 Cynthia Nixon, Award Winning Actress
Joins Susan G. Komen for the Cure as an Ambassador
Award-winning actress Cynthia Nixon, best known for her role as Miranda on the long-running television series Sex and the City, has joined Susan G. Komen for the Cure® as an Ambassador. The daughter of a two-time breast cancer survivor and a survivor herself, Cynthia will help raise awareness and encourage others to join the movement to end breast cancer forever.
"Talk with your doctor, make healthy lifestyle choices and most importantly, know your body as that can make all the difference in the world." - Cynthia Nixon
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Tyler Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Funds Community Outreach Programs
March 25, 2008
The Tyler affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure has awarded grants totaling $225,000 to support Smith County’s breast health education and breast cancer screening programs.
The Komen Tyler Affiliate’s local fundraising efforts, along with the Komen Tyler Race for the Cure®, have enabled it to fund several projects for 2008. The largest grant, $180,000, was awarded to the Northeast Texas Public Health District“ Breast Health and Screening Initiative” to pay for breast diagnostic services for women who can’t afford them. East Texas Medical Center received an $11,560 grant for their second annual Pink Ribbon Getaway. The retreat is held in October and presents topics and speakers for breast cancer survivors. Trinity Mother Frances Health System received a $13,850 grant for “A Hopeful Journey” program which provides rehabilitation products, training sessions for breast self exams and programs for the Hispanic population. Trinity Clinic Medical Genetics received a $7,146 grant to provide genetic testing and evaluation for high risk breast cancer patients while Cancer Foundation for Life received a $12,444 grant for a conditioning program for breast cancer survivors through education, exercise and treatment.
“In order to ensure our funds are making the greatest impact, the Komen Tyler Affiliate works with local medical experts and community leaders to conduct comprehensive community needs assessments,” said Clay Thompson, Komen Tyler Affiliate Grants Chairman and board member.
Up to 75 percent of funds raised by a Komen Affiliate remains in the community to fund local breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs. Remaining income supports the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Award and Research Grant Program, which funds groundbreaking breast cancer research and educational and scientific programs around the world.
The Komen Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. The Komen Foundation is the world’s largest private funder of community-based breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs. Together with its affiliate network, corporate partners and generous donors, the Komen Foundation has raised over a billion dollars.
The 2008 Komen Tyler Race for the Cure will be held at Bergfeld Park on May 10.
To register for the race or for more information on breast health visit www.komentyler.org
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Registration Now Open For Annual Komen Race
March 18, 2008
The 2008 Komen Tyler Race for the Cure is set for May 10 at Bergfeld Park, Tyler, race spokesperson Ellen Peirce said.
Participants who wish to enter as a team must have at least 10 team members. Online team registration is now available and ends April 9. Prospective team captains are encouraged to begin the registration process. All teams are eligible to win prizes. The three largest teams will be announced race day.
Teams can include families, friends, businesses or schools. Team members have the benefit of easy advanced registration, a reduced registration fee of $22 for adults and $15 for children, age 12 and under, and early pickup of race tees and number bibs, Mrs. Peirce said.
Team packet pickup will be available from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 22-24 at the Komen office, located at 100 Independence Plaza in the Chase Bank Building. For more information on how to register as a team, call the Komen Affiliate Office at 903-561-6922 or visit www.komentyler.org.
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Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Hosts Annual Affiliate Leadership Conference
Leader of Breast Cancer Movement Gathers Record Attendance for Annual Conference
DALLAS - February 7, 2008 - Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world's largest and most progressive grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, will host its annual Affiliate Leadership Conference February 7-9 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. The three-day event brings together more than 1,000 Komen for the Cure advocates, a record-breaking attendance, including more than 200 breast cancer survivors and representatives from the more than 170 corporations that partner with Komen.
Under the rallying cry of "We Will," breast cancer advocates will gather to share inspiration, knowledge and strategic plans as they strengthen their commitment to do whatever it takes to realize Komen's vision of a world without breast cancer. Last year, which was Komen's 25th anniversary, the organization reached a milestone of $1 billion invested in breast cancer research and community outreach programs since its inception. Komen has publicly pledged to invest another $2 billion in the next decade.
