Mission: To save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our community while investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.
Susan G. Komen Charlotte is the local source for funding breast cancer detection, support and educational awareness in the Charlotte region. We fund non-duplicative, community-based breast health education and breast cancer screening, diagnostic, transportation, navigation and treatment support projects for the medically under-served population in Charlotte and surrounding areas.
The first Komen Charlotte Race for the Cure was held October 4, 1997 after founder Penelope Wilson put an ad in the Charlotte Observer calling people to participate. Komen Charlotte was subsequently established in 1999.
75% of net funds support breast health programs in our 13 county service area to provide services such as screening mammograms, diagnostic services, education, lymphedema treatment and bandages, survivorship support and transportation. Since inception, Komen Charlotte has granted over $17 million to these services in our community.
The remaining 25% of net funds are invested into the Susan G. Komen Research Fund. Komen’s commitment is to find new treatments for the most aggressive forms of breast cancer that are killing more than 41,000 people in the U.S. each year.