A Bold Fundraising and Awareness Campaign

Recently, actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus announced on Twitter that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. “One in eight women will develop some type of breast cancer in their lifetime,” she posted, “Today I’m the one.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Almost everyone has been connected to breast cancer in some way and knows the devastating impact this disease can have on their loved one and family. At this year’s Race for the Cure, Komen Orange County Executive Director Lisa Wolter announced that the national Komen organization will focus its 2017 research funding of $30.7 million on metastatic breast cancer, the most lethal form and stage of breast cancer.

Additionally, in 2018, 100 percent of new grants for Komen’s Young Investigators Program, which invites young researchers to focus on breast cancer issues, will be focused on metastatic breast cancer and treatment resistance that leads to it.

Metastatic breast cancer – which is breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body like the brain, liver, bones or lungs – is responsible for almost all of the nation’s 40,000 annual breast cancer deaths. Today, more than 154,000 people are living with metastatic breast cancer in the U.S., a statistic that needs to be lowered. By targeting metastatic disease, Komen hopes to reduce breast cancer deaths dramatically in the U.S.

Making a Personal Impact

For the first time, Komen is giving you, members of the public, the opportunity to directly fund specific research by participating in a crowdfunding initiative on Komen’s national website, komen.org. Komen has highlighted four pioneering researchers, who are dedicated to making discoveries that will ultimately improve outcomes for patients suffering from metastatic breast cancer, and encourage donations to their specific grants.

You can also make an impact locally, which means your money stays right here in our community to help support treatment, screening and education. Help us reach our 2017 Komen Orange County Race for the Cure fundraising goal to reach $2 million by the end of October. To make a contribution, visit www.komenoc.org/race.

Knott’s Screams Against Breast Cancer

For the fourth consecutive year, Knott’s Berry Farm partnered with Susan G. Komen Orange County to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and services for the local community during Knott’s for the Cure from January 9 to March 5, 2017.

In 2017, Knott’s and Komen Orange County raised more than $108,000 through the purchase of “pink” tickets, season passes and select merchandise such as “Pink” Knott’s t-shirts sold in the park. With the cost of a mammogram evaluated at $125, Knott’s for the Cure will benefit more than 800 Orange county residents who are underinsured or underserved!

Cherie Whyte, director of communications for Knott’s Berry Farm, presents a check to Jessica Rhee, Board member, Susan G. Komen Orange County

One of the campaign’s highlights was a special event on World Cancer Day (February 4) to honor and celebrate survivors and their families whose lives have been affected by breast cancer. Knott’s and Komen OC organized a #ScreamAgainstBreastCancer Facebook contest for a chance to participate in the event featuring actress Brenda Song from CBS’s “Pure Genius,” who attended in support of her mother currently battling breast cancer. Winners of the contest screamed against all of the challenges and pain but most importantly celebrated their victories and the great triumph of overcoming breast cancer while suspended over 252-feet in the air, at the highest point of Orange County’s tallest free-standing ride, Knott’s Supreme Scream.

Brenda Song and Peanuts’ friends Lucy and Frieda

Knott’s Berry Farm also teamed up with Komen Orange County on February 22 to provide free screening mammograms, clinical breast exams and education to Knott’s employees and local uninsured and under-insured women (and men) via the Knott’s sponsored Alinea mobile mammography van. Local women who received free mammograms were also gifted free admission to the park.

Alinea Mobile Mammography Van and Snoopy

Additionally, on Valentine’s Day, the Supreme Scream ride, towering over 312-feet in the air, turned pink and glowed for miles in honor of the Knott’s for the Cure program. Supreme Scream along with the famous Calico Mine Ride, shined across the Buena Park skyline each night for the remaining duration of the promotion.

Since 2013, the partnership with Komen Orange County has collectively raised close to $500,000 for the organization. Knott’s Berry Farm’s parent company, Cedar Fair Entertainment, has donated nearly $1 million to Susan G. Komen in the last 5 years. The proceeds raised during Knott’s for the Cure help provide underserviced women and men in Orange County with access to breast health care and services.

We Are More Than Pink

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, join the fight against breast cancer by educating yourself on prevention and detection methods. Recently, we launched our “More Than Pink” campaign and rallied supporters to take action by making a bigger and bolder impact – to show us they are More Than Pink™. Today, Komen represents more than just a color; it represents finding a cure for breast cancer and creating a world where families don’t have to bear the traumatic loss of a grandmother, mother, niece, aunt, daughter or sister to this aggressive and heartbreaking disease.

