If you have been paying attention to the news lately, I'm sure you have heard all that's going on with the Komen Foundation. Many of you have been following me the last year as I have become part of the 3-Day family, walked 60 miles, and raised over $2300 for the foundation. Walking last year and raising awareness became a passion of mine. I could never fully put into words the feelings that I felt as I began my journey last year. Truly amazing! After my first walk, I immediately knew that I would be back for a second walk. I have been so excited and I am ready! But, the news this week has caused a great sadness in my heart. The world of kindness and love that I experienced, that my family experience, and that thousands of other have experience has been hit hard. The division among supports and others who have just tossed in their opinions brings tears to my eyes. Many words have been said, but I'm not sure the full story has been told. My prayers are with Nancy Brinker and the Komen Foundation and their Affiliate Offices. I pray that they will keep the faith, hope, and promises that they have made, not just to Susan, but to the world.
I know that what I'm about to discuss is a touchy subject. This is my stance on the situation for now. My opinion is based off of my communication with the foundation and the experiences that I have had with them this past year. I ask that if you would like to comment to me, please do that in a private email (
amysrains@hotmail.com) and not on my blog or my facebook page. I want my blog and facebook to be a positive place where only hope and encouragement can be found. I hope that I don't offend any of you with my opinions. I do believe that we all have a right to our own opinions and beliefs. I respect each of you and again, I am not trying to offend anyone or press my beliefs on anyone.
When you give money to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, where does it go? Well, to my understanding, donations made to the 3-Day are broken down 75/25. 75% of funds go to global research (scientist searching for the cure) while 25% of funds raised stay with the local affiliate. I believe that there are around 120 affiliates. Those affiliates use that money for community breast health (awareness literature, mammograms, early detection, education, etc.). They do what they can to provide breast health at low cost or no cost. They help those who can't afford it or have no insurance. Click
here to find out more on where the money goes. If you are interested in where the Atlanta Komen Affiliates money/grants go, you may read it
here from their website.
So, what's happening in the news....well, one of the Komen Affiliates awarded a grant to Planned Parenthood. (It was not the Atlanta Affiliate.) It has been known and in the news before. When most people think of Planned Parenthood, they think about women's rights and abortion. It is my understanding that the grant that was written to Komen from PP was not asking for funds to support abortion. They asked for funds to support their breast health program, early detection and education, and to fund mammograms for those in their community who couldn't afford them. After all, that is what Komen is all about...not about politics and not about whether abortion is right or wrong. Earlier this week, the Komen Foundation decided to pull funding due to the institution being under investigation. After a lot of bad press and sides being chosen, they turned around at the end of the week with an amendment. To read the statement by the foundation, click
here. The latest statement is that they will continue to fund the current grant that was issued to PP and that they may apply again.
As of now, I am still standing by and supporting the Komen Foundation. I believe that it truly is a wonderful foundation based on love and hope. They have helped countless numbers of people and most of the advancements that have been made towards the cure have been funded by them. I have faith that they will make the right decisions now and in the future. I continue to plan on walking with my team in October.
I didn't join the 3-Day family because of any political views. I walk to honor the life of my mother, my grandmother, friends who have fought and won, and friends who have lost their battles. I raised money for research and pray that God will be with those doing the research and that one day He will lead one to the cure, in His timing. I pray that God will be with those who make the decisions on where the money goes and that the right people/businesses are funded. Since my mother and grandmother (dad's mother) both have BC, I am considered high risk. I had my first mammogram at the age of 20. I walk so that you and I don't have to face it. My mom is a living example that early detection saves lives! The Komen Foundation through donations, support, and awareness has saved many lives!
I choose to continue to walk, I choose to continue to believe, and I choose to live my life to God's glory and honor. No, I cannot live up to the expectations of the world and I will not always make the right decisions. I will not judge others. It is not my place. All I can do is pray and follow where God leads me. I know that He will again bless my walk this year. I know that He fully understands my cause and my reasons for walking. I still believe that one person CAN make a difference! After all, Jesus did! I pray that the life that I am living is an encouragement to others and glorifies His name. I pray that my life will make a difference in this world!
I respect each one of your opinions on this matter. I will understand if you don't want to support my walk or the Komen Foundation this year. I will continue to follow this story, pray, and watch the decisions that the Komen Foundation makes. Thanks for hearing me out. I want to leave you with a statement made by Dr. Sheri Phillips the Komen Foundation's National Spokeswoman.
"People have questioned why I haven't commented and I can honestly say it is because my heart is saddened at the apparent division of a family that once demonstrated so much love in their shared commitment of a world without breast cancer. “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired... and success achieved.” -Helen Keller. If you recall, I once spoke to you about having a vision and not losing sight of your vision. Don’t lose sight now. For over a year now, I’ve spoken to the 3-Day family about love, honor, purpose and courage and I stand firm in every word I have spoken. I am unmovable, unchanged and completely onboard with the work of the 3-Day. I made a promise to fight…in 14 cities I shouted at the end of Closing Ceremony that “We will never give up!”…and I meant it. I can't address everyone's opinions and speculations. But as an African American female breast cancer survivor who grew up on the south side of Chicago and who has worked and lived in communities that benefitted from SGK grants, I will stand by the commitment SGK has made to women at large, including the uninsured and underinsured, and to its commitment to its mission. I personally believe in its promise to always fight for and serve those who need them the most. Susan G. Komen fought for lives and welfare of women when no other organization would.
“It's motive alone which gives character to the actions of men.” -Jean De La Bruyere
Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. God Bless each and every one of you. You ARE my family. Let's continue this fight to end breast cancer TOGETHER."
