The cause of the day is Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world’s largest and most progressive grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists. They’re dedicated to curing breast cancer at every stage—from the causes to the cures, to the pain and anxiety of every moment in between. This is an amazing organization that was started with a promise from one woman, Nancy G. Brinker, to her sister, Susan G. Komen, who was dying of breast cancer. I did an IM interview with Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Check out the chat transcript.
Parker
says (9:45 AM):
Hi, Hala. Thx for joining.
Hala
says (9:45 AM):
Sure.
Parker
says (9:45 AM):
The first question some people ask: Who is Susan G. Komen?
Hala
says (9:46 AM):
She was the sister of our founder, Nancy G. Brinker. When Suzy was dying from breast cancer Nancy promised her she’d do everything in her power to end the disease.
Hala
says (9:46 AM):
She started the organization in 1982.
Parker
says (9:47 AM):
Very powerful.
Hala
says (9:47 AM):
Indeed.
Parker
says (9:47 AM):
Who’s most at risk? Or is that a really stupid question?
Hala
says (9:47 AM):
No, no. Everyone’s at risk for breast cancer, even men.
Parker
says (9:48 AM):
Serious? :-0
Hala
says (9:48 AM):
Absolutely. That’s one area where we need to raise awareness.
Hala
says (9:48 AM):
But the greatest two risk factors are being a woman and getting older.
Parker
says (9:48 AM):
About how many women are diagnosed each year?
Hala
says (9:49 AM):
1.1 million worldwide—about 200,000 in the U.S.
Parker
says (9:49 AM):
What has the i’m Initiative meant to your organization?
Hala
says (9:49 AM):
It’s been huge. The i’m Initiative has raised more than $100,000 for us just through people talking.
Parker
says (9:50 AM):
How else can people help?
Hala
says (9:50 AM):
There are many, may ways. Participate in Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure events.
Hala
says (9:51 AM):
Or join
actnowendbreastcancer.org to persuade Congress to increase research funding.
Parker
says (9:51 AM):
Writing is my speed. ;)
Hala
says (9:51 AM):
Most important—take control of your health. Get educated.
Parker
says (9:52 AM):
What should people know?
Hala
says (9:52 AM):
More than I can say here. Get mammograms. Learn your risk factors. Be aware.
Hala
says (9:52 AM):
We have a full education section at
komen.org. We invite everyone to check it out.
Parker
says (9:53 AM):
Excellent. Thank you so much. I really appreciate you taking the time.
Hala
says (9:53 AM):
My pleasure, keep up the good work! ;)