Credit: National Breast Cancer Foundation

Almost everyone has been connected to breast cancer in some way and knows the devastating impact this disease can have on a loved one and his/her family. In the United States alone:

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women (besides skin cancer)
• There are currently 3 million breast cancer survivors
• In 2016, nearly 250,000 cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women and 2,500+ in men
• Every two minutes, one women is diagnosed with breast cancer
• In 2016, 40,000+ women and nearly 450 men are expected to die from breast cancer

Susan G. Komen More Than Pink™

To decrease these upsetting statistics, we need YOU to get involved and be a hero by joining us in this campaign! Our BOLD GOAL to reduce the current number of breast cancer deaths by 50 percent in the United States in the next decade cannot be achieved without the help of the community. Join us by acting, donating and/or getting involved. Every little bit of support will help us get one step closer to reaching our goal. Learn more about our More Than Pink ™ initiative: http://sgk.mn/2d2sE3e.

Get Involved Beyond Breast Cancer Awareness Month

It’s the last week of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it’s important to remember that your year round support is crucial to finding a cure for this devastating disease. We are so grateful for the continued community support and donations that we have received throughout the month. Fundraising for Race for the Cure will continue until Oct. 31, and we are on track to exceed our goal of $2 million. After October, we must maintain our momentum – to continue raising funds and awareness for breast cancer throughout the year.

Looking for ways to stay involved? Try these tips:

• Volunteer –Volunteers assist with outreach, education, office-based projects and special events year round. Without volunteers, we would not have the manpower to advance Komen’s promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Need more info or ready to volunteer? Contact volunteer@komenoc.org.

• Advocate – Komen OC’s advocates act as the voice for over 3 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. We need your help with our mission to translate the Komen promise into action at all government levels. Sign up to become an advocate at: http://sgk.mn/ZK20QF

• Donate – Your donations make a huge difference. Every dollar donated helps us make an impact; whether you skip your daily coffee, pass on buying that new outfit, or watch a movie at home instead of going out, your funds will help save lives. Join us in the fight against breast cancer by visiting: http://bit.ly/1tmKjlY

• Fundraise – Many organizations host events and activities throughout the year with proceeds benefiting Komen Orange County. You can participate in an activity that you and your family can enjoy, while supporting a good cause. You can shop for the cure, play in a golf tournament, rally for a cure, start a bake sale or even host a jewelry party with proceeds benefitting the fight against breast cancer! Find out how to start your next fundraiser today: http://bit.ly/ZK3ev9

These tips are just some of the many ways to get involved with Komen OC. We’re so grateful that Breast Cancer Awareness Month was full of fun events that helped raise critical funds for breast cancer including support from: Mode-ology’s Shop for a Cause, Chevron’s Driven to Find a Cure and Orange County Polo Club’s Ladies Night Polo Match. While we can’t mention all of our wonderful supporters here, we’re grateful to all those who held events, fundraisers, and in-store promotions this month to advance our mission.

Seventy-five percent of the funds raised through Komen Orange County are invested in local breast cancer awareness and education programs including breast self-examination classes, medical and diagnostic services for uninsured and underinsured women, and other community needs through grants to community breast health organizations. The remaining 25 percent is dedicated to the Komen Award and Research Grant Program to fund groundbreaking breast cancer research. For more information, visit www.komenoc.org.

Komen OC’s Community Partners: Making a Difference During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Anaheim White House Restaurant Supports Komen Orange County During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

With Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) in full swing, here is a list of some of the local businesses that are helping Susan G. Komen Orange County increase awareness and funds for breast health and education programs this October.

Whether you enjoy eating, drinking, shopping or sports, there are many opportunities this month for the whole family to get involved for a great cause. Here is just a sample of some of the third-party fundraisers that will benefit Komen Orange County:

• The Clay Oven – Irvine’s top Indian restaurant is offering a special, 3-course menu available all month with proceeds benefitting Komen OC.
• “The Key to the Cure” – Saks Fifth Ave at South Coast Plaza is offering an Emilio Pucci-designed shirt in support of BCAM. Two percent of profits directly benefit Komen OC. Offer valid from Oct. 17 to 20.
• Orange County Polo Club – The Polo Club in Coto de Caza will hold its third annual ladies night on Oct. 25 for Komen OC, in honor of BCAM. Admission is free. Come and enjoy the Polo action, food, silent auction and prizes!
• JustFab – the online retailer will be donating 100 percent of sale proceeds from its Danica Pump and Honorary Guest clutch to Komen OC this month.
• Selma’s Pizzeria – For the entire month of October, Selma’s will host a “Pink Party” and donate $1 for every item ordered to Komen OC.
• Plumbers in Pink – Tom Moffett Plumbing is increasing awareness this month with its annual “Plumbers in Pink” promotion and will be donating $5 to Komen OC from each service.
• The Anaheim White House – A portion of all drink sales from the restaurant’s First Lady Martini, a pink drink, will support Komen OC and its vision of a world without breast cancer.

