SUSAN G KOMEN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION, INC.

I stand with women and Planned Parenthood. Komen's decision to stop funding breast exams done by PP is an attack against women's health.

When SJ Komen came out in favor of the cancer causing chemical, BPA I still donated, holding my nose. Even though there are 130 peer reviewed journal articles showing the link of BPA to breast cancer. Then I found out that SJK's largest donors are the largest users of BPA in packing their food products.

The Susan G. Komen foundation has never had the interest of the public at heart. As evidenced by their campaign WITH KFC (http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/kfc-fights-breast-cancer-fried-chicken/story?id=10458830#.Tyqyy4HiETA) .. encouraging people to consume fatty, fried foods? Seems to conflict with their mission as these foods help cause cancer. Cutting from Planned Parenthood is just another example of how corrupt this organization is. Please spend your money on better charities.

Planned Parenthood has done an amazing job caring for women. Meanwhile, so many conservative leaders (mostly rich white males, ever notice?) figure out new ways to deny women health care and coverage so demonstrably needed. To politicize women's health is wrong and I will NEVER by anything with a pink ribbon again!

I WAS a donor to this charity, but no more. They've proven they're not interested in providing low-cost health-care options for economically disadvantaged women. Their stated reasons for discontinuing funding for Planned Parenthood are completely disingenuous. The huge backlash against them should speak for itself. Let their "religious" right supporters make up for all the genuinely concerned people who are now putting their money where their mouth is and sending their contributions to PP instead of SGK.

This should really say Ex-donor. I have changed my bi-weekly payroll deduction from SGK to PP. When they bring politics into women's health, my money will go elsewhere. What a shame!

We will not contribute to an organization who places political expediency over their stated objective. It's hard to believe that the Komen foundation would withdraw support for the women who need it most. We have held skydiving fundraisers annually for as long as I can remember, and this year I'm going to promote alternatives that support basic cancer research and preventative screening for Americans without health insurance.

SGK's action is reprehensible! I stand with women and Planned Parenthood.

I was going to walk the 3 day, but won't because the SGK Foundation is not following their own mission when the refuse to fund agencies who provide breast exams for poor women.

I join the many ex SGK donors in jumping ship ... I stand with women and Planned Parenthood.

Have donated significant amounts...NOT A DIME MORE...and I'm a male! PP will be getting ALL my money! And I will also be directing our corporate donations to be shifted. My mother is a survivor.

Any Foundation that puts political cowardice above the health of women (which is supposedly it's mandate) doesn't deserve any more than 1 star.

SGK has a right to ensure their money is going towards breast cancer screening. If they had worked with PP on that -- this wouldn't have happened. If it was out of concern, and not obvious political maneuverings, this wouldn't have happened. If there was more honesty and less hiding behind a 'new reform of company policy' this may not have happened. But it did, and it is... and the ones who can't afford to lose funding are really the ones who will be paying for it.

I have been a long time supporter and fundraiser, but now that they've removed their support from Planned Parenthood I will never raise a penny for Komen again! There utter disregard for women who need help is disgusting. If they need money to continue chasing down small copyright infringers and using expensive lawyers instead of finding a cure, they can get their help from the Right wing extremists whose opinions they obviously bow down to. What a disgrace.

The marketing and 'brand-building' had already gone over the top. Now they've abandoned those they dedicated themselves to serve. Because of our broken healthcare system, Planned Parenthood is often the sole healthcare choice for many women. No more donations or support. You've turned against our families, we're done.

Former donor and volunteer. I always had some reservations about SGK because of the Brinker links, overdone marketing, suing of other smaller charities, "Buckets of Heart Attack" for a Cure, etc. But I always figured the good was more important than the bad. Now that they have needlessly chosen sides in a cultural war, they have shown their true colors. They are led by a Right Wing Republican. They hired an extreme Right Wind Christianist as their VP and now they have began a journey down the path to adhering to a Right Wing Christianist agenda. Their are many worthy organizations to give money to that help women. This one no longer has my support.

My wife died from breast cancer in 2005 and was a BIG supporter of SGK, one of the things she loved was the commitment to free screenings and breast cancer prevention-primarily for the young and poor women. We ran together in many races, many of our friends ran and gave $, after her death I continued to support the efforts of SGK...but no more. This is a disaster of the highest order. I am sad that such a great organization has died due to the aggressive cancer that is seems to have infected itself with.

At one point I thought this was a really good organization...and at one point it probably was. But now, it seems to be more focused on making money and brand awareness...pushing around and suing small groups trying to raise money, suppression of science, spending more on "awareness" than screening and research, and now stopping their funding of screenings for low income women because of political pressure from the anti-woman, anti-poor, anti-choice republications. I will no longer support this organization.

Former volunteer, supporter and donator. I am so appalled at their defunding Planned Parenthood, effectively reducing poor women's healthcare, just for political reasons. How heartless! My money is going to Planned Parenthood now.

Every year for many years the Komen walk goes by our house, and we have taken the time to help as we can. Sometimes letting walkers use our bathrooms or hand out water or one year.... went out and serenaded with my guitar. Never again, if the walk returns will stand out all day in protest - pathetic. Read today's New York Times article. "“Why are they going nuts?” Mr. Raffaelli (a Komen Board member) asked rhetorically. “And the answer is that they (Planned Parenthood) want to raise money, and they’re doing it at the expense of a humanitarian organization that shares their goals and has given them millions of dollars over the years.”"

I'm sad to see SGK ruin its reputation like it has. It doesn't really matter which side of the abortion debate you're on; defunding Planned Parenthood was a stupid decision that changes the mission of the organization into something political. The thing that has allowed it succeed has been the fact that it wasn't very political, capable of uniting people across the political spectrum for one common cause: eradicating breast cancer. But now they've thrown that away to embrace a political ideology. Stupid.

SGK has abandoned their mission--the reason for my low rating. Since SGK's stated reason for ending support for Planned Parenthood is that PP is "under investigation", I hope they disavow any support from the Catholic Church. That organization is supporting SGK but is under investigation internationally for child sexual molestation and is actually on trial here in Philly. All SGK money to PP was used for breast cancer detection, not one penny for abortion, their true reason for defunding. I just donated to PP, never again to SGK.

Disappointed by the organization's decision to make political moves and withdraw funding for breast cancer prevention.

I'm a nurse and I work in cancer treatment. You can say it's not political all you want, but that doesn't make it true. It makes you a liar on top of everything else. Republican gubernatorial candidate who promises to defund Planned Parenthood joins your team. Planned Parenthood is subsequently defunded. People may die because of your decision. I'm done with with cash donations, I'm done with the walks.

I have donated to SGK each year for the past four years and have participated in several walk for the cure events. I will no longer give any $ or hours until this new policy is reversed. Their window dressing about reallocating resources to "higher impact" avenues for women's health is as fake as the pre-scripted tele-prompted video Nancy uses to spread their false justifications. Women's health and cancer prevention should not bow to Religious Zealotry, ever. You failed, BIG TIME, Nancy.

They are a non profit and to play political games with women's health is more than disgusting. I have donated $$ and as a volunteer and will now donate directly to Planned Parenthood, in fact I did yesterday.

A charity dedicated to eradicating breast cancer decides to cease funding breast cancer screenings to thousands of poor women? I wouldn't trust them with a cent of my money. Support Planned Parenthood instead, since they are doing the real prevention work.

