VT-NH Affiliate responds to recent Komen controversy

The Vermont-New Hampshire Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is proud of what we have accomplished here in our region as well as across the globe. All of us, of all races, religions and political beliefs have been working together to end breast cancer forever – nothing has divided us or swayed us from this quest. Politics has absolutely no place in the fight to end breast cancer. We are relieved by Susan G. Komen for the Cure National Headquarters’ reversal on the Planned Parenthood funding issue and are pressing them for greater transparency.

Through the VT-NH Affiliate’s almost 20-year affiliation with Komen, chiefly through the Race for the Cure but through other events as well, we have raised and distributed $5.7 million to non-profit organizations, health care providers, hospitals, educational institutions, governmental agencies and breast health advocates who manage breast health programs in Vermont and New Hampshire. We were also able to donate $1.8 million to breast cancer research.

It is critical to note that since its inception in 1982, Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s research programs and treatment initiatives have helped to transform most breast cancers from death sentences to treatable chronic illnesses.

Prospective sponsors, donors, runners, walkers and volunteers need to know that not one cent of the money we raise here in Vermont and New Hampshire goes toward salaries or administrative costs at Komen National. Those costs are borne by national sponsors. As it has always been, 75% of the monies we raise is devoted to breast cancer screenings, education and treatment in our two states, and 25% goes toward research.

With Vermont’s 20th Annual Race approaching in July and the first-ever New Hampshire Race for the Cure coming up in Portsmouth on May 12, our greatest hope is that our generous sponsors and supporters join us in putting politics aside for the greater good of ending breast cancer forever.

We hear your concerns and share your frustrations. We’ve conveyed your thoughts, along with our own, to Komen National. Beyond that, we ask you to remember that we are all working together to make a real difference in the lives of your neighbors… the women, men, boys and girls whose lives have been touched by this disease.

We sincerely apologize to our loyal volunteers, Race participants, donors, sponsors, and community partners for the confusion and distraction from our mission during the past few days. We ask for your continued support in our fight to end breast cancer forever.