Every bit of participation helps, so head out, visit one of our local partners this month and join us in the fight against breast cancer by doing something you enjoy! For more information on any of these promotions, and for a full list of participants, click here or visit our website for more information.

Saks Fifth Avenue’s Emilio Pucci Designed 2013 Key to the Cure T-shirt Benefits Komen Orange County

Events during Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

• October 17– Sign-ups For Mammography Screenings: Pre-registration is required for the mammography screenings. Sign-ups will take place between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Northgate Gonzalez Market 770 S. Harbor Blvd. Santa Ana, CA 92703
• October 19– Sign-ups For Mammography Screenings: Pre-registration is required for the mammography screenings. Sign-ups will take place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Northgate Gonzalez Market 6991 Lincoln Ave.  Buena Park, CA 90620
• October 21– Free Onsite Mammography Screenings: Appointments are necessary to participate in the mammography screenings., offered between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. at Northgate Gonzalez Market  770 S. Harbor Blvd. Santa Ana, CA 92703
• October 24– Sign-ups For Mammography Screenings: Pre-registration is required for the mammography screenings. Sign-ups will take place between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Northgate Gonzalez Market 720 W. La Palma Ave. Anaheim, CA 92801
• October 28– Free Onsite Mammography Screenings: Appointments are necessary to participate in the mammography screenings, offered between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. at Northgate Gonzalez Market 720 W. La Palma Ave. Anaheim, CA 92801

We Won! Komen Orange County Wins Nonprofit IT CreativITy Award

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month kicks off, we’re proud to announce that we have been honored with a Nonprofit IT CreativITy Award from GroundWork group Orange County, for our work using innovation and technology to achieve our mission of serving women and men and saving lives. This is our first award from GroundWork group Orange County, in the Community Engagement category, for our 2012 holiday jingle campaign, along with other technological advances we’ve implemented to achieve our mission.

Komen Orange County values its ability to provide vital breast health services to under-served and under-insured people in the community. That’s why it’s crucial for us to raise funds and awareness for the importance of early detection and screening.  Last year, we tapped our PR agency, HKA Marketing Communications, to develop a creative year-end appeal asking the public to donate funds for life-saving mammograms. The result was a catchy tune and video that helped us bring together familiar faces to make a big impact in our community. We’re also gearing up for our second Komen holiday jingle, featuring a new song and fresh faces, so be sure to stay tuned!

We’re grateful for the continued support we receive from our community, which makes all the diagnostic and treatment programs we are able to fund possible express our gratitude for making the 2012 jingle an award-winning success!

Komen OC Breast Cancer Awareness Month Events:

October 7 –  Join us at the Northgate Gonzalez Market at 580 W. La Habra Blvd in La Habra, where we will be conducting free, onsite mammograms for local women in need.

October 10 – We are sponsoring the next talk in our Breast Health Education Series, Breast Cancer and Beyond: A Road Map through Survivorship at 6:30 at the El Niguel Country Club 23700 Clubhouse Ave., Laguna Niguel, CA 92677. Dinner will be served.

Fundraiser Spotlight: Paul Kim and the Costa Mesa Fire Department

Costa Mesa firefighter Paul Kim not only fights fire, but also helps in the fight to end breast cancer forever. His mother-in-law is a breast cancer survivor, so with the issue close to his heart Paul decided to get involved with the cause.

During October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Paul got the Costa Mesa Fire Department involved to wear and sell pink shirts, with proceeds benefitting Komen Orange County. He sold more than 300 shirts, raising $1,600 for our organization.

Paul and the Costa Mesa Fire Department were not alone – Redlands Fire Department, Bear Grass Fire Department (North Carolina), Elbert Fire Rescue (Colorado) and Care Ambulance (Anaheim) also sold shirts to help Komen Orange County.

Paul began selling the shirts in 2010, and hopes to get even more departments and organizations involved. The shirts are universal and Paul can easily plug in your company or organization’s name as a supporter of Komen OC. If you are interested in getting involved next year, let us know and we’ll put you in touch with Paul!