Once again an organization's national leadership with their personalized agenda trash the efforts of local staff and volunteers. I am now unsubscripted from Susan G. Komen. I pick and choose my activities to work with and I am sure I can find others who better support woman in their efforts to battle breast cancer.

I have seldom seen such a cynical ploy by a supposed charity. I urge all readers to study the comments of the Komen executives and board members about the decision to de-fund Planned Parenthood. Shocking dissembling by people who should know better, but don't. I certainly will never support this organization again. I will put my dollars to work with those who have are more committed to women's health and less committed to politics.

Very disappointed to hear that Komen has stopped supporting planned parenthood because of the radical beliefs of a minority. A prime example of throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

I use to donate money to SGKBCF, no more! It is shameful that an organization disguised as an organization to help women fight breast cancer turned out to be an arm of the right wing radicals that are trying to subjugate women as well as in directly kill women. No more money from me to them. I will donate to planned parenthood...I recommend others do the same.

As a husband of a breast cancer survivor and one who lost my mother to cancer, I am outraged as the arrogance of this non-profit going astray. Susan G Komen sues smaller cancer funds for using the phrase "cure", claiming it is their brand property. They recently used a typical political spin to remove Planned Parenthood from its grantees ... and claim that they did it for "trust". The only one that cannot be trusted is Susan G Komen, who hires lawyers to squeeze and intimidate smaller cancer charities, and hires a Sarah Palin endorsed Planned Parenthood foe to run its Public Policy. Shame on you!

The decision to bring a right wing political agenda into the Foundation's funding allocations brings shame on the the entire Komen organization. In my 30+ years in working with major NGOs, I have never seen such heavy-handed politically motivated actions. This should call into question anyone's thinking about giving any more money to the Foundation or participating in any of their activities. Their very unusual action to defund Planned Parenthood inspired me to look at their Form 990. I was shocked to see how much of the contributions go to salaries, benefits, and operating expenses and how little goes to research or service provision. Looks like a great place to work and have a good life, but it does not effectively utilize the money it is given for the purposes of the mission. I am recommending to all of my associates and friends to avoid the Komen Foundation going forward.

I have been a long-time donor (even before my mother was diagnosed with, and died from, breast cancer). I even put the Susan G. Komen foundation in my WILL. The recent decision to de-fund Planned Parenthood is appalling...low-income women will be denied the opportunity to get potentially live-saving screening. The press release that SGK issued said that it was based on new criteria for funding, but it's not a coincidence that their new VP is a staunch and vocal opponent of Planned Parenthood. One can always implement neutral-sounding policies that get the result that you want. And what of this "investigation" (and again, investigation only means that someone is looking in to something -- it does NOT mean that the organization has done anything wrong)? The congressional investigation is led by a conservative Republican (Rep. Cliff Stearns) and spurred by anti-abortion groups. This "investigation" was instigated solely to harm an organization that provides women choice in their reproductive lives. “Planned Parenthood is a trusted nonprofit health care provider that provides professional, reliable and quality health care, including birth control, lifesaving cancer screenings, annual exams, and STD testing and treatment to three million women and men across the country,” said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “This politically motivated investigation is a continuation of the efforts of earlier this year to undermine Planned Parenthood, and more disturbingly, women’s access to the primary and preventive care they need.”

Richards said that Planned Parenthood has “a strong record of fiscal responsibility and have, always complied with all laws and regulations applicable to the receipt and use of federal funds.”

I wish I had the time, energy and money back that I spent last year organizing a team for the SGKRFC on behalf of my precious sister who is dying of breast cancer. I would give twice that to the local cancer center in my university town, where I know my efforts would go directly to research for breast cancer. Because I can't turn back time, I gave double to PP yesterday, and will give to my university cancer center from now on. The shame is on this foundation for turning its back on poor women who depend on PP for breast care and other women's health services - and for fleecing the public in wide swaths of feel-good pink while coveting our green. Color yourselves yellow, SGK - for cowards.

The recent decision to eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood is unconscionable. To say that this non-political is laughable. No more dollars for Komen. I will donate more to Planned Parenthood.

my dearest friend just got diagnosed with breast cancer. Together we pledged to give a significant amount of money to the Komen foundation. We are happy that the money never got sent. It will now go to Planned Parenthood instead. This is despicable on every level. I will continue to promote pulling personal donations in every place i can to keep the money from going to that foundation.

I've made the mistake of supporting this organization for years. It is now the arm of a political movement that is antithetical to the interests of women, having developed the pretext of this "policy" shortly after hiring an anti-choice politician. I am appalled.

This is a political, right-wing organization, with an anti-woman agenda. Stay away!

After years, decades of giving and race sponsorship, I have decided to never ever, ever, ever give this organization another dime. No more pink ribbons. No more buying products on the shelves that donate to the Komen foundation. Its over.

Furthermore, I've emailed all my friends, relatives and coworkers, acquaintances too, to let them know about SGK's decision to defund Planned Parenthood's breast exams.

Nobody is ever going run for the cure again. It is over.

The decision to succumb to the vulgarities of right-wing extremism and hatred of poor women has branded this organization an enemy of compassion and charity. There are many fine charitable organizations doing research and outreach.

As a 51 year old woman whose mother died of breast cancer 24 years ago, I gave + gave. I've given till it hurt. No more of that for your political ambitions. You are dead to women who care about women's health.

The tragedy is that poor women in underserved communities will not receive the early detection services that would have saved their lives. Your decision equals death for hundreds, maybe thousands, even potentially tens of thousands of poor, uninsured women.

My donations will be split between the American Cancer Society and Planned Parenthood from here on in.
Komen is not "for the cure." They want politicization.

PINK is the NEW YELLOW.

This organization seems to be more concerned with politics than their mission statement. It's sad to see they choose to not support the women that really need it.

My donation will now go to planned parenthood....matter of fact I think I'll double it. No more pink ribbon crap for me!

I used to donate to SGK but since they defunded planned parenthood i no longer will. I am a Republican and I still think what they did was work against the cure not for it.

My annual Race for the Cure registration cost and donation will now go to Planned Parenthood.

Former donor to Susan G. Komen. I'm also a former user of Planned Parenthood health care services. They were my health care provider when I didn't have insurance. They even guided me through a breast cancer scare. SGK should be ashamed.

I'm just sick that I have given money to this organization. My mother died from breast cancer and I have been very active to drumming up contributions and support for this organization over the last 10 years. I was stunned to learn that the organization has been taken over by right-wing tea party types that had a goal to defund/ destroy Planned Parenthhood. They made good on their promise today. Spread the word to find another organization that is more concerned with women's health than politics. Just sickening.

Former volunteer. Won't participate again in fundraising or supporting other fundraisers. Pulling support out from under low-income women for political reasons is unconscionable. I will find other organizations that use my time and money with more true commitment to ending cancer.

Politicizing health is a shameful thing. Your money is better served going to an organization that actually promotes finding a cure and helping those afflicted survive and get through. It seems maybe this organization has gotten so carried away with itself and strayed so far from its origin, it has forgotten what is really important.

