| On October 09, 2011, I’m participating in the Portland Marathon and fundraising for my favorite organization, Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Susan G. Komen for the Cure began as a promise between two sisters to end breast cancer forever, and today it is the largest and most progressive grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists across the world.
Komen’s promise is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all, and energizing science to discover the cures. The Oregon and SW Washington Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure has one, clear goal – saving lives.
For residents in Oregon and SW Washington, they provide:
• Education about breast cancer and early detection
• Information and support to breast cancer survivors and their families
• Mammograms for the uninsured or underinsured
• Transportation and treatment support for survivors
This year, my support for Komen is critical. In 2009, Komen Oregon was only able to fund mammograms for 6,500 of the more than 57,000 women in Oregon who are uninsured. Thousands of women still have barriers to transportation and treatment of breast cancer. And, according to a profile study of community needs, there are still many women who have insurance but do not receive regular breast screenings. The message of early detection is as important as ever.
Please consider how you can help me make a difference by supporting this great organization. $88 could provide a screening mammogram for one uninsured woman. $125 could provide full screening services for one uninsured woman (clinical breast exam and mammogram). A contribution to Komen in any amount helps to save lives in our own community.
Thanks for your support.
P.S. For the fourth year in a row, Susan G. Komen for the Cure has been awarded a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, the premier independent charity evaluator that rates charities by evaluating financial health, organizational efficiency, and organizational capacity. | 