Explaining the meaning behind the theme of the conference, Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, said, "Who will make sure every person has access to breast cancer education, screening and treatment regardless of income, ethnicity or race? Who will keep promising research moving forward? Who will help the newly diagnosed find support and information? Who will organize the more than 120 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® events and other initiatives that raise vital funds? Who will move us closer to a world without breast cancer? We -- the millions of Susan G. Komen for the Cure advocates around the world -- will."
Representatives from Komen's 122 U.S. and three international Affiliates will hear from Ambassador Brinker, the woman who started the global breast cancer movement, and Komen president and CEO, Hala Moddelmog. Attendees will also hear from Komen's chief operating officer, Kimberly Simpson, on the direction of the organization and its Affiliate Network, and Komen chief scientific advisor, Dr. Eric. P. Winer, also a Dana Farber clinician and Harvard professor, on Komen's research strategy. In addition to Komen leadership, conference-goers will receive tips from fundraising guru Dr. Doug Lawson of Lawson Associates, Inc., and motivation from nationally renowned broadcast journalist Susan Stamberg, a special correspondent for NPR.
Expanding advocacy work under Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocacy Alliance
One new element at Komen's conference this year is the Public Policy Forum, occurring during the pre-conference activities on Thursday. In this all-day forum, Affiliate and national Advisory Council representatives will learn about the expanding role of Komen's advocacy work under the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocacy Alliance, the organization's new 501(c)(4) entity. Throughout the past year, Komen advocates across the country have worked tirelessly to increase government investment in vital programs that will close the gaps in research and access to breast health services that prevent people from getting the care they need.
Recognizing the extraordinary efforts of Komen advocates
Throughout the weekend, Komen for the Cure will present a number of awards, each bestowed annually, to recognize the extraordinary efforts of Komen advocates who selflessly commit their lives to serving those affected by breast cancer. Honors include the Komen Outstanding Volunteer Awards, Komen Community Service Awards, Jill Ireland Awards for Volunteerism, the Komen Local Television Media Award, the Komen Co-Survivor Award, the 13th annual Komen Affiliate of the Year Award, as well as numerous awards recognizing the critical role of corporate partner programs in furthering Komen's promise.
In addition, Ambassador Brinker will present two recipients with the prestigious Founder's Award: Mrs. Laura Bush and Norman Brinker. Both were chosen for their lifetime of work in advancing Komen's promise to end breast cancer. Mrs. Bush has served as a longtime volunteer for the organization locally and nationally and was most recently the Honorary Chair of Susan G. Komen for the Cure's Global Advocate Summit. Additionally, Mrs. Bush visited the Middle East last fall to raise awareness of breast cancer in the region. Komen's president and CEO Hala Moddelmog accompanied Mrs. Bush. Norman Brinker was instrumental in the creation of Komen and serves as a lifetime member of the organization's national board of directors.
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Komen Tyler Affiliate accepting grant applications
January 29, 2008
The Tyler affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is now accepting grant applications. For 2008, $225,000 is available for innovative projects targeting services not otherwise available to medically underserved populations of Smith County. Priority will be given to proposals that address the need for services among indigent, low income and/or minority patients.
Part of the grant money will be for a third party nonprofit to handle reimbursement for screening and diagnostic procedures for all service providers.
Grant funding is made possible through the proceeds from the 2007 Komen Tyler Race for the Cure®. The mission of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening, and treatment. Affiliates of Komen represent one of the nation’s largest private funding sources for breast health and breast cancer screening, education, and treatment support programs.
The Komen Tyler Affiliate’s local fundraising efforts, such as the Komen Tyler Race for the Cure®, have enabled it to fund projects such as “Breast Health and Screening Initiative” a grant project to pay for breast diagnostic services for women who can’t afford them through the Northeast Texas Public Health District, and a grant program to hold a special retreat for breast cancer patients through East Texas Medical Center. Trinity Mother Frances Health System received a grant for “A Hopeful Journey” program which provides rehabilitation products, training sessions in the community for Breast Self Exams (BSE) and to hold a forum for the community that focuses on the Hispanic population at risk for breast cancer. Trinity Clinic Medical Genetics received a grant to provide genetic testing and evaluation for high risk breast cancer patients while Cancer Foundation for Life received a grant for a conditioning program for breast cancer survivors through education, exercise and treatment.
