2025 Komen Chicago Race for the Cure

On May 17, I’ll be participating in the annual Komen Chicago Race for the Cure for the 26th time! As a 37+-year cancer survivor, I have been compelled to support Komen in their mission to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer. 

Komen addresses breast cancer on multiple fronts to make the biggest impact of any organization against this disease, investing nearly $3.6 billion in their efforts. Komen’s focus remains on helping ALL patients in need—including those with little or no insurance who are unable to access support and care—increasingly crucial what with the potential of significant cuts to Medicaid in the wake of Congress passing their most recent budget resolution, as well as the proposed changes to the Affordable Care Act marketplaces.

Securing federal funding for breast cancer research and for programs providing access to vital screening, diagnostic, and treatment services has also never been more important. In the past few months, Congress made devastating cuts to biomedical research and left funding for critical services unprotected. While Komen continues to provide services, their Center for Public Policy has been working hard to urge lawmakers to prioritize essential breast cancer research and public health programs in Fiscal Year 2026.

When I was unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer as a young mom in 1987, the level of public awareness, education, and support was negligible compared with what exists today thanks to organizations such as Komen. Forever grateful to have made it through, I will never forget those who didn’t fare as well, those in the midst of treatment, and those new to the fight. Although earlier detection rates and innovative treatments have helped reduce the mortality rate by more than 42% since my diagnosis, that stark statistic of 1 in 8 women in the U.S. developing breast cancer has not improved. In 2025, more than 319,750 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer and nearly 43,000 will lose their lives to this disease. We must push forward to find a cure!

Please join me in backing Komen in their mission by making a tax-deductible donation of any size. Your kind support can make a tangible difference to those who will directly benefit from your generosity, now and in the future.

Many thanks for your consideration and friendship!

Love to all,

Bev