I have been a supporter of the Komen Foundation since the 1990's. Nancy Brinker and I are both University of Illinois alumna. Our paths have crossed in several venues. I wish the Komen Foundation had the courage to stand up for women's health. That was the original mission of this wonderful, nonpolitical organization. It has lost its way. And unfortunately, it has lost all its courage. I think Planned Parenthood will benefit financially from this event. That is the good news. The bad news is a good organization has changed its core mission by failing to be honest about its changing its mission and engaging in politics. It will ultimately be a bad decision for Ms. Brinker. Look at the Avon Foundation and their Avon Walk, if you wish to fight those horrible disease with your donations. I will.

FORMER donor. I have participated in walks and donated funds to SGK, but no longer. They are clearly only for women with insurance. All those underprivileged people clearly do not need breast exams and referrals for mammorgrams.

Greedy, power hungry, apathetic to what they're supposed to represent. Get out of the political arena.

As a women who has given money to SGK who is from a family predispositioned to cancer, it breaks my heart that this organization would cave to right wing political pressures. Planned Parenthood is not an abortion organization -- it's a place for women who need help with all sorts of medical conditions to get it at an affordable rate. Shame on the Susan G Koman Foundation for caring more about someone else's politics than helping people in need.

Never again. As a previous donor, volunteer and participant in their walks, it is distressing to see the increasingly charged decisions made by this organization, putting politics above women's health issues and access. Their Board of Directors and leadership are more heavily populated with right-wing political activists, steering funds away from vital women's health organizations that also provide family planning. Further, they have removed or softened language related to studies connecting environmental factors to breast cancer risk. It is unconscionable. They will not receive further donations from me, my friends (many breast cancer survivors) or family.

My mother died of breast cancer. I am in total shock that you would deny funding for cancer screening to Planned Parenthood. You are a disappointment to all the people living and dead that actually believed you cared about preventing and curing cancer at all costs.... I am so sorry you got caught in the fray of politics. You have lost my support.

I'm saddened that such a poor and politically motivated decision will now shed a negative light on this organizations original mission which was to ensure that all women received adequate care and that a cure for breast cancer was found. By allowing political agendas and the quest for power to influence your policy making, you have ensured that many will feel nothing but contempt for your organization and- unfortunately - this will effect your donations from people like me who already questioned your ethics due to your copyright lawsuits. Perhaps its time to pass the torch to another organization that will remember the original cause because I believe that the Susan G. Komen Foundation has forgotten what it is supposed to be about.

Until now, I noted but did not embrace the criticism of your foundation. The co-opting of the color pink, the commercialization of breast cancer "awareness." No more. I will not sponsor my friends or family if any of them continue to participate in your walks. No more will I simply roll my eyes while I buy chips/cookies/toilet paper that bear your pink endorsement. Cutting off funding to Planned Parenthood was the straw that broke this camel's back. Your pink ribbons make me sick.

Prioritizing politics over women's lives will cost SGK, as well it should. They'll never get another dime from me. I'll be donating to PPFA and Breast Cancer Action.

I will not raise funds or participate in another Race for The Cure. I will also let my opinion be know where I work so that we do not support a politically driven organization such as this again. Their main goal is not to help women and provide screening to all. They impose their views on who should receive help by taking their support away from organizations such as planned parenthood.

Unconscionable. I'm very disappointed with the Komen Foundation for it's decision to stop helping the most vulnerable women have access to the breast cancer screening services provided by Planned Parenthood. This clearly political decision, is among the most cowardly and contrived I've seen.

so everyone here is complaining about not helping to fund planned parenthood and ignoring the fact that the money they collect for breast cancer is just going into their pockets. look at the amount of money they take in and look at the amount they spend on expenses. the expenses part is mostly what they are paying themselves. if you are doing charity why do you need to get paid. stop profiting off cancer and get a real job.

By defunding Planned Parenthood, this organization has effectively removed one of the few ways poor women can receive free or low-cost health care. I hope the Susan G Koman Foundation reconsiders this decision, and finds another way to make their political point of view known that doesn't rely on removing support for women in need.

Not another dime. Not another pink-washed bag of chips or cup of yogurt. Nothing. Happy to see the anti-woman agenda on display for what it actually is. I'd truly hate for my health to get in the way of those precious tumor's "right to life." But, thanks for reminding me to make a donation to Planned Parenthood (money well spent)...cause someone has to care about uninsured/underinsured women and it sure doesn't look like it's going to be you folks. Kudos.

So...only women with health insurance and/or money deserve cancer screenings? Way to show you are "pro-life". My annual contribution to Komen's RFTC is going to Planned Parenthood from now on.

I have many problems with SGK. My aunt is currently in remission for breast cancer, so supporting women's health and cancer-prevention efforts is very important to me. However, SGK spends more money on PR campaigns than actually helping people with cancer; the Pink Ribbon products only send a fraction of the money on to SGK, and from there, much of that money is not sent to support research and other efforts. In light of the recent decision to stop funding the Breast Cancer wing of Planned Parenthood, despite PP's essential role in detecting cancer in poor women without access to affordable healthcare, it has become clear that this once-honorable organization has lost its way. It now values its image and the support of the far-right than it does the health and wellbeing of women.

Disgusted with SJK's decision to cave to the religious right.

What a shameful, politically motivated move by Susan G Komen to cut off funding to Planned Parenthood. As a PhD with a specialty in Oncology, I know the importance of early detection. Women go where they feel comfortable and where they know they get good quality care. For many women, that place is Planned Parenthood. With this action, SGK ensures that many women will be diagnosed when it's too late to do anything. I will no longer donate any money to SGK nor participate in any of it's activities. My money will go to organizations actually interested in the health of women and not making political statements.

A charity that makes political decisions that harm the disenfranchised is a charity that I can't support.

Former donor, supporter and event participator. I am boycotting Komen's products, events, and will not be participating in any fundraising drives, as I am shocked and saddened by their heartless behavior at ending their partnership with Planned Parenthood. Also boycotting brands that support the Komen Foundation. The Komen Foundation obviously does not care about cancer prevention.

Because your current leadership has become the epitomy of Republican political thought, my wife and I, our grown children, and many of our friends will no longer financially sponsor acquaintences who previoiusly participated in Walk for the Cure events. It is a shame that your Chairwoman decided to interject her own political and social beliefs into the operations of a tremendously popular and effective organization. We and our friends believe the monies you are withholding from Planned Parenthood will pail in significance to the losses in donations that you will experience!!!

Another former donar who will now be sending my money directly to Planned Parenthood in protest of this awful decision to no longer support women's rights. Very disturbing decision that I refuse to support in any way. Better options are available.

Former donor. I will no longer donate to Komen b/c they put politics and political expediency ahead of women's health. Their decision to pull funding from Planned Parenthood puts thousands of women at risk, because the 95-year old Planned Parenthood organization tests for HIV/AIDS, STDs, breast & cervical cancer along with pregnancy.

I am a former donor to Susan G. Komen, but will no longer support anything with a pink ribbon. This is the single largest, worst decision this organization has ever made and even if it reverses it's decision this very minute, it has caused donors to look more closely at how much of the organization's money goes to helping women and how much of their motivation is political. To make a decision to de-fund Planned Parenthood's health care for women can only be politically women and is not aligned with your mission. I will donate my money directly to Planned Parenthood from now on.