“In order to ensure our funds are making the greatest impact, the Komen Tyler Affiliate works with local medical experts and community leaders to conduct comprehensive community needs assessments,” said Clay Thompson, Komen Tyler Affiliate Grants Chairman and Board Member. “We identify specific, unmet breast health needs within our community and ‘filled in the gaps,’ delivering the life-saving message of early detection and providing assistance to medically-underserved breast cancer patients and their families.”
Up to 75 percent of funds raised by a Komen Affiliate remains in the community to fund local breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs. Remaining income (a minimum of 25 percent) supports the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Award and Research Grant Program, which funds groundbreaking breast cancer research, meritorious awards and educational and scientific programs around the world.
The Komen Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. The Komen Foundation is the world’s largest private funder of community-based breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs. Together with its Affiliate Network, corporate partners and generous donors, the Komen Foundation has raised over a billion dollars for the fight against breast cancer.
Applications for breast cancer and breast health programs from nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, and educational institutions in Smith County are eligible for funding.
The application deadline for the grants is February 28, 2008. Please contact Clay Thompson for more information at (903) 589-8733 or email mcthompson@bankfranklin.com
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East Texans asked to go Passionately Pink for the Cure®
September 27, 2007
The Tyler Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure announced today that registration is open for Passionately Pink for the Cure 2007, a national fundraising and education program that makes it easy for anyone and everyone to play a part in ending breast cancer.
“It’s that simple,” said Rene Syler, a Komen for the Cure ambassador and Passionately Pink’s chief passionista. “By selecting a day in October to wear pink and donate $5 or more, individuals and companies can help Komen discover and deliver the cures for breast cancer. As a daughter, wife and mother personally affected by this devastating disease, I understand the urgency to save the one in eight women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Wear pink and advocate for a change.”
During October as part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the KomenTyler Affiliate is again challenging East Texans to “Pick Your Pink. Play Your Part. End Breast Cancer.”
“I want the nation to realize how dedicated Tyler is to creating a world without breast cancer. More importantly, I want everyone living in our community who has been touched by the devastation of breast cancer to know we are fighting for them-by participating in Passionately Pink for the Cure,” said Peggy Suggs, President of the Komen Tyler Affiliate.
Simply register at www.passionatelypink.org , select the day in October your group plans to participate and collect donations of $5 or more for each participant. In addition to picking their pink, groups are encouraged to be creative and to make Passionately Pink for the Cure a fun and educational day for all. After registering, participants will receive activation kits with details about the program, uniquely designed pins and creative ways to go Passionately Pink.
For 25 years, Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s grassroots activism and research grants have played a critical role in every major advance in the fight against breast cancer. To fulfill its promise to end breast cancer forever, the organization has invested nearly $1 billion in breast cancer research and community outreach programs.
“In 2007, nearly 200,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in our country. With the funds raised from Passionately Pink for the Cure last year, we are able to fund research and education programs that will move us closer to a world without breast cancer. I challenge you to go Passionately Pink and play your part,” said breast cancer survivor Hala Moddelmog, Susan G. Komen for the Cure president and CEO.
Since its conception in 1999, the Tyler Affiliate’s grants are responsible for providing approximately 5,000 mammograms and more than $1 million in services. Grants from Komen have provided breast diagnostic services for those unable to afford them, retreats for breast cancer patients, rehabilitation products, forums for populations underserved and at risk and genetic testing and evaluation for high risk breast cancer patients.
Komen Tyler Race for the Cure began in 1999 and had 2,500 participants. The 2007 Race held on Mother’s Day weekend had more than 5,300 participants. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, visit www.komentyler.org or call (903) 561-6992.
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Komen Tyler Events to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October
September 27, 2007
The Tyler affiliate of the Susan G. Komen For the Cure would like to recognize several events happening during the month of October to educate East Texans about breast cancer.
“Try it on for the Cure” will take place at the Coldwater Creek store in Tyler at 4243 S. Broadway from October 10-14. For every shopper who visits the store and tries on a pair of pants, one dollar will be donated to Komen. No purchase necessary.
Friday, October 12, Wacoal’s “Fit for the Cure®” will be held at Dillard’s in Tyler from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For every woman fitted, Wacoal will make a donation to Komen. No purchase necessary
Saturday, October 13 at the Glass Recreation Center, Komen is hosting a health fair from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for African American women. Free mammograms will be provided from Trinity Mother Frances Health System. Other free screenings will include blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol and HIV. The center is located at 501 W. 32nd street in Tyler. There are a limited number of mammograms available and some restrictions apply. To schedule an appointment contact Dorothy Taylor at 903-830-1130.