 

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Michelle Buessing

Komen volunteer Michelle Buessing is definitely a “glass half full” type of woman. She has enthusiasm, optimism and determination despite her personal challenge with breast cancer. Michelle was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer at the age of 32 while she was breast feeding her daughter Maya. There was no family history of breast cancer.

 

Michelle went through four months of chemotherapy, had an 8-hour surgery, three more months of chemo and then 33 radiation treatments, but none of this knocked down the spirit of this Mission Viejo mother. Michelle is now a volunteer for the Komen for the Cure Speakers Bureau.

Here is what Michelle had to say at a recent speaking engagement:

“At the age of 32 I heard the words, ‘you have cancer.’ A day that will always stand out as the most life changing moment of my life, not because it brought me to my knees (which it did) but because it was the day I was given the gift of hope…hope that I would have a long future with my then 11-month- old and 2-year-old little girls because I got to hear the words treatable and curable. [These] two words to a recently diagnosed young mother and wife that make all the difference.

“I have told people since the day I was diagnosed that I owe my life to Susan G. Komen for the Cure because no other organization has done more or had a greater impact on the survival rate. I received cutting edge chemo, surgery and radiation thanks to the advancements in medicine that have been made over the past 20 years.

“I feel in the very fiber of my being that I will get to stand with my daughters at the glorious celebration the day we announce we have found a cure for breast cancer. Will you join me in finding a cure?”

Michelle is an inspiration. She and her family deserve our help. Let’s live by her motto: “Life is sweet… enjoy it!  Faith, love and hope REALLY do make all the difference.”

 

Circle of Promise

On Sunday, Komen OC teamed up with the Komen Los Angeles Affiliate and launched the Circle of Promise campaign in Long Beach to create the largest Second Line. A Second Line is a “lively dancing procession that celebrates life at the conclusion of a funeral” and is traditionally a celebratory component of Mardi Gras festivals. The Long Beach event allowed Komen OC, along with participants, to Bury the Silence and Raise Our Voice as we end breast cancer in African American community.

The Komen Los Angeles County and Orange County Affiliates, in partnership with the Komen African American Community Partnership, a collaboration of local agencies and key stakeholders, launched the local Circle of Promise campaign to reach at risk women in Greater Long Beach, CA. The goals are to engage the local community in the breast cancer movement, increase knowledge of breast health and local resources, reduce stigma related to breast cancer and motivate the use of annual mammography screening. These efforts align with Komen National’s Circle of Promise and Queens of Keeping it Real Campaign.

Based upon statistical analyses of the regional Cancer Registry, the Affiliates found that African-American women in its service area are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a later stage and are at significantly increased risk of dying from the disease than Caucasian women. (Komen/ UCI Data Project; 2009) An individual who is diagnosed early has a 98% survival rate while those detected at an advanced stage have a 20% survival rate. For more information about this data, click here.

The Circle of Promise campaign is designed to engage African American women to help end breast cancer forever by increasing awareness, support, empowerment and action.  The program works by mobilizing the community to ensure that women everywhere have access to the care they need. For more information, please call our office at 714-957-9157.

Kruisin for Komen

Steve Churm, Publisher of OC Metro is “Kruisin for Komen” this month to celebrate breast cancer awareness. He has teamed up with Spa Gregories for a promotion benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Spa Gregories will be selling raffle tickets through Nov. 7, with all proceeds going donated to Komen OC.

If Spa Gregories reaches its goal of $15,000 in ticket sales, Steve has promised to go pink from head to toe when he broadcasts the OC Metro Minute on Nov. 8. So please tell everyone know to buy a ticket!

But that’s not all….

Steve will be riding all over Orange County over the next few weeks on a fabulous pink scooter that you could win in the hottest charity raffle this year. The first person to guess correctly where he is each time Spa Gregories makes a post will win one $20 entry ticket into the raffle, which is packed with amazing prizes such as:

A 2-night stay at Ritz Carlton

A 3-day, 2-night stay for two at Oaks at Ojai

A 3-day, 2 night stay for two at Red Mountain

Spa Gregories/Hilton Del Mark Escape to Del Mark Package

Cortright Cruises Duffy Christmas Boat Parade (Newport Beach)

Much, much more!

Raffle tickets are one for $20, two for $30 and seven for $100 and can be purchased at any Spa Gregories location or online at SpaGregories.com.