Again, as others have said, it should read "former donor". I have donated in the past to others who've done the race. NO MORE. Ever since SGK decided to stop funding life-saving screenings for low income women who rely on Planned Parenthood, I have decided to stop donating, and encourage others not to donate as well.

I will no longer support the Komen foundation in any way. Their "explanation" for cutting off grants to Planned Parenthood is bogus, the decision is harmful, and the whole thing is another slap in the face to women's health, especially for low-income women seeking care. I wish I could take back the donations given in my mother's name after her death and give them to a different non-profit. And I can guarantee you she would, too.

Never again will I donate or wear an advertising pink ribbon. Your decision to defund planned parenthood shows you care nothing about women.

It should really read "Prior Donor", because I will -never- donate to this charity again. No pink ribbon products. No direct donations. No positive reviews. Their latest decision regarding Planned Parenthood was a -horrible- one, on their part. Political agendas have -no- place in cancer research and prevention.

I've donated directly to SGK, and I've raised funds for them through Race for the Cure. I'm disgusted by SGK's decisions to put political agendas ahead of women's health by refuting evidence about the BPA/cancer link, and by de-funding breast cancer screenings at Planned Parenthood. As an organization that receives the lion's share of women's health-related funding in the US, SGK has an obligation to take the high road in protecting women and critical women's health services. I will not be contributing to SGK and will actively petition their corporate supporters to withdraw funding until they walk the walk. Truly shameful.

I will NEVER AGAIN donate to Susan G. Komen Foundation, nor will I volunteer to help at a race event, nor will I buy anything adorned with the Komen Foundation ribbon or name. I vow this because Komen terminated its funding to Planned Parenthood, which helps poor women have cancer screenings. This is a shameful thing for a cancer-awareness foundation to do.

You have no real concern for finding a cure for cancer, or for women's health in general. Shame on you and your vile political agenda.

Your wiithdrawal of funding to Planned Parenthood smacks of disgusting political ambitions, and I will not stand for that. No woman should.

Having a Sister and Sister-in-law, with Breast Cancer, my Husband and I will no longer support The Koman Foundation or any of it's sponsers. Because your no involved with health but POLITICS!!! Jan and Lee

I am boycotting any and all products that carry the pink ribbon in support of this foundation and any donations I make in the future will go directly to Planned Parenthood and the Ameican Cancer Society. Even if Komen changes their mind, I will not,. And you can bet I will be telling every person in earshot to boycott you as well. This is outrageous and I truly hope you feel the rage and disgust that is directed at you from women all over the country.

Komen has proven they're much more interested in lining the pockets of their Board members and executives than actually curing breast cancer, let alone preventing it. They pay their CEO half, HALF of what they gave Planned Parenthood each year, over half a million dollars. Congratulations, Komen, for being greedy and heartless, and letting women die.

Susan G. Komen will never get another cent from me. Not only is it shameful how little of each dollar goes to actual services and research, their defunding of Planned Parenthood will harm low-income women and women of color.

Komen and Race for the Cure just lost my support. Planned Parenthood's mission is to provide affordable comprehensive healthcare to all women. The move by Komen to cut funding breast cancer screenings at the many PP clinics across the US is purely motivated by political pressure from anti-choicers. It is a particularly ridiculous move as most hospitals provide abortions. Oh, and most OBGYNs. Oh, and most other women's healthcare providers. I hope they refuse to support all those institutions as well, for continuity. Komen is run by disgusting hypocrites caving to idiots. They deserve to lose support. There are more reputable breast cancer foundations out there that will not throw low-income women under the bus. I will donate to them instead.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation announced it will stop supporting lifesaving breast cancer screening for low-income and underserved women at Planned Parenthood health centers. This is a politically motivated move and one that will adversely affect countless women's lives. I have participated in fund raising for this organization in the past, but no more. I urge anyone who has donated to Komen in the past to instead donate directly to cancer research facilities, and also donate to Planned Parenthood.

Shame shame shame on SGK. I will make sure that all my charitable contributions go to helping women and not to SGK.

I used to donate to the Komen foundation and buy pink ribbon products whenever I could to support them. But because they have chosen to align with anti-choice politics that seek to control women's bodies they will never again receive another dime from me. I have always support Planned Parenthood financially, now they will get ALL the money Komen used to get from me. The Komen foundation should be ashamed of themselves.

SKG's recent decision to withdraw funding support for Planned Parenthood undermines its mission statement of "ensuring quality care for all." I cannot support an organization that allows the political beliefs of its board members to come before its stated purpose.

I used to donate to this organization, purchase "pink ribbon" items, and support others when they participated in walks, races, etc. After learning they have chosen to put politics ahead of women's health and sever their ties with Planned Parenthood, I will no longer be supporting them in any way.

SGK has become a tool of anti-woman, anti-choice activists and, therefore, doesn't deserve a penny of support from the demographic whose health and well-being they allegedly care about. Revoking funding for breast cancer screenings for poor women? Talk about a bunch of hypocritical pink ninnies. There are better breast cancer organizations to donate to, anyway.

I have read so many things about this charity that I cannot in good conscience support it or give it a good rating.

They would not speak out against BPA in plastics, a known link to breast cancer. And the statistics on Charity Navigator show that to what is to me, an unacceptable ratio of what goes to salary and what actually goes to research and care.

They defunded Planned Parenthood, a place that serves the poor, the working poor and the uninsured pap smears, breast exams etc

Politics AHEAD of woman's health forces ME, MY MOTHER DIED of breast cancer to turn away FROM EVERY event they'll EVER HAVE bye!

This is an organization that used to be proud of the lives saved by the cancer screenings they funded at Planned Parenthood. The only conclusion I can draw from their sudden defunding is that more women need to suffer and die. I don't support that and neither should anyone else.

I am a breast cancer Survivor. I am outraged and appalled that Komen would capitulate to the right wing's extremist, anti-woman agenda. I also do not appreciated the administrators of the Komen Facebook page deleting comments they do not like, and reporting users for making comments that they do not like. Komen should be ashamed of themselves! I will be taking my money and donating it to Planned Parenthood instead. Politics Should never interfere with healthcare. Komen, shame on you.

The political move to defund breast cancer screenings for low-income women through Planned Parenthood is horrendous. Now we know who controls this organization and that women's health is not their top priority. I will never again sponsor anyone in the race, nor will I purchase any item with a pink ribbon on it. What sell-outs.

I will never fund anything having to do with the susan g komen foundation based on their defunding of planned parenthood - shame on them.

Former donor, that should say. I over looked the very high salaries for staff and spending tons on lawyers fees to sue other charities but dropping funding for cancer screenings at Planned Parenthood is cowardly and the final straw. I will donate directly to Planned Parenthood and other organizations that care more about women than politics.

I can no longer support this organization due to their disappointing political decision to withdraw funding to Planned Parenthood. This organization puts politics before women's health. Not a great choice.

Political organization which withdrew funding from Planned Parenthood. If they're truly interested and committed to a cure, they have to continue to provide services to poor women and prioritize women over fetuses.

I will no longer donate or support Susan G. Komen since they are no longer funding Planned Parenthood.

rated 1 star because of Komen's shameful politically-based decision to stop funding breast cancer exams for poor women.

With its poor record of getting money to anyone but its employees, its policy of suing anyone using "for the cure" even if a worthy enterprise, and now its pulling of support from Planned Parenthood, I can no longer support its organization.

I find I must award one star but believe that zero is a more accurate score. Their lack of the courage of their convictions is telling. Planned Parenthood is truly a 'pro life' organization in the best sense of the word. Indeed, I'm quite sure that they are responsible for PREVENTING more abortions than all the quote "pro life" religious organizations combined. They will receive all of our donations in the future as we trust them to truly look after the health needs of less fortunate families.

I am poor, making less than $10,000 a year. In order to afford medical services, I rely on Planned Parenthood for my needs because I cannot afford to go anywhere else. With this organization's recent decision to defund Planned Parenthood, they are telling me that my life is not worthy of saving, and neither is yours. This organization gives over 14% of its money just to pay its leaders, and less than 20% of its money to actual cancer research and treatment. They spent over a million dollars in donation funds to sue other charities for having the words "for the cure" in their name. If you truly care about helping women with breast cancer, look elsewhere. The Susan G. Komen foundation does little to actually help women, and this latest decision is a disgusting example of putting politics over real lives.

Today I stopped donating to Susan G Komen after they decided to stop supporting breast cancer screenings at Planned Parenthood. The organization has been taken over by a religious-right agenda.

How could an organization that claims to fight for an end to breast cancer, defund an organization that provides more than 800,000 breast exams every year?? I had an aunt who died after getting breast cancer, since then my mother has been participating in the SGK 3Day walks, every year, for the past 5 years.

In order to even participate each walker must raise a minimum of $2500, and every year my mother and the group of women who walk with her have met that challenge.

I would guess that over the last 5 years I have seen more than $100,000 raised by the various groups my mom has organized and walked with. I have helped where I could; canning outside liquor stores all day, selling crafts, working yard sales, car washes, bake sales, and just donating money from my own checkbook.

No more. Heck with them. It's almost as if they don't care if women get breast cancer or not. Well the rest of us do.

I find that I can no longer give to the Komen Foundation as a result of the decision they have made to stop their funding to Planned Parenthood. I am deeply disappointed by this decision. Planned Parenthood is a vital organization for the underserved women of America that offers a wide array of medical services that poor women would not have access to other wise. Shame on you Komen Foundation.

I used to support Komen, until I did some research and discovered that a small fraction of the money they raised actually went toward anything good. A hefty 60% goes to sallaries at Komen. So, I stopped participating in their events. And now that they've stopped supporting Planned Parenthood and their mission to help women get adequate health care, I will be darned if I will ever support them again.

I have always been proud to support this foundation, but after hearing that they have pulled their funding from Planned Parenthood for what appears to be completely political motives, I will be donating my money elsewhere. There is no place for politics in women's health care.

Strange, I thought the color for the organization was pink, not yellow. Shame on you.

I used to walk the Susan G Komen 3day in order to raise money for their fight against breast cancer. I was saddened to learn that they are cutting funding which paid for cancer screenings for low income women through Planned Parenthood due to pressure from anti choice donors. Whether you agree or disagree on the issue of abortion, helping poor women access health care should be a part of what Susan G Komen stands for. I am highly disappointed that they let politics play a role in their decision and will no longer be willing to fund raise for them.

SGK claims to want to prevent cancer. This doesn't seem to be the case though. Their recent decision to no longer fund cancer screenings at Planned Parenthood demonstrates a fundamental lack of concern for the health of lower income women. I recommend finding another cancer charity without an antiquated political/religious agenda.

No more pink for me - so disappointed in what I used to think was a great organization. Komen really dropped the ball on women's health care by pulling out of Planned Parenthood. I am so very sad and disappointed. Komen is no friend to women and I will go out of my way to avoid and never associate or donate to this organization.

As a now former continual supporter of Susan G Komen, AND a moderate income woman who appreciates the ability to get low cost cancer screenings and health care, I am abhorred that SGK has decided to be hypocrites. Removing funding from groups like Planned Parenthood does NOT save lives. It allows women to die because they are not able to get the cancer screenings they need. That is NOT pro-life, it is pro-politics. SGK was founded to SAVE WOMENS LIVES FROM CANCER! If you aren't doing that, you are fraudulently taking people's money!

Komen proved itself to be a fanatical right-wing organization when it hired a failed gubernatorial candidate with extreme anti-choice views (and endorsed by Sarah Palin) as VP of Communications. After hiring this woman who campaigned on defunding Planned Parenthood, Komen made the clearly politically motivated decision to cut off funding to an organization that provides essential cancer screening and STD testing services to low-income women.
16% of all Planned Parenthood services are for cancer screening and prevention. Only 11% of the Komen budget goes to cancer screenings, which is less than the 20% that goes to "fundraising and administration." Considering low-income women are at the greatest risk for breast cancer death, specifically because of a lack of access to screenings, the decision to abandon the group most in need of "the cure" shows how little fighting cancer really means to Komen. Donors and volunteers would be better served giving their time and money to an organization that actually cares about women's health and preventing cancer, Planned Parenthood. At least they've never tried to sell perfume with toxins in it (of which only 3% of the sales actually go to funding "the cure").

As a health care provider for low income women, I find the action of the Komen Foundation to remove grant funding from Planned Parenthood despicable and politically motivated. Planned Parenthood centers care for low income women at greatest risk for late detection of cancers. Planned Parenthood needs your donations- Komen does not.

I was horrified and saddened to learn that SGKF is actually cutting funding for breast cancer screenings in order to demonstrate how very "pro-life" you are. Ah well...at least now I can stop paying extra for all that pink ribbon crap! You should be ashamed of selling out all those women to appease people who think it's their right to force their choices on everyone else.

I am so disappointed in this organization's decision to stop participating with Planned Parenthood. They work every day across the country providing breast cancer screening and exams for women, at little or no cost to patients. You should be working to support women and our health, not to further your own political agenda.

I have donated many times to women running races for the cure, and have bought "pink" even when I preferred something else. No more. Their decision to de-fund breast cancer screening and mammograms for 770,000 women per year shows that they care more about politics than women's health.

I strongly disagree with your decision to defund breast care provided through Planned Parenthood. The reason you gave for this move appears weak at best. For many women Planned Parenthood is their only means of receiving this kind of care. Please reconsider your decision. You are damaging your reputation for good work.

so disappointed in this org. embarressed to ever be associated with them.

I am absolutely outraged that the Komen Foundation has withdrew its funding to Planned Parenthood and caved under pressures from right-wingers. Doing so is going to keeps hundreds of thousands of in-need women from receiving breast-health services. This move shows the true colors of the Komen Foundation and reminds me of the Madeline Albright quote: "There's a special place in hell for women who don't help other women." Just despicable, SGKF. Never again will this organization get one cent from me.

PP has not been convicted of anything. In fact, they have not formally been accused by our system of jurisprudence. Clearly this is politically motivated by right wing and Republican groups. My family has agreed that the millions donated to Komen over the years will be no more.

Having been a supporter of the Susan B. Komen foundation for more than ten years, I read with outrage the decision by the foundation to cut off funding for the Planned Parenthood Foundation. Politics has no place in efforts to deal with a major health issue for women. I will no longer contribute to Komen; I will -- and in fact have already in response to this outrage -- be supporting Planned Parenthood from now on!