Thursday, October 18 from 5-7 p.m. Salon Kalea at 3415 S. Broadway will hold a spa night that benefits Komen. They will have free demonstrations of some of their services, doorprizes and refreshments.
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Breast cancer survivors invited to attend ETMC’s Pink Ribbon Getaway
September 4, 2007
The ETMC Tyler Breast Care Center with support from Susan G. Komen For the Cure is holding a special free one-day retreat for breast cancer patients and survivors on Friday, October 5. The ETMC Pink Ribbon Getaway will take place at the ETMC Pavilion at 801 Clinic Drive with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. and the conference concluding at 4 p.m.
The event will feature a physician panel discussion, topics such as cancer and nutrition, cancer in the workplace, how to remain radiant after radiation, cosmetic challenges, art projects and much more. Meals and snacks will be provided.
The keynote speaker will be KSAT-TV news anchor and breast cancer survivor Leslie Mouton. At the age of 35 she discovered a lump in her breast. It turned out to be a very aggressive form of breast cancer. She allowed television cameras to follow her through her battle; from surgery and chemotherapy, to hair loss, radiation; all of it on camera and made public. To bring more awareness to the disease she anchored the news without her wig on. Her story brought national attention and she was featured on national news programs as well as Oprah, Inside Edition and Primetime Live.She has received numerous awards including the Congressional Action for Cancer Awareness Award.
Attendance is limited. The deadline to register is September 24. Please contact Sandy Campbell for a registration form or questions at 903-535-6302 or email slcampbell@etmc.org
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Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure presents check
July 5, 2007
On Thursday, July 5, 2007, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure will present a check for the 2007 race proceeds to the Komen Tyler Affiliate. The 2007 race was chaired by Tomi Ellis and Connie Greenberg.
This year’s race brought in $236, 200, one of the most successful years ever for the Tyler Affiliate. Over 5,300 people participated in the race, also a record number. “We saw an increase in participation this year and we are extremely grateful to everyone who came out for our race. We continue to work to improve our event and this year we saw a dramatic increase in the number of online registrations. Hopefully registering online made it easier for some people to participate,” says Tomi Ellis, race co-chair.
Of the revenue from the race, a minimum of twenty-five percent supports the Komen for the Cure Award and Research Grant Programs, which fund groundbreaking breast cancer research, meritorious awards and educational and scientific conferences around the world. Seventy-five percent of the income from the Tyler race stays in the local community to fund breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment projects. This year Komen funded projects for the Northeast Public Health District, Trinity Mother Frances Hospital, East Texas Medical Center and Cancer Foundation for Life.
For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tyler Affiliate, visit the website at www.komentyler.org, or call (903) 561-6992.
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Are you "TOUGH ENOUGH TO WEAR PINK?"
May 30, 2007
Media Contact: Karolyn Davis Media/Publicity
kdavis@secondharvest.org
Cell: 903-316-9527
(Gladewater, Texas) June 7, 2007- Cowboys and Cowgirls from all over East Texas will be wearing "PINK" at the Gladewater Rodeo on Thursday, June 7th for the 70th Annual Gladewater Round-up Rodeo! The Gladewater Round-up Rodeo is proud to participate in the Tough Enough to Wear Pink (TETWP) campaign to raise money to support the fight against breast cancer.
The Tough Enough To Wear Pink campaign debuted at the 2005 Wrangler National Final Rodeo when one evening of competition was devoted to the cause. Cowboys and cowgirls were encouraged to wear pink to signify their support, and sponsors made donations. The event became known as Pink Night, and a groundswell of support from the western industry and rodeo community began to grow.
The color pink is not something you would associate with the tough sport of rodeo--however--breast cancer has touched the lives of many rodeo families. The Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign puts this important health issue top-of-mind at rodeos across America through a year-long breast cancer awareness and fundraising program.
Gladewater Round-Up Rodeo is pleased to join this nation-wide fundraiser. A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tyler Affiliate. Also, during the Rodeo there will be chance drawings and TETWP merchandise for sale. We will also be asking for donations for the TETWP program.
