History

Susan G. Komen fought breast cancer with her heart, body and soul. Throughout her diagnosis, treatments, and endless days in the hospital, she spent her time thinking of ways to make life better for other women battling breast cancer instead of worrying about her own situation. Moved by Susan’s compassion for others and commitment to making a difference, Nancy G. Brinker promised her sister that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer.

Though Susan lost her battle with the disease, her legacy lives on through the work of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the organization Nancy started in her honor. Komen for the Cure is the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested more than $1 billion since its inception in 1982. Komen’s promise is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures.
Across the country, that promise is upheld by a network of 122 local Affiliate offices. At the heart of each Affiliate is a person or group of people who, like Susan, wanted to make a difference.

Sharing the Twin Tiers Story

The Twin Tiers Affiliate is one of a growing network of affiliates that have helped to make Susan G. Komen for the Cure become the global leader in the fight against breast cancer. Our regional affiliate began with an inspiration. Local LPGA golfer, Heather Farr, lost her battle to breast cancer at the age of 25. Moved by her story, the tournament director, Dawn Marie Castellana,  challenged 12 local hospitals to sponsor a health fair during the event in order to raise breast cancer awareness. They met that challenge. Their success inspired others to fight for the cause through public information campaigns, fundraisers, and local screenings. By 1999 the movement grew into the Twin Tiers Affiliate, an interstate organization dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness and fighting for a cure.