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.

Why Komen?

Many professionals view board service as a rewarding way to share their skill sets and talents with nonprofits that serve a particular mission that they feel passionately about. This April, Susan G. Komen Orange County will welcome two new prominent leaders to its 2014-2015 board of directors, to help advance its local breast health initiatives. Dr. Robina Smith, breast cancer surgeon and oncology specialist at St. Jude Medical Center, and Joseph Stein, founder of Simply Innovate LLC will join Komen OC’s existing team of esteemed advocates and share how their dedication to Komen’s mission is rooted in their personal experiences with breast cancer.

Dr. Robina Smith

Dr. Smith chose to pursue a fellowship to specialize solely in oncoplastic breast surgery – an innovative surgical technique that combines advanced cancer surgery with plastic surgery techniques. Her mission: to save the lives of women and men affected by breast cancer, and to help them overcome and face any challenges through their journey.

“To be at the forefront of a movement that is changing the lives of women who are often voiceless, is priceless,” stated Dr. Smith.

Dr. Smith is a passionate advocate for the Komen cause and hopes to advance initiatives that help African American women – like herself – receive the treatment and diagnosis they require.

Joseph Stein

At 13 years old, Stein lost his mother to breast cancer. Nearly 15 years ago, he also lost his sister to the disease. During a heart wrenching funeral, he witnessed his sister’s children having to handle the loss of their mother. He feels that no child should have to endure the loss of a parent, and hopes that through Komen’s initiatives, this will one day become a reality. Stein draws hope from the advances being made in breast cancer research funded largely in part by Komen’s efforts, and continues to draw inspiration from friends and family members who have survived the disease.

Each board member at Komen OC possesses a passion and drive necessary in advancing Komen’s mission of serving women and saving lives. We are thrilled to have two dedicated community leaders join the 2014-2015 board of directors and can’t wait to see what the new year holds!

Twitter Chat with AACR and Komen on Tuesday 3/19!

Susan G. Komen is excited to be co-hosting its first Twitter chat on breast cancer prevention, risk reduction and screening with the American Association for Cancer Research.

Join us and the conversation on Tuesday, March 19 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. PT on Twitter using the official hashtag #BCPrevention. The other hashtag used in conjunction with the event will be #SGK.

Dr. Christopher Li with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center will be co-hosting the Twitter chat with Susan G. Komen’s vey own Chandini Portteus, VP, Research Evaluation and Scientific Programs. During the inaugural Twitter chat, Dr. Li and Chandini will be available and answering questions on breast cancer prevention. Be sure to follow @AACR and @KomenfortheCure as these are the accounts they will be tweeting from. Don’t forget to also follow @KomenOC and join the conversation in Orange County!

Happy Tweeting!