Komen Northeast Ohio Update

For those of you who missed the call on Friday February 10 with our leadership, please read a summary of the most Frequently asked Questions below. Click here to download in pdf format.  FAQ en Espanol.

Why did this policy confusion happen at the national office?
We know people are angry and upset.  So are we.  We hear you and understand.  We truly apologize for the confusion and distraction caused by recent events and for the impact they have had on so many people. 

We don’t know why certain decisions were made by the national organization or the rationale behind them.  Those decisions didn’t involve input from us or other affiliates. 

How will you regain the trust of people who were upset with what happened?
We know that as an organization we have to work hard to regain people’s trust.  Komen Northeast Ohio is determined to do that.  The stakes are far too high.  The state of Ohio ranks 4th in breast cancer mortality rates, which means more people die of breast cancer here than just about anywhere else in the United States.  Komen Northeast Ohio must remain uniquely focused on saving lives and ending breast cancer forever. 

Komen Northeast Ohio has always been empowered to make our own decisions on organizations we support.  We constantly assess local community needs and know more than anyone what those needs are and how to best address the gaps in Northeast Ohio.  We will continue to do that and help those most at-risk gain access to the screening and care they need.

Will recent events have an impact on this year’s Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure?
Recent events will have no impact on this year’s Race.  In fact, we are planning two races this year.  Our very first Race in Akron is scheduled for July 29 and the course will lead us to Firestone Country Club, the day before the Bridgestone Invitational.  The Cleveland Race, long supported by Mayor Frank Jackson, will be help on September 15.

What does Komen Northeast Ohio do to support women’s health?
Komen Northeast Ohio’s mission has been and remains to save lives and end breast cancer by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures.  Since 1994, Komen Northeast Ohio has always focused on meeting the needs of those most at-risk in our service area, now covering 22 counties. 

Over the past 18 years, in addition to millions invested in cancer research, Komen Northeast Ohio has awarded over $12 million in grants to organizations that deliver often life-saving services to those who might not otherwise have access.

Does Komen Northeast Ohio fund Planned Parenthood?
Komen Northeast Ohio has not issued grant funding to Planned Parenthood for 10 years.  The organization has not submitted a funding request since 2002. 

Will you fund Planned Parenthood in the future?
Proposals submitted by any organization for a strong program that reaches those most at-risk in Northeast Ohio go through our strict grants review process and are evaluated against our Community Needs assessment.  All such proposals receive full and equitable consideration.

How does the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure differ from the Susan G. Komen 3-Day?
The Race for the Cure is an international series with more than 140 events, locally managed by Komen Affiliates and Komen non-profit partners. The Cleveland and Akron Race for the Cure are sponsored by the Northeast Ohio Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The majority of funds raised are used for local breast cancer community programs. In the U.S., 75 percent of funds stay in the Affiliate’s community and 25 percent go to national research.

The Susan G. Komen 3-Day is a national series with 14 events, centrally managed by Komen Headquarters. 75 percent of funds raised are allocated by Komen Headquarters for breast cancer research while 25 percent supports the Affiliate Network.

What happens to monies raised by Komen Northeast Ohio?
Three-quarters, or 75%, of the money raised in Northeast Ohio is granted to organizations delivering often life-saving services to those most at-risk, to those who might not otherwise have access.  Komen Northeast Ohio has full autonomy in how those monies are granted out to organizations. The staff and board at Komen Northeast Ohio provides strict oversight to all monies granted out, through bi-annual reports and site visits to every grantee, ensuring all funds are accounted for and used only for breast health programs.

The remaining quarter, or 25%, of the monies go towards breast cancer research programs, which are administered through our National office.  Many National research grants have gone towards research being done right here in Northeast Ohio. Komen is second only to the government in funding breast cancer research and, in fact, Komen has contributed to nearly every major advance in breast cancer research. 

Does Komen fund embryonic stem-cell research?
Komen has never funded human embryonic stem cell research.  Komen supports research involving stem cells that are obtained without creating or destroying a human embryo.  Stem cells can be obtained from many places, including blood, human tissue, and umbilical cords left behind after birth.  The use of stem cells in research can advance our understanding of or treatments for breast cancer, but research like this can be performed without destroying a human embryo.