Only paying out roughly 20% of their money to ACTUAL RESEARCH, the CEO making half a million dollars in salary, and now they've cut funding to Planned Parenthood which was providing breast cancer screenings with their money? How much worse could this organization actually get? I very seriously doubt people who purchase those silly pink ribbons or products featuring them actually realize what a scam this "charity" is.

As a long-time supporter of Komen, having raised funds for them and contributed handsomely myself, I am livid about their decision to stop its funding for Planned Parenthood and have already sent a check to Planned Parenthood. I will never again support this organization, which has succumbed to the right-wing anti-choice zealots.

Apparently Susan B Komen is no longer dedicated to ending deaths from breast cancer. Now it says that only certain groups should be allowed to provide the screenings that save lives. I will not only refuse to contribute to this group in the future, but I will also make sure I avoid contributing indirectly by participating in any event that donates the sums raised to Susan B Komen. Breast cancer does not discriminate by religion. Neither should any group fighting it.

Until this charity backs off its anti-choice stance and begins supporting Planned Parenthood -- which is about SO much more than birth control -- I will not donate, will not support, and will actively spread the information about their politically motivated actions to anyone who might be considering supporting them. I'm ashamed of them.

Unfortunately Susan G. Komen has become a right wing political machine. Politics should have been left out of the Planned Parenthood decision. I can no longer ethically support them .

DO NOT DONATE TO THIS FOUNDATION...... I have been a big (

As a past donor, breast cancer survivor and participant in several Race for the Cure events, I have been increasingly concerned with the Komen pink ribbon on so many products that are counterproductive for preventing breast cancer (like non-organic yogurt with rGBH, hormones and other likely carcinogens). But I remained supportive mostly because of the support Komen has given for services to low-income women. NOW I read that Komen has pulled its funding for low-income women's screening away from Planned Parenthood! What a totally anti-women move! I am OUTRAGED, and I will never contribute to Komen again. My money will now go directly to Planned Parenthood.

Where is the "overall rating" choice of NO STARS? Having had friends who've suffered from breast cancer, we've previously thought the efforts of the SGK Fdn were commendable ... THIS IS NO LONGER THE CASE! That SGK has pulled all funding fm Planned P'hood's efforts on behalf of ALL women simply because it's under rehuglican/anti-choice "investigation" in Congress is deplorable. It also shows just how much the power of anti-choice/anti-woman forces has grown in the usa = INCREASING THREAT to the social welfare of our society that can not be ignored! We've already notified SGK that for us, "PINK" now = HYPOCRISY & COWARDICE in response to political, anti-choice pressure.

Komen for the cure claims that the rationale for cutting funding for Planned Parenthood is that PP is under federal investigation. (Never mind that the investigation is a politically motivated witch-hunt). What other charities and organizations receive grants from Komen? Are any of them under investigation? Ia Komen consistent in its (silly) excuse for cutting funding to Planned Parenthood?

I was a donor; I no longer will be one. The dollars I would've donated to SGK will now go directly to Planned Parenthood. The politicization of women's healthcare in this country is appalling, and now that SGK is participating in it means that I will no longer have any dealings with SGK. Planned Parenthood provides valuable services to low-income women and families, and for SGK to pull their funding is short-sighted and proves that SGK's focus is not about preventing or curing breast cancer.

It is absolutely despicable to see such an important charity as Komen putting someone in charge who is furthering the right-wing agenda at women's expense. Cutting funding to such an important group as Planned Parenthood because of far right ideology is utterly appalling and will be devastating to all women in this country. Women who cannot afford out-of-control spiraling health care premiums rely on Planned Parenthood. I will not give a dime to Komen until they publicly acknowledge their mistake and change their policy.

Apparently the Susan G. Komen Foundation believes that Planned Parenthood patients don't deserve a cure.

If I could give zero stars, I would. I will never again donate, never walk again in another event, and I will spread the word that Komen caved to right-wing politics in its refusal to fund Planned Parenthood's work with breast cancer screenings. As a breast cancer survivor myself, I know the importance of screenings, and I also know that many young women I teach rely on Planned Parenthood for these important services. Shame on you, all of you, for this clearly political stance. I've defended the practices and organization of Susan G. Komen in the past, but never again.

Until This charity reverses the decision to cut support of Planned Parenthood, I will not donate a DIME. My donations will go to Planned Parenthood instead.

Komen will regret its decision to pull funding for breast cancer screenings that save the lives of women. As a breast cancer survivor I will do everything in my power along with my sisterhood of bc survivors to make sure that not a penny more goes their way. There are plenty of great organizations that do excellent work promoting breast cancer awareness and research. For the record, the CEO of Komen makes over $400,000+ per year. No real non-profit needs to pay that much when there are many ways to better spend that money. Pink rip-off.

I'm done with the Komen Foundation. The fact they have cut off funding of breast exams in Planned Parenthood facilities shows a disregard for women. No more money, not even pocket change. I'll now donate to Planned Parenthood.

I have participated in seven Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day Walks, walking 420 miles and raising over $20K. Now that it's cutting off funds to Planned Parenthood -- funds used for vital breast exams for low-income women who have few other options for gynecological care --I am finished with this organization. Caving in to political pressure by anti-choice groups contradicts the Komen's Foundation alleged mission statement. My money and time will go to Planned Parenthood and other organizations truly looking out for women's interests rather than those of political organizations, religious organizations and pharmaceutical companies.

This charity is politically motivated and has discontinued funding to Planned Parenthood which was dedicated funding for breast cancer screening thus putting politics above women's health.

Breast cancer is a well documented symptom that will never be "cured" by an organization passing through the absolute legal minimum of dollars required, 20%, to be called a non-profit. I mostly feel for the great people in this organization who are misled. In just the past year, it has become known that lack of vitamin D, determined by a serum test, is a better marker for breast cancer than a mammogram. An uncomfortable parallel here might be the person who hits their thumb with a hammer, and then looks for a cure for a broken thumb...they get one star because your system won't allow a negative rating.

As a scientist myself I've taken the time to look into the research the Komen foundation funds and nearly all of it goes to the interest of pharmaceutical companies. The continue to help companies fund research to patent new chemotheraputic drugs while ignoring any serious competition such as the Burzynski clinic. At the same time the CEO owns stock in pharmaceutical companies she's giving grants to, and these companies always get to patent the drug the Komen foundation helps them research. If the Komen foundation cared about curing cancer they wouldn't let for profit companies keep patents.

I am glad to read that others are concerned about this organization as well. Here's what I have to say. A best friend of mine contacted the SGK foundation and she's a Breast Cancer Survivor, when her young daughter (25 yrs old) who is under insured had signs of early BC, she contacted SGK and requested some financial assistance for her daughter to get it checked out. The SGK representative told her that "they don't help people in her zip code." I was furious when I heard this and called the foundation myself to see what they would say when I gave them a similar situation, they too told me that they didn't help people in my zip code.

So I emailed the SGK foundation myself and requested to find out how much money had been raised in my area (Zip code) through the walks and other events. They refused to comment and i messaged them back asking them: "How can you take money out of this community through your run/walk events and NOT give money back to help people in this area?" I never got a response back and I refuse to support this cause because of it. I will buy NOTHING with pink ribbons on it, or anything that supports this cause. This is atrocious and horrible.

My friend is on Section 8, low income and disabled, her daughter takes care of her and although they live in a richer area, they are very poor and in need of help. They didn't get any from this ORG!