We look forward to participating in this event and hope everyone who attends our Rodeo will help us to turn the arena PINK on Thursday night! So please come out and join our Rodeo family in all your Pink finery. For more information on Tough Enough to Wear Pink, visit www.toughenoughtowearpink.com or for more information on the Gladewater Round-up Rodeo visit www.gladewaterrodeo.com
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Coldwater Creek hosts special fundraising benefit
for the Tyler Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
April 11, 2007
Contact Information: Ann Johnson, Marketing Publicity Project Manager, Coldwater Creek, One Coldwater Creek Drive, Sandpoint, ID 83864 208.265.3482 ajohnson@thecreek.com www.coldwatercreek.com
Tyler, TX (April 11, 2007) - Coldwater Creek, a national leader in women’s apparel catalogs and retail stores, is proud to be a 2007 National Sponsor for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® Series.
To support the local Race on May 12th, Coldwater Creek is hosting a fundraising event open to the public on Tuesday evening, May 8th, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at our South Broadway Avenue store.
Coldwater Creek’s Fashion for the Cure® offers shoppers 10% off all merchandise during the event, and the company will donate 10% of the event’s sales to the Komen Tyler Affiliate. There will be wardrobe presentations, a free drawing, refreshments, and a special guest appearance by a breast cancer survivor who will share her story.
As a third-year National Sponsor of the Komen Race for the Cure® Series, Coldwater Creek will be participating at over 100 Races this year, distributing coupons, organizing their own Coldwater Creek race teams and selling semi-precious stone bracelets to raise funds for the local Race Affiliate.
Coldwater Creek raises additional funds through sales of its IN PINK gift card, donating 10% of the gift card’s purchase price to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The gift cards are available in retail stores, online at coldwatercreek.com, or by calling 1-800-262-0040.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure was established in 1982 by Nancy G. Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest and most progressive grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists. Their mission is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures. For more information, visit www.komen.org.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure Awards Community Grants
April 10, 2007
The Tyler affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure has awarded community grants totaling $250,000 to support Smith County's area breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs, Affiliate Media Chair Rebecca Berkley said.
The Komen Tyler Affiliate's local fundraising efforts, such as the Komen Tyler Race for the Cure, have enabled it to fund projects such as "Breast Health and Screening Initiative," a $200,000 grant project to pay for breast diagnostic services for women who can't afford them, through the Northeast Texas Public Health District, and a $10,680 grant program to hold a special retreat in October for breast cancer patients through East Texas Medical Center.
Trinity Mother Frances Health System received a $23,491 grant for "A Hopeful Journey" program which provides rehabilitation products, training sessions in the community for Breast Self Exams (BSE) and to hold a forum for the community that focuses on the Hispanic population at risk for breast cancer.
Trinity Clinic Medical Genetics received a $5,955 grant to provide genetic testing and evaluation for high risk breast cancer patients while Cancer Foundation for Life received a $12,480 grant for a conditioning program for breast cancer survivors through education, exercise and treatment.
"In order to ensure our funds are making the greatest impact, the Komen Tyler Affiliate works with local medical experts and community leaders to conduct comprehensive community needs assessments," said Clay Thompson, Komen Tyler Affiliate Grants chairman and Board member.
"We have identified specific, unmet breast health needs within our community and 'filled in the gaps,' delivering the life-saving message of early detection and providing assistance to medically-underserved breast cancer patients and their families," he said.
Up to 75 percent of funds raised by a Komen Affiliate remains in the community to fund local breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs. Remaining income (a minimum of 25 percent) supports the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Award and Research Grant Program, which funds groundbreaking breast cancer research, meritorious awards and educational and scientific programs around the world, Ms. Berkley said.
Susan G. Komen Foundation gets new name and logo
January 22, 2007
Supporters of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation gathered Monday to celebrate the organization's 25th anniversary and image update. The group has a new name - Susan G. Komen for the Cure - and a new logo, combining the familiar Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure with its "For the Cure" trademark, officials said.
Tyler affiliates applauded the changes during a special kick-off celebration held at Sonoma Grill, 5875 Old Bullard Rd. With a new image in place, there will be few limits on what can - and will - be achieved for future generations of women, said board president Peggy Suggs, a breast cancer survivor.
"We're here today to renew the promise made between two sisters 25 years ago, and that was to fight and eradicate breast cancer. We're a global organization now," Mrs. Suggs said.
