Des Moines Affiliate of
Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Susan G. Komen for the Cure was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the 
memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Today, we are a grassroots international organization with a network of volunteers working through local Affiliates and Komen Race for the Cure® events to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment. The Foundation runs one of the most innovative and responsive grant programs in breast cancer today. In addition to funding research, the Foundation and its Affiliates fund community-based targeted breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment projects for the medically underserved. 

The Komen Affiliate Network
Credited as a leading catalyst in the fight against breast cancer,  Susan G. Komen for the Cure and its Affiliates continue to lead the fight against the disease.  Susan G. Komen for the Cure has more than 100,000 volunteers working through a network of 125 cities and communities in the U.S. and a growing number of international Affiliates, making it one of the most progressive grassroots organizations in the nation. Since its inception in 1982, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and its Affiliates have raised $1 billion through local, national, and international programs, most notably the successful Komen Race for the Cure® Series.

The Des Moines Affiliate
The Des Moines Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure raises funds to support the promised of eradicating breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment.

The majority of the funds we raise come to us through the Komen Des Moines Race for the Cure®, held annually in October. Other sources of revenue include membership, individual and corporate donations, license plates, and memorial or celebration contributions.

At least 25% of net donations to the Des Moines Affiliate are put directly toward breast cancer research through the Komen Grants and Awards Program, one of the nation’s most innovative, responsive grant programs. The Komen Grants and Awards Program is unique in its focus on research projects with potential for high impact that may not be considered by other agencies.  Available grants include: postdoctoral fellowships; population-specific grants; basic, clinical, and translational research grants; imaging technology; dissertation research; and honor awards.

The remaining 75% of donations raised by the Des Moines Affiliate stay in our community.  Most of that money is distributed throughout the Des Moines Affiliate's Community Grants Program. These are grants made to local nonprofit organizations to provide educational, screening or treatment support services to the women of our community.  Special emphasis is placed on grant applications focusing on breast health education among minority women in culturally appropriate formats, including appropriate literacy level; and projects providing free and/or low cost breast screening services for underserved and uninsured women in their communities. 

The Des Moines Affiliate also provides services to raise awareness and provide education about breast cancer and breast health issues.
Volunteers from our speakers bureau are available to speak to clubs, businesses and special events. We will also bring our informational booth to corporate and community health fairs. Breast health brochures, including breast self-exam shower cards, are available for any size event.

2008 - 2009 Komen Des Moines Board of Directors
Diane Faris (President)
Leslie Dewey (President-Elect)
Kim Krips & Cathy Palmer  (Treasurers)
Dorothy Ramsey (Secretary)
Dr. Susan Beck (Grants Chair)
Jeff Aldrich (Public Policy)
Amanda Richer (Education)
Roni Schuling (Volunteers)
Wendy Hoffman (Race Chair)
Stephanie Makalous  (Third Party Events)
Mara White (Communications)

National Toll-Free Breast Care Helpline and Web Site  The Komen Foundation has a National Toll-Free Breast Care Helpline answered by trained, caring volunteers whose lives have been personally touched by breast cancer. For response to questions, local resources, or moral support, call: 1.877 GO KOMEN (1.877.465.6636).

For more information regarding breast cancer, call 1.877 GO KOMEN or visit the Foundation's award winning Web site: www.komen.org.