Thursday, February 16, 2012

Susan G. Komen in the News

Today was the first day that anyone asked me my thoughts about Susan G. Komen's (SGK) recent statement that the organization would no longer provide monies to Planned Parenthood, only to overturn that decision a few short days later. Since the announcement I have just been taking in as much information as I can and listening to concerns. To be honest, I don't have a concern with their decision either way. Here's my my two cents...

For those who don't know, SGK has contributed monies to Planned Parenthood for quite some time. Of course I have participated in events where spectators were there to state their opposition of that due to Planned Parenthood being pro-choice. Well,  I'm pro-choice. I believe that women should have the choice of a safe environment to explore the medical options that they feel might be best for them. Planned Parenthood is also a lot more than this one aspect of their services. On the other hand, I understand the ethical concerns about SGK supporting an organization that is under investigation. I also believe in 'innocent until proven guilty'. The decision to discontinue support to Planned Parenthood should be made after they have been found guilty of something. Just think if they aren't guilty of anything, and the good that money could have done?

What I do believe and support is that SGK does a lot of great things in communities, nationally and globally. I believe that anyone who hears the name 'Susan G. Komen' automatically associates that name with breast cancer. SGK has such a presence in communities. And that presence creates awareness. Awareness which creates educating men and women on breast health. This awareness encourages people to obtain mammograms. This awareness will also lead the way to a cure being found for breast cancer, which will certainly benefit other types of cancer.

I choose to walk (and will continue to walk) in the 3 Day due to the many lives that I touch walking the streets that host a 3 Day event. I choose to continue to support SGK for all of the great things this organization provides - education and awareness about breast cancer education and finding a cure for breast cancer. I have been blessed to have 4 breast cancer survivors in my family. That's huge! I wouldn't be doing my part if I didn't use my voice (and feet!) to continue to support SGK.

I hope that all of my wonderful donors over the past three years will continue to support me in something that I am so passionate about. Even if they don't, I will self fund my fundraising and continue to walk. Simply because it's just that important to me.

0 comments:

Post a Comment