History

Susan G. Komen fought breast cancer with her heart, body and soul. Throughout her diagnosis, treatments, and endless days in the hospital, she spent her time thinking of ways to make life better for other women battling breast cancer instead of worrying about her own situation. Moved by Susan’s compassion for others and commitment to making a difference, Nancy G. Brinker promised her sister that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer.

Though Susan lost her battle with the disease, her legacy lives on through the work of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the organization Nancy started in her honor. Komen for the Cure is the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested more than $1.9 billion since its inception in 1982. Komen’s promise is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures.  Across the country, that promise is upheld by a network of 121 local Affiliate offices. At the heart of each Affiliate is a person or group of people who, like Susan, wanted to make a difference.

Northern Nevada Affiliate

The Northern Nevada Affiiliate was started by a group of dedicated women in 1998 that founded the first Northern Nevada Race for the Cure.  The Northern Nevada Affiliate officially began the next year, in 1999.  These leaders saw the need for assisting local women with breast cancer screening and treatment programs - and raising awareness of the importance of early detection in previon of breast cancer deaths.  The Northern Nevada Affiliate since its inception has granted more than $3.2 million for local breast cancer programs as well as over $770k to research, thanks to the support of thousands of volunteers, sponsors and event participants.