel, the Brinker protégée whose opposition to abortion was at the center of the Planned Parenthood controversy, resigned and has published a book on the controversy titled Planned Bullyhood.
Embryonic stem cell research
In 2006, Komen wrote in its newsletter that embryonic stem cell research had promise for curing breast cancer. One such grant recipient was Robert A. Weinberg, Ph.D., through Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research at MIT. In 2011, the anti-abortion Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer said that Komen gave $12 million to institutions such as Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the U.S. National Cancer Institute that funded stem cell research, which the Coalition considered to be abortion. In 2012, Komen said that it had never funded stem cell research. According to Science magazine, Christopher Umbricht got nearly $600,000 from Komen for molecular marker research at Johns Hopkins that includes stem cells.
CEO salary
According to Komen's 2011–12 IRS Form 990 declarations, Brinker made $684,717 that fiscal year, a 64% raise. Komen said the last CEO salary hike had taken place in November 2010. Charity Navigator continued to give Komen favorable overall ratings based on figures Komen had declared to the IRS, but Charity Navigator president and CEO Ken Berger called this compensation "extremely high"..
This pay package is way outside the norm. It's about a quarter of a million dollars more than what we see for charities of this size. This is more than the head of the Red Cross is making for an organization that is one-tenth the size of the Red Cross.
— Ken Berger of Charity Navigator, a group that evaluates and rates charities
After the release of this information, Judith A. Salerno was named CEO, with Brinker named Founder and Chair of Global Strategy.
See also
References
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Further reading
- King, Samantha (2006). Pink Ribbons, Inc.: Breast Cancer and the Politics of Philanthropy. University of Minnesota Press. ISBN 0-8166-4898-0
External links
- Official website
- National Race for the Cure website Archived January 16, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
- Huffington Post Article
- BreastCancerTrials.org
Annual 5 km running competitions | |
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See also: Color run • parkrun |
- 5K runs
- Breast cancer organizations
- Cancer fundraisers
- Cancer charities in the United States
- Charities based in Texas
- Organizations established in 1982
- Recurring events established in 1983
- 1982 establishments in Texas
- Medical and health organizations based in Texas
- Medical and health foundations in the United States
- Breast cancer awareness
- Non-profit organizations based in Texas