Find the latest news and announcements involving breast cancer and the Northeast Ohio community here. Follow the links below for announcements, articles, online interviews and more. This page will show recent press releases.
Press Releases
Komen News
Joint Announcement on Behalf of Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
On January 12, leading breast cancer organizations Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation in Canada announced a new agreement to raise funds and explore possibilities to partner in research, education, advocacy and awareness programs across borders.
This is the start of what is intended to be a cooperative approach to breast cancer programs across North America. By working together, both charities hope to expand their reach, enhance fundraising and realize a future without breast cancer sooner.
The first step is a joint cause-related marketing agreement, in which the two organizations will work with business partners to identify and develop products and programs to be available in both countries, with proceeds benefiting both organizations and the breast cancer cause.
“Ending this disease requires collaboration with the best that the world has to offer,” said Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, founder and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “Komen for the Cure and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation have worked together for many years. Today’s announcement formalizes our friendship, and brings the collective resources of two respected and dedicated organizations closer together to achieve a world without breast cancer.”

Sophie Sureau Named Nonprofit Executive Director of the Year in Ohio
Congratulations to Sophie Sureau, Executive Director of the Northeast Ohio Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® who has been named the Nonprofit Executive Director of the Year by Smart Business and Medical Mutual of Ohio. The Pillar Award presented to Sophie recognizes nonprofit executive directors who effectively apply for-profit business principles to their organizations. Sophie and other Pillar Award winners will be featured in the December issue of Smart Business.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Receives Charity Navigator’s Coveted Four-Star Rating for THIRD Year in a Row
Top Evaluation Applauds Fiscal Soundness, Sustainability of Programs
Susan G. Komen for the Cure has received Charity Navigator’s highest rating four stars for the third year in a row. With this rating, Susan G. Komen for the Cure becomes one of only 12 percent of the approximately 5,400 charities that Charity Navigator evaluates which has received at least three consecutive 4-star ratings.
“Maintaining Charity Navigator’s highest rating for fiscal soundness is an incredible achievement during these economic times, and a true testament to the hard work of the entire Susan G. Komen for the Cure family,” said Susan G. Komen for the Cure President and CEO Hala Moddelmog. “My applause and thanks go to our Affiliates, our volunteers and our staff, who once again have proven to be responsible stewards of our contributors’ money as they work to fulfill our promise of saving lives and ending breast cancer forever.” Read the full press release on Komen.org.
Announcements & Information
We're now on Facebook!
Check out the new Komen Northeast Ohio Facebook page and become a fan today!

Komen Northeast Ohio Expands to 22 Counties & Grants Record Amount
The Northeast Ohio Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure announces record-breaking grant funding of $1.5 million for the 2009-2010 grant year. The competitive grants process culminated in March with the selection of 25 organizations whose programs will deliver lifesaving messages and services to over 32,000 individuals. The grant recipients will be able to serve the comprehensive breast health and treatment support needs of those most likely to die from breast cancer.
Organizations in every Ohio County will now be eligible to apply for grants from the Ohio Komen affiliates to help fund critical education, screening, diagnostic and survivorship support services. By including these counties in their service area, Komen Northeast Ohio is able to break down barriers and reach more women in need. Because all 88 Ohio counties are now served by Komen, the Alliance and the Ohio Affiliates can more effectively advocate for this issue.
For more information please refer to the Spring issue of the Pink Ink Newsletter

Komen Northeast Ohio Leader Honored for Service to the Community

Pam Mascio, 6-year Northeast Ohio Affiliate Board President, was honored on May 4th at the Annual Northern Ohio Live Magazine Awards of Achievement celebration. The Awards of Achievement honored the people and organizations whose talent and industry continue to enhance the quality of life in northeast Ohio. Awardees were recognized for their contributions in theater, education, cultural exhibitions, community events, urban issues, dance, volunteerism, civic leadership, historic preservation, architecture, fundraising and visual arts.
Mascio received a special award for her leadership in furthering Komen’s promise in the community. Through her tireless efforts, the affiliate has been able to increase funding each year to organizations in the region that provide educational outreach, screening and support services to breast cancer survivors. In 2009, Komen Northeast Ohio granted $1.5 million in funding to 25 agencies reaching tens of thousands of women in the region. Mascio’s dedication is a vital part of the impact the affiliate has made over the past six years. According to Executive Director Sophie Sureau, “Thanks to her hard work, we can save more lives”.
The Plain Dealer
Community outreach brings message to the region
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
As program manager for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Northeast Ohio affiliate, Carrie Clark is responsible for community outreach. It is her job to ensure people are aware of the non-profit organization's mission and activities.
Clark graduated from Miami University with a bachelor's degree in sociology and social work and worked in direct social work for nearly eight years.
"I was working in different capacities and with various nonprofits, but most of my time was spent working directly with clients. Then I wound up taking a break to have my family," Clark said. "While on that break, I became affiliated with some non-profit event planning and fundraising."
Click here to read the full article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer
Guys Wear Pink Ties to Help Beat Breast Cancer
CLEVELAND, OHIO (June 9, 2009) - Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Northeast Ohio Affiliate recently introduced its inaugural class of Pink Tie Guys. At the organization’s annual Power of a Promise event held in May, Komen Northeast Ohio introduced eight of the region’s executives that have agreed to serve as Ambassadors for breast health. By simply wearing the Komen pink ribbon tie at community events, the men hope to spark conversations about the important message of early detection, the best protection against deadly breast cancer. This new initiative is also aimed at engaging more men in the breast cancer movement and empowering them to be involved in women’s health issues.
The eight men were selected to represent the one in eight women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes. The group comprised of Ron Roseman of Office Furniture Warehouse, Cleveland City Councilman Eugene Miller, John Ertz of Northwestern Mutual Northern Ohio Group, Bob McCormick of Diebold Direct, Kurt Nygaard of Downtown 140, Jon Trainor of the Akron General Hospital Foundation, Mark Nolan of WKYC Channel 3, and Dr. Stanton Gerson director of University Hospital's Ireland Cancer Center, are taking their duties seriously. The 2009 class of Pink Tie Guys are even planning a “Guys” summit to brainstorm ways to impact the community as well as set the bar high for future classes of Pink Tie Guys.
Komen Northeast Ohio is already receiving calls about nominations for next year’s class of Pink Tie Guys and anticipates the great impact this year’s class will have in spreading the word about breast cancer treatment and prevention.

The 2009 Komen Northeast Ohio Pink Tie Guys (from left to right) Ron Roseman, Eugene Miller, John Ertz, Bob McCormick, Kurt Nygaard, Jon Trainor, Mark Nolon. (not pictured is Dr. Stan Gerson)
return to top