Susan G. Komen for the Cure was founded in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died of breast cancer at the age of 36. Nancy promised herself she'd fulfill Suzy's plea to help others confronted with the disease. Seventeen years later, Susan G. Komen for the Cure is credited as the nation's leading catalyst in the fight against breast cancer.

The stated mission of organization is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures. As the country's most progressive grassroots organization fighting breast cancer today, Susan G. Komen for the Cure has more than 35,000 volunteers working in local communities in the U.S. and internationally to further the Foundation's mission.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure operates with a small staff and a large volunteer network. From its inception in 1982 to the end of its fiscal year 2006, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and its Affiliate Network have raised nearly $1 billion to fulfill their promise. Within the next 10 years we will invest another $1 billion to the fight. Administrative and fundraising expenses combined represent less than 10% of total revenue.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure's National Grant Program is regarded as the most innovative and responsive grant programs in breast cancer today. As a pioneer in the funding of groundbreaking breast cancer research, Susan G. Komen for the Cure is often the only source of funding for cutting-edge breast cancer research, much of which has led to landmark discoveries in the quest to find a cure and eventually prevent breast cancer.