Guess what! Koman Reverses!!

LaurieInDallas · February 2012

Always thought they were a great organization until I got breast cancer... I got some email from them in October that says evey 59 seconds or whatever a woman dies from breast cancer... WOW thanks so much for your positive encouragement!!!! It upset me enough that I asked them to remove me from their mailing list.

When I was diagnosed I was on disability from Rheumatoid Arthritis and therefore had medicare. I am still not able to pay the 20% of my treatment so I had to apply for cancer medicaid. Guess where I had to go to appy for cancer medicaid? Planned parenthood. They are who handle that government program.

So here in Texas if you get cancer and dont have insurance you HAVE to go to planned parenthood. Just food for thought. You may think it dosent apply to the Komen siutation but to me its just all the same. WIsh I could explain better what I mean but I have dain bramage from the chemo:(

Faye33 · February 2012

Hi REKoz! Good to "see" you again, as well!

I posted what I posted, because I was trying to give a perspective from those of us who believe that 3% is so much more then PP would like anyone to believe, since the "only 3%" argument was coming up again.

In relation to this topic, where I'm processing this all right now, is I haven't been on this board long. But ever since being here, I've heard whining about Komen and how they are not doing enough "for the cure". They were sick of "awareness" and "education". And then when Komen tried to pull some of their funding from an organization that had nothing to do with finding the cure (PP), there's an uproar, and Komen is horrible for doing something they should have done long ago... refocus on finding "the cure".

Yes, it is a good thing that women were referred from PP for screening which diagnosed their cancer at a treatable stage. I would never say that is not a good thing. However I would argue that the fact that an organization does mostly good, but some deeds which are horrific, does not overall make the organization good.

angelsister · February 2012

Faye33 you know as well as everyone else here that komen didnt decide to pull funding from PP because they have nothing to do with the cure!

They decided to try to pull funding to PP for the same reason that you oppose PP. Abortion.

One of the things that annoyed many people was that they were not honest about it. They tried to cover it up as something else entirely. I think you're doing the same thing.

Spinning figures about abortion being a source of revenue for PP has nothing whatsoever to do with why you were happy that komen wanted to change granting policy. You have said so frequently.

You are entitled to express your opinions but lets not have another discusiion about breast cancer hijacked by anti-choice agenda please.

Moderators · February 2012

Hey All, We agree that we need to keep the discussions away from pro-choice / pro-life discussion. Please, let's stay on topic, or at least away from this topic (abortion). It will never end well.

Thank you,

Your Mods

(edited for clarity)

Moderators · February 2012

Hey All, We agree that we need to keep the discussions away from pro-anti choice discussion. Please, let's stay on topic, or at least away from this topic (abortion). It will never end well.

Thank you,

Your Mods

LaurieInDallas · February 2012

Dosent matter if you are pro choice or anti at all in this instance.... if you have cancer you shouldnt have to go into a place that provides abortions and walk past an armed guard to apply for medicaid. Surely we can all agree on that?

LaurieInDallas · February 2012

wasnt trying to change the subject... I am just interested in Komen and the entire scenario with PP sorry

Bren-2007 · February 2012

Laurie ... did you check with your local health department to see if they administer the Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program? I believe that is the breast cancer medicaid program you were talking about. In my area of Virginia, you can apply for that program at the health department.

Bren

Kadia · February 2012

Well, plenty of hospitals provide abortions. And no one needing care--or providing care--should have to have armed guards, clinic escorts, or the like, IMO.

LaurieInDallas · February 2012

well ok true Kadia... didnt think about that. The dept of health and human services sent me to PP. It is I was told the only place in Dallas county that administers the breast and cervical cancer medicaid program BinVA.

Pompeed · February 2012

Can't think why -- after the Moderators had to shut down a couple of threads because some people think everyone should follow their reproductive health choices -- it has come up in this thread AGAIN. Has absolutely nothing to do with the subject: Komen's policies and public persona. What PP does or does not do for the health care needs of women, and men and families in America has nothing to do with Komen's internal policies and public relations.