This is just unacceptable!

They don't even deserve one star!

I dont understand why this charity received such a high rating here, especially for its financials.

This charity puts itself out there as being "for the cure" yet such a minuscule amount of their expenditures is towards the very research that they claim to be built around that they should receive a 1 star rating here.

Looking at their financial reports, their overhead costs are high and they spend most of their money on education and screening. While those are certainly worthy things, they are not "for the cure".

This charity is not sufficiently transparent with it's donors about how the money is spent. If you were to ask a dozen participants in a "Race for the Cure" event, why they were participating, few would point to funding education programs. They'd point to funding research, which is no longer a priority for this charity.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/07/komen-foundation-charities-cure_n_793176.html

I am refusing to walk in their Race for the Cure in Denver today because of this. I cannot support this "charity" if they are going to bully others in such a way. My friends and family who have either died from or are surviving breast cancer deserve better.

Shocked!! Organization took in $135 Million in 2010, provided grants for research, education & screening of $74 Million and a paltry $10,000 (yes, only ten thousand dollars) in grants to individuals in the USA. The remaining millions were used to pay contractors (other expenses line items) and employees (many in the high 6 figure income bracket). Shameful, absolutely shameful.

I am glad to read the comments below. For myself the red flag was raised when a friend wanted me to walk with her. It would cost ME to walk and then raise money for THEM. HUH ???? I found a charity rating on line that said over 90% of the money raised did NOT go to research , but administrative and the like. It's just another business. Much like MADD. I sent them an email asking the person who was reading mine, how could you work for such an organization that rips people off in the name of the sick and dieing? Of course I got NO response. No defence either. Proved my point :( Further more, I would bet that CEO sister gets most of her lifestyle paid for through the org.. Even though she is taking NO salery. Deb Hendel

My criticism of this organization is that it relies more on marketing and less on science. In answer to the person who was unhappy with contributions to Planned Parenthood, I'm afraid your convoluted argument that there is a high incidence of breast cancer among women who have had abortions (or miscarriages) is untrue. The claim has been disproven over many years. See the National Cancer most recent report on scientific findings below:

The relationship between induced and spontaneous abortion and breast cancer risk has been the subject of extensive research beginning in the late 1950s. Until the mid-1990s, the evidence was inconsistent. Findings from some studies suggested there was no increase in risk of breast cancer among women who had had an abortion, while findings from other studies suggested there was an increased risk. Most of these studies, however, were flawed in a number of ways that can lead to unreliable results. Only a small number of women were included in many of these studies, and for most, the data were collected only after breast cancer had been diagnosed, and women’s histories of miscarriage and abortion were based on their “self-report” rather than on their medical records. Since then, better-designed studies have been conducted. These newer studies examined large numbers of women, collected data before breast cancer was found, and gathered medical history information from medical records rather than simply from self-reports, thereby generating more reliable findings. The newer studies consistently showed no association between induced and spontaneous abortions and breast cancer risk."

However, as far as SBK's larger goal of fighting breast cancer, I personally feel there are other organizations doing a much better job, where my dollars will directly and more positively impact the lives of people with cancer.

This year I have decided to not support Susan G. Komen. I am not supporting this "charity" because not enough donar dollars go towards cancer research and helping those in need and instead go to line the pockets of administrators, and lawyers to sue other smaller mom and pop charities who are also trying to do good in this world.

Please consider this information before you support this "business" If we do not take a stand, then this terrible behavior will become the norm and we will never find a cure. I know many people find the race to be a fun and great way to support breast cancer research and interact with their community, but please know that all it takes is one year of making another charity choice for Komen to get the message and change their behavior. I would gladly support them again if they stop this insanity. It breaks my heart to have this information readily avialable to the public but no one takes action. Will you start with you?

In 2009 SBK gave over $700,000 to Planned Parenthood.
In 2010 SBK gave over $500,000 to Planned Parenthood.

This has been done under the guise that PP does mammograms.
This rarely if ever takes place.

Individuals who choose to have an abortion are shown to have a higher incidence for breast cancer.

SBK started out great but bigger has not made them better.

Ive done the race for years and am just sick of hearing about my money going to sue some poor charity because they are using the words "the cure" - I mean REALLY? what a fricken waste of money.

SGK is not the only organization whose fundraising contracts require a minimum amount for "pledge" driven campaign events. I understand Theresa feels that Komen made her less than worthy because she did not know about the minimum requirement to raise. However, before signing up as a pledge fundraiser for any organization, one should ALWAYS inquire into minimum funds raised requirements. Furthermore, always read any contract before signing it. Once signed, most legal contracts are deemed VALID and BINDING, unless a rescission period (usually of first three days) exists, after which time the contract then becomes binding. The simple fact is numerous organizations have found pledge fundraising as a useful technique and many either require, or encourage a minimum amount of funds raised to participate as "fundraiser" rather than a participant.

This is a great organization that has done more for breast cancer research and women with breast cancer than just about any other group. I work for Komen and see the effort and dedication that each employee and volunteer puts in to making sure that we are tending to the needs of women and men facing breast cancer and their families.

Because Susan G. Komen for the Cure is one of the oldest non-governmental organizations raising awareness for breast cancer research all over the world, I guess it’s easy for skeptics to take shots. However, having seen and heard first-hand at the Race for the Cure from women and families who have been helped by their community programs and the treatments that have resulted from their research projects over the decades, I believe that Susan G. Komen is putting its funds where it does the most good. Perhaps those who have been given a second chance are not writing reviews – but they’re living vibrant lives, thanks to the compassion and dedication of those on the front lines and behind the scenes at Susan G. Komen.

SGK started with a great cause and a great goal. The money now goes to office expenses, inflated salaries and luxury travel - oh yeah, and legal fees for frivolous law suits, initiated by SGK . 20% of the funds are used for "the cure". That is false advertising!
SGK is suing, amongst others, a little girls foundation who is trying to help, for the use of the "for the cure" phrase. Give me a break! The use of this phrase doesn't create confusion as Susan G. Komen is the group where the money goes to.
I am disgusted!

I signed up to do the SGK 3-day walk for the cure. I was so proud to be able to walk for my mother-in-law who lost her battle with breast cancer on april 4, 2009. I sent the "donate fore me" letters which stated, "help her get to her financial goal." I emphasize "GOAL." I soon realized that I was required to bring in $2,300! Apparently this little nugget is buried in the terms and conditions and forever after noted as a "GOAL." I cannot bring in that kind of money. My friends and family donated and I got to $300, but I don't have the time to campaign the way they want you to. I was appalled to also find out that if I didn't make it to $2,300 by the day of the event, I could give them a credit card for the remainder or just go home. They neither refund any money collected by me or my registration - which is not tax deductible. I found this outrageous and deceptive. They keep my money - received by my family to support me in this event. I basically signed up to be an unpaid fundraiser. I would think any donation and the willingness to walk 60 miles to promote awareness would be thanked....not with SGK. I'm not good enough for their charity. I agree with a former reviewer - I think they lost their way. They have raised nearly 2 billion dollars and there is no cure. If I got breast cancer today, they would treat me the same way they treated my mother-in-law who was diagnosed 10 years ago...poison and mutilation. I am saddened by this charity. They have caused me to lose a little of my fatih in humanity.

I am confused by the reporting here. Perhaps one of you can enlighten me when you say that only 20% is going to "a cure". The definition of the terms i read on this site are as follows:

Glossary

Program Expenses: This measure reflects what percent of its total budget a charity spends on the programs and services it exists to deliver. Dividing a charity's program expenses by its total functional expenses yields this percentage.
Score = Raw Score x 10

Rationale behind score adjustments:

Program Expenses < 33.3%:
Our data shows that 7 out of 10 charities we've evaluated spend at least 75% of their budget on the programs and services they exist to provide. And 9 out of 10 spend at least 65%. We believe that those spending less than a third of their budget on program expenses are simply not living up to their missions. Charities demonstrating such gross inefficiency receive zero points for their overall organizational efficiency score.

As I read this, it means that over 80% of the funds raised by SGK are going to the "programs and services it exists to deliver". Not all of that is for research, as some is for providing mammograms for those unable to pay for them, etc.

Please help me understand your position.

Unfortunately a lot of people are buying into the press being generated by SGK in regards to their trademarking. As someone who is a part of an organization that has been affected by their "cease and desist" letters for having the words "a cure" in their slogan, I can attest that SGK is in fact man handling smaller organizations and costing them quite a bit of money. While they may not have gone to court over this - because the smaller organizations cannot afford the legal fees and would rather put their money to use in finding a cure - they have threatened these other organizations.

I know many breast cancer survivors who are also against SGK and their actions.

Susan K. Komen for the Cure denies that there is any connection between ingestion of BPA and breast cancer, or any other deleterious effect. Please research BPA: if you do, you will find that it is an endocrine disruptor, classified as a xenoestrogen which acts like estrogen on susceptible tissues, such as breast cells; also on developing brain and nervous systems in fetuses, infants and children, because BPA is used to line baby bottles, sippy cups, and similar products. It is also used in the production of disposable water bottles; used to line metal food cans (especially dangerous in the case of acidic food such as tomatoes and sauces which contain tomatoes, because the acidic food leaches more BPA out of the lining and into the food). The Komen organization takes the line of the chemical industry's mouthpiece to say that there is no evidence of a connection. Canada has declared BPA a toxic chemical; many European countries ban its use in baby bottles and similar products. Komen's position is entirely based on marketing, not science. I will never give them another nickel!

I have great sympathy with Susan G. Komen's tragic story. I feel that she would be proud of much that her sister and others in the foundation have done in her name. However, perhaps the Foundation is losing its way. Look at some of the Foundation's recent, questionable campaigns. Pink buckets of Kentucky Fried Chicken! Bottles of booze with pink ribbons? C'mon! Meats fried in oxidizing vegetable oils? Supporting the sale of liver and nerve toxinsl? I don't think that Susan would be OK with those moves. And tell me what on earth could justify a salary of over half a million dollars for the CEOSGK? A victory over cancer? No, 1 out of 7 women contract cancer and once it metastasizes, stage 4, it is incurable, according to SBK website which begs the question. Has SGK fully investigated All potential cancer cures, or only the mainstream medicine orthodoxy which adheres only to cut, burn and poison cancer sufferers? With nearly 1/2 a Billion Dollars in annual revenue, what percentage, if any is devoted to alternative therapies? Indeed, what would a cure for breast cancer do the the Foundation and especially the fat salaries of its top officers? I wonder.

Dylan -

I will say it again. There are several breast cancer research foundations who put over 70% of your donations towards research.

If you can tell me of a way that is not research that will allow us all to find a cure, please enlighten us all.

Komen foundation puts only 20.22% of revenue into "Research For A Cure"

A foundation that has re-aligned every aspect of their business to portrait that they are "For the cure" should put a LOT more than 20.22% of your donation into the only way we will ever find a cure, don't you think?

They spend more money on "other expenses" like office supplies and new leather chairs for fancy offices than they do on Research - that in itself is sickening for a foundation who claims their mission is so unique and so critical that they have to sue other foundations for using the phrase "for the cure".

There are a lot of negative press out there against Susan G. Komen. For my breast cancer fighting advocates, and possible future donors out there, I want to provide some facts about the Susan G. Komen organization as provided by 3rd party non-profit charity site, Charity Navigator. This comes on the heels of the news that SGK is spending fundraising money on lawsuits to defend their trademark, "For the cure" and the color pink. At first, I was appalled at the thought that SGK was spending my hard earned fundraising money on preventing other charities from using their phrase (we're assuming these are legitimate charities of course). I really just want to provide some facts and a couple of articles that were shared to me.

1) Charity Navigator site for SGK
http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=4509
Without registering for an account you can at least see the current year's analysis. They receive a 4-star rating. The highest CN assigns. I signed up for a free account with CN and that 4-star rating goes back as far as I am able to see with their site which is to 2007. If you're considering donating to another charity, look them up first.

2) http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703700904575390950178142586.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_6

A noteworthy snippet follows:

"Other charities say they must aggressively pursue look-alikes because brand confusion costs them sizable donations. A pair of charities dedicated to helping injured veterans has been locked in a three-year court battle over $2.2 million in donations to the website woundedwarriors.org.
Wounded Warriors Inc., an Omaha charity, owned the site. But the Wounded Warrior Project of Jacksonville, Fla., a larger group, contends that scores of its supporters donated money to the site thinking it was going to the Florida charity. In court filings, the Wounded Warrior Project says celebrity endorsements for its group created publicity that prompted donors to mistakenly contribute to the other charity's website."

If you subscribe to that school of thought, is Komen really wasting that money? I ask for the sake of debate.

3) http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20110107/COLUMN0101/101070339/1066/COLUMN

Post your comments. You don't have to agree, but don't jump to conclusion before you have all the facts.

This organization is currently busy suing other charities who are also interested in finding a cure for breast cancer over the words "for a cure". They seem to feel they have a trademark on those words in that order and have spent millions in legal actions to persuade other entities to cease using the phrase, just pathetic. Don't send them a dime.

Pauline -

Many of the people "involved" with Komen have no idea how the money is actually spent. Sure, you're told certain things. Sure, it feels good to work for a big non-profit. But if you actually READ their 990 forms, it will sicken you.

They give $1,000$ to random people without even having their full name, address, etc. They will label it as "education". But my aunt calls asking for assistance, and is told "we don't give directly to the public". This sickened her and my whole family.

They have over $15,000,000.00 in payroll expense. That sickens me even more. Sure, Komen was founded for great reasons, for great goals. But now it's just a big greed machine, and it's sickening.

I have spent a lifetime on non-profit boards of many wonderful organizations at local, state, and national levels. I want to share my experiences with Komen for the Cure. This organization is focused, transparent, and relies heavily on volunteers. They make excellent use of their donations both for programs for people with breast cancer, early detection programs for all women, and they fund cutting edge research. It is a very well-run organization that continually assesses their goals. I am most pleased that Komen is now focusing world wide on breast cancer issues. If Komen can do for the rest of the world what it has done for us in the USA, breast cancer will be eradicated! You can rest assured that when you make a donation to Komen that overhead costs are under 25% ALWAYS and that 75% of all fiunds raises by their affiliates stay in the area where it was raised. The other 25% goes to research. I am proud to be associated with Komen for the Cure, first as a volunteer and then a few years later as a survivor. Pauline