History

Susan G. Komen fought breast cancer with her heart, body and soul. Throughout her diagnosis, treatments, and endless days in the hospital, she spent her time thinking of ways to make life better for other women battling breast cancer instead of worrying about her own situation. Moved by Susan’s compassion for others and commitment to making a difference, Nancy G. Brinker promised her sister that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer.

Though Susan lost her battle with the disease, her legacy lives on through the work of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the organization Nancy started in her honor. Komen for the Cure is the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested more than $1.9 billion since its inception in 1982. Komen’s promise is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures.
Across the country, that promise is upheld by a network of 125 local Affiliate offices. At the heart of each Affiliate is a person or group of people who, like Susan, wanted to make a difference.

The Tri-Cities Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® was established in 2005. Work to establish a Komen Affiliate to address the breast health gaps in our region actually began in 2002 when two major hospital systems (Wellmont Regional Cancer Network and Mountain States Health Alliance), along with a group of community volunteers, identified the need and began looking for a solution.  Work began immediately to prepare the Community Profile to identify the critical gaps. (See Community Profile 2011).   The two hospital systems, along with the region's largest employer (Eastman Chemical Company) took the lead role as founders with both in-kind and financial support.

In October, 2005, the Tri-Cities Affiliate was officially formed, with a working Board of Directors with 15 members. 

Each year, through these efforts and the generous support of our corporate, individual, and foundation donors, third party event fundraising, hundreds of volunteers, survivors, activists and the Annual Tri-Cities Susan G. Komen Race for Cure® event, our Affiliate is able to raise funds to provide grants to hospitals, health organizations and non-profit community organizations.  These organizations are our partners in providing provide breast health education & breast cancer screening and treatment options for medically under-served women throughout our  service area.

Komen Tri-Cities' Board of Directors includes a diverse and strong representation of the major regional health organizations, private companies, businesses, survivors, activists,volunteers and oncology health professionals in the region.

The affiliate is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in a 23 counties and 2 cities (Bristol & Norton) service area in Southwestern Virginia, Northeastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina.  Nine of the 23 counties we serve are located in Southwest Virginia, 6 in Northeastern Tennessee and 6 in Western North Carolina, thus making us a  truly regional organization.