As for what happens in any health care facility in the US these days: there is an armed guard in the lobby. Try to find a hospital without armed security guards. Bet no one can. Every building at Jefferson and U of P and Pennsylvania and Temple in Philly has armed guards at desks in every lobby. Most of the time one has to sign a roster to get into the clinic buildings and if one is not on the list of expected patients, the guard is going to ring up the appropriate department and get an OK to admit the individual or one is going to be told to turn right around the head back out the door. Escorted if necessary.

I really do not understand the irritation at having to pass armed guards to get medical care. Armed guards are everywhere and have been for a decades now. And anyone who thinks they are walking around the shopping center or the super market without being under the surveillance of an armed guard -- in uniform or plain clothes -- is kidding themselves.

Kadia · February 2012

No armed guards at my hospital--the largest in a large city. At least none that I was aware of...but then again, my mind is usually elsewhere!

1Athena1 · February 2012

AMP47 · February 2012

hillck

For clarity, "For the Cure" is a protected registered trademark. Protected under the trademark is the slogan "For the Cure" or "Cure" and is represenative of Komens original idea or purpose which would be their mission statement.

Komen has 200 registered trademarks that they use to squash smaller non-profits or charity that use any reference to their trademark whether it is related to Breast Cancer or any other Cancer.

Many of the smaller charities, that have received C&D letters from Komen band of lawyers, are fighting back and winning the right to use the word cure in the charitable efforts to raise desperately needed funds for other cancers. Thanks to a very talented group of pro bono attorneys, the 2000 pound gorilla in the room , that would be Komen, just got kick in the shins. Seems like Komen has forgot what charity is about.

Once again, I would love to be the fly on the wall when you tell the women who make Komen who they are -Oh, by the way ladies since you did not ask how we were going to spend the money, we are sorry you are disappointed. Also, in the future, you should of researched more, ask more question and not believe what we told you! You silly women-what were you thinking?

Komen is a top down management organization with decentralized satellite organizations that live, eat, breath and perform according to the National agenda. You deflated your own argument in sentence two of your paragraph. Nothing is done in any satellite organization that does not closely parallel the National Headquarters policies.

Komen has a policy to not fund organization under investigation by the government. Remember, Komen made this policy. Not Ms Handel. She was gracious enough to resign so as not to draw anymore attention to Komen Organization. Who, by the way, looks like they went on a binge for 2 days and decided to sober up and explain away their reckless behavior. Smells kind of fish y - uh.

If Planned Parenthood grant proposal was written for things related to breast cancer screening, research, and referral, there is that question again-why the flip flop for Komen? Political move-you bet. Read their statement closely. They are not agreeing to fund in the future - just agreeing to not pull the 600,000 this cycle. You certainly are familiar with the old political saying when someone or some organization is trying to commit suicide, get out of the way.

Bet there is an audit of the distribution to Planned Parenthood and if not in line with their original grant proposal," Kate Bar The Door" the smear campaign will begin. Remember, non-profits are beholding to the public including their records. Someone who has taken offense to the weak and hallow position of Komen pressured into changing their minds will be more than glad to bring all the information to the publics attention- which means funders...

So, in effect Komen will only consider future grant proposals from Planned Parenthood. And, when the government finishes its investigation, Komen won't have to go on a binge they can just say NO and remain in good standing in the non-profit breast cancer community. Justifying their action under the umbrella of the government while licking their wounds which are going to get more infected as time goes on.

Komen is suppose to be about "For the Cure". They believed so strongly in that phrase, they registered the saying, word, slogan, phrase what ever way you want to present it to mean.

So, spend the money all of us women have raise towards the purpose which by the way includes research. And don't tell us what pathetic creature we are for not doing our due diligence. If Komen has money to invest in stock and bonds, it has money to spend towards research. Sell the stocks and bonds give to research and scrape the pricey benefit program.

Executive making fat salaries will have to live like the women who keep them in their lofty position. Now, I would agree with you, that is wrong and deceptive of Komen to spend money on their lifestyles and not on finding a cure for cancer.

