History

Susan G. Komen fought breast cancer with her heart, body and soul. Throughout her diagnosis, treatments, and endless days in the hospital, she spent her time thinking of ways to make life better for other women battling breast cancer instead of worrying about her own situation. Moved by Susan’s compassion for others and commitment to making a difference, Nancy G. Brinker promised her sister that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer.

Though Susan lost her battle with the disease, her legacy lives on through the work of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the organization Nancy started in her honor. Komen for the Cure is the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested more than $1 billion since its inception in 1982. Komen’s promise is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures. Across the country, that promise is upheld by a network of 121 local Affiliate offices. At the heart of each Affiliate is a person or group of people who, like Susan, wanted to make a difference.

Northwest Ohio’s first Race for the Cure was held in 1994 with 600 participants and led to the inception of the Northwest Ohio Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure in 1999. Today, our Affiliate’s Race for the Cure has grown to include more than 19,000 participants and raises more than $1,000,000 annually. Additionally, the Komen Northwest Ohio Affiliate raises significant money through third-party events, Affiliate sponsored events, and personal contributions. Up to 75% of net proceeds generated by the Komen Northwest Affiliate stay in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. These funds are distributed through grants made to organizations that deliver treatment, services and education throughout the Affiliate’s service area. The remaining 25% goes to the National Susan G. Komen for the Cure Grants Program for energizing science to find the cures. All the money sent to the National organization is designated for research. Affiliate support is never used to support operations expenses at the National level.

With the main office in Toledo, the Northwest Ohio Affiliate service area encompasses 24 counties including Monroe County in Michigan and the following counties in Ohio: Allen, Auglaize, Crawford, Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Hancock, Huron, Hardin, Henry, Logan, Lucas, Mercer, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam, Sandusky, Seneca, Shelby, Van Wert, Williams, Wood, and Wyandot.