Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s food and beverage partners are the subject of my latest USA Character Approved Blog post.
My mother died of breast cancer, but not before surviving it for 18 years. Every October, when National Breast Cancer Awareness Month rolls around, I think of her brave fight and how she managed to carve out more years for herself—and for us—than anyone thought possible. I think of my wife and daughters too, and of our women friends.
For that matter, I think of women I don’t know and will never meet. Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among women, second only to lung cancer. This year alone, more than 200,000 women in America will be diagnosed with breast cancer. More than 40,000 women will die from it. A number of organizations are leading the fight against this deadly disease, and food is playing a part.
Susan G. Komen was another fighter. Throughout her extended battle against breast cancer, she spent her time thinking of ways to make life better for other women fighting it. In Susan’s honor, her sister created Susan G. Komen for the Cure in 1982. In doing so, she essentially launched the global breast cancer movement. The organization has invested more than $1.9 billion toward research, awareness and support for the cause, much of the money coming from partners and sponsors.
One of the most visible is Yoplait, with its ubiquitous pink lids that can be redeemed for contributions to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. But there are many food and beverage partners donating to the cause, from Trident Seafoods to the California Pear Advisory Board. And this year, CHEFS Catalog is teaming up with KitchenAid to give away six “Cook for the Cure” stand mixers. A portion of the proceeds of sales of these special edition mixers and KitchenAid blenders will go to the Komen foundation. For more about other food and beverage partners and their contributions, check out my latest post on the USA Character Approved Blog.
A terrific reminder of the many ways we can support this cause, Terry. Didn’t know about your mom. My own mom got breast cancer late in life and, while she wound up dying of other causes 10 years later, she got excellent oncological care (something every woman deserves access to) and managed to beat the cancer twice – allowing us many extra wonderful years together. I always buy Breast Cancer stamps, which include a donation portion in the price. Really good to know about food-related businesses that donate. I look forward to learning more in your upcoming USA Character Approved Blog post. Thanks!
Thanks, Ronnie Ann! You’re right about every woman deserving access to excellent oncological care. But then I think we both agree that everyone should have access to health care. The USA post is live now. Check it out to see what companies are supporting Susan G. Komen’s efforts, then support them.
what a great post, and great reminders for ways to support. a topic always on the forefront of my mind, as my mom and aunt are both breast cancer survivors.
Please,
Can you tell me why S.B.K. gives money to Planned Parenthood. Is it true their abortions increase the likelyhood of breast cancer in their clients ?
Thanks, Valentina. I’m glad your mom and aunt are doing well.
Steve, Komen does indeed give money to Planned Parenthood and other non-profit community health programs that provide breast health education and breast screenings for hundreds of thousands of low-income, uninsured, or medically under-served women. The grants they give to nearly 2,000 local organizations, including 19 Planned Parenthood programs, go only for breast health and screenings, not for any other services the organizations may provide. Regarding possible connections between abortions (and miscarriages) and breast cancer, the most reliable studies on the matter find no connection at all. You can find more information about both your questions at the Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s website.