Which I believe was a promise made to a sister Susan G. Komen. hummmmmm . With very little being spent on research, how does the promise made to her sister become a reality????

Shame on you Komen.

Pompeed · February 2012

The whole thing is built on using the time, energy and effort of unpaid volunteers to raise money.

It's not just donations to Komen. It's a whole labor force of thousands of people who, literally, work for Komen without wages, benefits or much of anything else. The vast majority of the money raised and collected, at no expense to Komen, does not support breast cancer research or the clinical needs of women who are alive and in need of medical care, treatment and other services.

angelsister · February 2012

That is what bothers me most pompeed. Yes i agree they should spend more on research for a cure, but i accept and applaud the use of funds to provide screening which saves lives, support for women undergoing treatment and also research into targetted therapies which improve outcomes and prolong life. It annoys me that money raised through the goodwill, and sweat of sincere people, many of whom have important personal reasons for donating their time and money, in good faith, goes to line pockets and promote political agenda's. I am really interested to know if people feel there is reason to suppose that the latest debacle may create an atmosphere where non-profits are more honest and responsible with other peoples hard earned money?

rosemary-b · February 2012

cynsister

hat would be my hope but I will admit to being a little cynical.

suzieq60 · February 2012

I was talking to a lady recently who was telling me how she was going on a cruise and doing a walk to raise money for Komen. I soon set her straight. This whole registering of "For a Cure" is ridiculous. In Australia we have a "Shave for a Cure" event every year (not for bc) - looks like Komen hasn't searched worldwide looking for organisations to sue.

AMP47 · February 2012

hillk

Well a bench mark has been set in my life-no one has ever questioned my residency!

Although this discussion has nothing to do with my residency, your question does lead me to believe that you have a preconceived judgment or conviction against members other than the elite white race?

Sad that residency has to enter into a discussion that exposes an industry that is very busy trying to "cover up" its own misdeeds. Race, residency, religion should never become a corner stone for any discussion in health issue for breast cancer women. Sham on you.

Your statement "we are getting more money this year than last" am I to assume you are OK with continuing the deception by "turning a blind eye" to the fact that very little of the millions raised is going to cancer research? Sound reasoning should motivate the volunteers at your local organization to ask the question " What is going on at the Corporate level? Remember the political "flip flop" of Komen. Just happened this week.

I remember reading in, About Us,on the Komen web-site, Komen touted the organization being a "grass root movement". Komen's recent "flip flop" is your chance to seize the opportunity to "make a difference" for all of us women, with breast cancer, by reviving the "grass root movement" and move your office towards getting Komen back on track, if possible. Unless you are one of the paid staff/ Then, eliminating your own job, by becoming an activist for your local breast cancer women, probably isn't going to happen unless your name is 'Joan of Arch'.

But if you are a volunteer, tell Komen "enough is enough" we want to see our donation go to research and not expensive executive payment packages, organizations that are not in line with our mission statement and investment in stocks and mutual bonds affected by global markets. Good luck to you because we need your help. Unfortunately, I believe the blood letting has begun in the political arena for Komen.

Komen is kind like the Wall Street Bunch. thank you very much for the money investors, things just did not work out - Sorry. Unfortunately, the investors in Komen are are women who invest their lives with the hope of getting a good return - one of finding a cure so they can stay alive, work, love their friends and family and help other women who are afflicted with this disease.

One might ask, why is Komen "in bed" with Planned Parenthood? Money!! Another nasty little secret of Komen is, it looks good in the eyes of the funding public to be buddies with a well know organization that help the less fortunate in society. Knowing very well that "warm and fussy feeling" always motivates people to donate. And, Komen is not about to disturb that flow of cash.

Besides, who cares about what Planned Parenthood really does with donation money, we will just look to other way and rake in more money for our own needs. Even though our mission statement is to support cancer research, and our non-profit status was based on that premise, no one will notice. All the breast cancer survivors are to busy raising money for our coffers. You will see. Here put these blinders on they are the latest fashion - pink with "bling bling".