Mrs. Suggs also announced that $250,000 earned during the 2006 race in Tyler will be granted to organizations in the local community. The award was derived from $232,400 raised by the Tyler race and additional allocation from the 3-day races held in various cities.
To help promote the importance of education, Tyler affiliates offer a speaker's bureau, said Ellen Peirce, a longtime volunteer. "That's an important service we offer that not many people know about," Mrs. Peirce said. "It's basically an education program. Speakers talk about the importance of mammograms" and other pertinent information about the disease. Education works, organizers said.
Increasing numbers of women - about 75 percent of all women aged 40 and over - are getting mammograms, compared to just 30 percent in 1982, records show. That increase is attributed largely to increased awareness, support and education about the disease, Komen supporters say.
Susan G. Komen Foundation celebrates 25 years
January 22, 2007
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. In the 25 years since its inception, the Komen organization has become the largest grassroots network of survivors and activists, investing nearly $1 billion in finding a cure and making it a priority health issue among health professionals and politicians, supporters say.
Along with the 25th anniversary, the group will now be known as Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The name change was designed to further invigorate the battle by capitalizing on the group's strongest assets, combining the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure with its familiar "For the Cure" trademark, officials said.
On Monday, January 22, the organization held a reception honoring sponsors, supporters and volunteers. "There are so many volunteers, they couldn't do it without them," Mrs. Suggs said, citing an almost $1 billion raised by the organization to help fund breast cancer research."In the next 10 years, we are trying to raise another $1 billion," she said. "Here locally, we've raised over $1 million in the eight years since we've had a race."
Longtime Komen volunteer Cathy Shipp said local support has helped bring the organization a long way in a relatively short period of time. She and others say the passion and determination exhibited by Tyler affiliate founding members Anne Owens and Freda Harder was contagious. "When the organization very first formed, meetings were held in the Texas Cancer Center conference room, and then we met in the Woman's Building," she said.
Nancy and Robert Patterson agreed later to donate office space, Ms. Shipp said, allowing the organization to finally set down roots in its current location, 100 Independence Place.
Komen's popularity ballooned with the group decided to host a race. Longtime volunteer Henry Bell, who had experience in hosting large events, wanted to help."I believe very strongly in what they are doing," he said. "Something they do, through the success of the race, is make grants through the foundation to affiliate institutions and organizations in Smith County. To me, that's a double edge whammy - to help the overall cause and also help right here in Tyler and Smith County."
Ms. Shipp said the efforts are fulfilling."There's a lot of work to putting on a race," Ms. Shipp said. "We are good stewards of the money. We spend less than $10,000 and make more than $200,000."
She and other members credit a generous community with helping boost the success of the Tyler affiliate. Volunteer Cindy Nick, a friend of founding member Ms. Harder, said her decision to get involved was easy. "I had seen what she had been through, and how it affected not only her, but a lot of other women as well," she said. "Hopefully they will find a cure someday. Until then, we'll keep fighting."
Ms. Nick said she always feels a renewed sense of energy after visiting with participants of the annual survivor's luncheon. "As long as I have the breath and energy, I can't see myself not being a part of this," she said.
For more information about breast health, visit the Tyler Affiliate website at www.komentyler.org, or call its National Toll-Free Breast Care Helpline, 1.800 I’M AWARE® (1.800.462.9273).
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Sponsorships Available
January 4, 2007
Sponsorships are available for the 2007 Komen Tyler Race for the Cure®.
“Since 1999, the Komen Tyler Race for the Cure® has raised more than $1 million, says Rebecca Berkley Komen Media Relations Chair.
The 2007 Komen Tyler Race for the Cure® is scheduled for Saturday, May 12, at Bergfeld Park. The co-ed race consists of a children’s fun run at 7:50 am; one-mile fun run/walk beginning at 8 am and a 5K run/walk beginning at 8:30 am.
Sponsorships help fund the race and the local grant program.
“Of the funds raised, 75 percent of net proceeds stay in East Texas and 25 percent will benefit the Komen Foundation Award and Research Grant Program,” Ms. Berkley says.
There are 10 sponsorship levels for the 2007 race: local presenting sponsor, $25,000; platinum, $20,000; ruby, $15,000; diamond, $10,000; gold, $7,500; silver, $5,000; bronze, $2,500; marathon, $1,000; jogger, $500; and miler, $250.
If you would like to be a sponsor at any amount and/or any level, contact the Komen office at (903) 561-6992.
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