When our co-founder Ellen was diagnosed in January 2024 with breast cancer and weeks later learned she'd have a double mastectomy to get to an amazing, "This is not what will kill me" prognosis, her next question was simple: How can I help? (Read more at: https://artifcts.com/komen)

Susan G. Komen is a household name for a reason. It supports not only research targeted at the most aggressive and deadly forms of breast cancer, but it provides direct financial assistance, tireless advocacy to get people access to the screenings and treatments they need, and of course community. "You need it all, at different times, and in different doses," said Ellen. "Sometimes people tell me I'm lucky to have had breast cancer, as though it's the easy cancer, and I guess I can find silver linings, but cancer is cancer. It's terrifying, painful, and exhausting. I'm grateful Komen is there to serve so many in the ways they need it."

Last year Ellen and her daugther Violet happened to volunteer at the walk in Austin. This year they will return to Austin's walk and the DMV walk with Ellen a survivor, but with equal passion to support this community of patients, survivors and thrivers, and their caregivers and families, too. Please contribute however you are able:

• Walk with us in Austin or the DMV
• Donate personally to our team's ambitious but "we've got this!" fundraising goal
• Talk with your employer about a donation to our team. And contact Ellen if you want ready-to-share talking points to help you make that donation a reality!

Thank you for being here with us as we endeavor to support those affected with breast cancer.