Some one at Komen realized the government investigation will thoroughly review Planned Parenthoods Fund accounts and expenditures related to each fund, Komen thought - uh oh - "the gig is up" and we are going to get caught in the food fight. Hoping to keep food from sticking to Komens pink ribbon, they pulled funding. So much for those beautiful fashionable blinders. So sad. Are there any new ones?

Well, Planned Parenthood said - not so fast, gathered their supporters and Komen submitted in the face of adversity. You know what they say about the character of a person is how they react to adverse situations: if they stand their ground they have strong character; if they submit, they are hallow and weak. Gee, I wonder where Komen stands today.

Looks like Komen has joined Wall Street in making decision that benefits their exec's and not the investors- investors who are staking their life on finding a cure for breast cancer. Komens attempt to gloss over their actions with look good pamphlets, books, satellite representation will not find a cure for cancer. But, research will find a cure for all of us who wonder how much time we have left and will they find a cure?

FireKracker · February 2012

I am a volunteer and proud of it...of course not at komen or PP.I volunteer where I live,help out with sick friends and members of my family in need...I dont get paid nor would i ever take a dime.the word volunteer is workin for FREE.At least thats what I thought.When I was doing the rads.the ACA approached me to move closer to the hospital so i could volunteer.no shit Sherlock......You get paid and i get nothing....i DONT WANT ANYTHING BUT YOU SHOULD GET NOTHING TOO!!!!!!

shame on all of you....this country is all about the damn$$$$$$$$$

Kadia · February 2012

What on earth does race have to do with this?!

AMP47 · February 2012

hillk

Are you saying that the slogan of Komens is just a spoof? Not connected to their mission statement? We shouldn't take it at "face value"? We aren't sure what we are about- sorry about all those law suits. Sorry, there are no returns. Wow- maybe someone should alert their attorney's.

There is and old saying "You are either pregnant or your not can't have it both ways". So what is it-is Komen for the cure? Or, have we just been played like a bunch of puppets moving when Komen makes a statement to stimulate their cash flow?

You can not honestly mean that-what a cruel awakening that would be. But, you are an insider and you would know.

How did Fox get into this discussion. I pretty sure they are clear about their mission statement and are capable of supporting their slogan of "Fair and Balance" Maybe Komen should give Fox a call - they can help give clarity to Komen's purpose. Then we can all be happy and fair and balance one big love fest.

Thanks to you, another dirty little secret of Komen "For the Cure" is in print! Did I get that right? Not sure? Where are those blinders.

angelsister · February 2012

Thanks kadia, i thought i was dumb as i couldn't follow that either >:-(

angelsister · February 2012

Excuse me for answering as I know hillck is perfectly able to do so...but i read her post to suggest that komen have other aspects to their "mission" as well as the cure, including early screening and support for bc services?

Amp...do you object to komen supporting other breast health services, or is it the percentage spent on research that irritates you. Surely we all agree that the pink wash and massive salaries for executives are inappropriate ways of spending donations?

AMP47 · February 2012

Cynsister

I do not object to any organization helping women with breast cancer whether it be financially, personal support, free mammograms, helping women who can't afford their medicines, etc.

What I do object to is the diversion of money to line items not connected to the purpose of the organization: collecting money and then banking it at your own discretion.

I am involved locally and each women who needs help gets help. Donors are very clear about what they will be supporting with their donation. Important fact Komen has forgot - called "Fair and Balanced" charity.

The money Komen insidiously collects under false premise could be used by many other organizations that are real clear about their mission statement. Now, a post telling us their slogan is not to be taken to heart! Whats next. Madoff?

Komens credibility is definitely on the line after their public "flip flop".

Komen is like a Welfare Case-never getting self sustaining and "looking for a hand out" not "a hand up."

I am reviewing their financial reports 6 years back and I do not like what I see.

My research might lead to me apologising for my posts. But, I do not think so.

Once I finish my research, I will post then, the public can make up their own minds on whether they want to donate to Komen.

AMP47 · February 2012