Susan G. Komen Foundation—Response to Puzzle Project Campaign
Subject: RE: Coordinate Breast Cancer Research
Date: Thu, 30 Sep 2004
From: "Braun, Susan" <sbraun@komen.org>
Thank you so much for taking the time to voice your concerns about breast cancer research funding. We at the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation share your concerns and wanted to take this opportunity to tell you that we’re listening and how we are, and have been, addressing these issues.
We believe deeply in identifying what gaps exist in breast cancer research and working to fill those gaps. Because of this belief and our commitment to eradicate breast cancer, the Komen Foundation (as well as four other institutions receiving your email) has been working with a collaborative group of funding organizations for more than three years to create a powerful tool to aid in cancer research collaboration and planning. One product of the partnership, known as the International Cancer Research Partners (ICRP), has a website that allows instant access to ongoing cancer research supported by cancer funders within the United States and United Kingdom. The Web site provides an online database that allows scientists to identify possible collaborators, plan their next research application, and facilitate dialogue among fellow researchers. The Komen Foundation is excited to be a part of the ICRP, to help promote cooperation and collaboration among institutions, and help forge creative partnerships between cancer researchers, institutions and funding organizations both nationally and internationally.
You also raised several important and timely questions that must be addressed as we seek to find answers about breast cancer causation and disparities. By visiting the ICRP Web site and using the advanced search option, you can learn about the research topics you’re interested in and what is being funded by the Komen Foundation and others. The Komen Foundation also funds “state-of-the-science” reviews that inform the public and guide our own grant-making priorities.
While supporting research efforts to eradicate the threat of breast cancer tomorrow, all of us at the Komen Foundation also care deeply about the needs of women today. So in addition to funding research, Komen affiliates in more than 100 US cities and towns continue to identify gaps and disparities and fund programs and services that specifically address those local needs.
We want to do the most that we can, as quickly as possible, to end breast cancer. It has gone on long enough. You have demonstrated your interest in our mission –which is to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening, and treatment. I invite you to join us in our fight by going to our Web site to learn more about our organization and find a local Affiliate near you—we need you and we need your voice! Fragmentation will slow our collective goal. But constructive concerns, honestly expressed as you have done, can propel us forward. So thank you again for taking an active role by sharing your thoughtful and important concerns.
Sincerely,
Susan Braun
President and CEO
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation