Former U.S. First Lady Betty Ford Congratulates the Komen Foundation on its 20th Anniversary

When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1974, it was rarely discussed in public and little was known about the disease. During that same time, a young woman in Peoria, Illinois, by the name of Susan G. Komen was also battling breast cancer. Unfortunately, she lost her life to the disease. But before she died, Susan asked her sister Nancy to promise that she would do whatever she could to help other women facing breast cancer.

In 1982, Nancy Brinker established the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation based on that promise. Since then, the Komen Foundation has been instrumental in changing the way people think about breast cancer by inspiring a nationwide movement and rallying millions to the cause.

I have watched the Komen Foundation grow from a local group of women fighting this disease to a powerful grassroots organization, with thousands of volunteers in more than 100 U.S. and international cities. Since its inception, the Komen Foundation has raised $450 million for breast cancer research and community outreach programs, a majority of these proceeds coming from the popular Komen Race for the CureŽ Series, which draws 1.4 million people each year.

As a longtime friend and supporter, I congratulate the Komen Foundation on its 20th anniversary and celebrate the power of a simple promise between two sisters to change the world.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Betty Ford, Former First Lady of the United States