Susan G. Komen vs. Avon
I am interested in participating in one of the upcoming walks (Avon in June or Susan G. Komen in September). My time is just too limited to commit to both. Does anyone have a preference and can you explain why? I would post this elsewhere but wonder if either one of these organizations have more of a commitment to DCIS research, which could determine my involvement (only because I have to make a choice).
Thanks for any info or your opinion......
Janet
Comments
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Well, I know that Dr. Susan Love, who is with Avon, supported the 'No mammograms until 50" recommedation that just came out recently, so I would go with Komen.
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Excellent point....
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I had joined Avon/Love's 'Army of Women'; but was so mad about the mammogram issue, that I haven't responded to any of their e-mails since!
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I'm going to say something that might upset some - please know in advance that is not my intention!
I have been a part of both charities in the past but when I came into my own bc experience I called both organizations to see if they could "help" (with research on DCIS, on genetics etc) or at least point me in the right direction.. I was so disappointed by both of them that I no longer support them at all! I know that doesn't help your choice, but I wanted you to have the option to do nothing if THAT feels right. I have done additional research and I continue to be very disappointed with the lack of advances that have come from all the dollars spend by these two organizations!
The best point I can offer is that Avon sponsored Dr. Slamon and his work with Herceptin - that is the one valuable thing I can see coming out of either organization. And Avon gave Dr. Slamon quite a lot of grief for a man who's hope it was to help women with this particular type of bc (HER-2+).. Just MO and again I have no intention of upsetting anyone who might feel an obligation or find it helpful in anyway to continue to support these causes... But I think it's time to ask has ENOUGH been done with these millions of dollars to help protect and support women (or men) with their journey through bc!
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I think for 'overall' cancer organizations; both the American Cancer Society and Lance Armstrong's LiveStrong have done good things. Does breastcancer.org do any charity events? It has certainly been THE place I've come for the most help/advice/guidance!
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I just checked and the ACS has an event called "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" at various times throughout the year, depending upon the region. I will definitely be participating this year (and it's not 3 days, just a few miles)!
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/par/par_2_making_strides_against_breast_cancer.asp
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It would be nice if they did as you are so right alot of us live on this sight and it has been most helpful!
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I've always done the Relay for Life ,which is sponsered by the ACS, here.
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I wanted to do something, but was put off by the amount I had to raise for Susan G. Komen 3-day. I don't like to ask people for money, but was willing b/c I felt it was important; however, the $2,300 commitment was too high for me. Also, my DH wanted to participate, but that would mean we needed to raise $4,600!!!
Thanks, Ruthbru for letting us know about Relay for Life sponsored by ACS.
Thanks, Janets1 for info on Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
I understand that these events are held to raise funds, but to tell me that I cannot participate unless I meet the $2,300 requirement is ridiculous, IMHO.
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Well, $2,300 that is about the craziest thing I ever heard of! With the Relay for Life, you can start or join a team, and people on the team sell luminaries in honor of people for $10. Some teams also have bake sales, sell bracelets, or whatever throughout the year. But you do NOT have to raise one penny if you don't want to, and they are happy with whatever you do raise, and you can just go walk without being on a team if you want to do that too. It is actually a pretty inspirational and fun event for all age groups. I'm sure you can go on line or contact local ACS people for more information if you are interested.
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I have been an activist with NBCC when they were with YME the only ones advocating for funds,more research,Komen did not want to get involved, AVON gives a big portion of all their sales to breast cancer, but the one that supports also with funds like Avon,probably even more money es Ester Lauder,Komen spends too much money backing political projects for the benefit of their founder, even $$ to became an Ambassador.
Go to the NBCC site and get a list of who gives what.
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My local Susan G Komen chapter was really helpful and supportive when I went in with questions about my sister and then my own diagnosis. 75% of their donations go to Southern Nevada to help women here. The other 25% goes to the national foundation.
I don't know much about the other charities. I think anything you choose to do will be worthwhile. Good for you for making a difference!
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I walked in the Komen Breast Cancer 3 Day in 2008 and it was one of the most spectacular experiences in my life. Komen has been there for me from the period of time before I was even diagnosed, and will be paying for my mammogram this year, so I am a strong Komen supporter. I can not speak to the Avon walk as I have not participated in it. The American Cancer Society may be good for some, but my phone calls went unanswered when I was diagnosed. Registered for Reach for Recovery later on, and still no contact. When I did some research and discovered that only pennies on each dollar donated to ACS goes to breast cancer research, I focused my energies on other advocacy groups. I try to get to Relay each year and pay my registration fee as I feel that other cancers benefit, but I have gotten no help from them at all. Livestrong is a great organization and has several events, but some also have high registration fees.
I made up most of my 3 Day donations through my email campaign through my personal page and I did some fundraisers over several months. I live in a relatively small community without a Komen presence so I had a harder time than some of the ladies who live in Komen affiliate areas,but I did make up the funds required to walk.
In regards to Komen and Nancy Brinker's politics, every well functioning cancer advocacy group spends a bunch of money on advocating in Washington so that we, the survivors, get the best representation possible. As the survival rate has improved from 74% for early stage cancer when Komen was first started to 98% today, I think Nancy Brinker has done a lot for all breast cancer survivors and I make no apologies for supporting her efforts.
NBCC has its own controveries as it strongly supported the new guidelines for mammography that were recommended by the USPSTF to only start screening women at the age of 50. I agree we need better screening methods, but I do not believe we need to step away from the current screening schedule until we actually have some new technology in place. I was diagnosed at the age of 47 with grade 3 breast cancer and it is very possible that if I had followed their recommendations I may have lost my breast and had to include chemo in my treatment plan.
Which ever event you choose to participate in, enjoy the experience and train, and then train some more. I do not know if I will ever be in the position to participate in the 3 Day again as I now take care of my Dad, but it was an unbelievable experience. Very emotional. Good luck and thank you for anything you do that results in raising funds for more research and survivor support programs.
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I volunteered for the Avon walk last year. There was a fee just to be able to volunteer, which I didn't think about until after the event. There was a lot of glitz and glamour - balloons, signs, banners, and it seemed like a LOT of money was spent on the decor and many "staff" members were unable to answer simple questions about where to go and when to be there -- just MY opinion and on site observation.
I also observed that several groups had not raised the required amount and asked if they could "pool" their money -- absolutely NO NO. Each had to do it themselves. That seemed such a shame with young people and families who wanted to honor those who had died of BC. And there was very little "supervision" of volunteers - get a t shirt, go over there and stand or pass out flyers or go off and do your own thing. No one checked to see if I was in my assigned spot for the 4 hours I was there.
On another note, I signed up to walk in the local (city) event, paid my fee and was NOT required to raise any other money, unless I wanted to, with no minimum amount suggested. It was all outdoors, parking lot of local movie theater was the staging area with several loud speakers for announcements. Tents or canopies set up from local food stores with water and juice and fruit and all FREE. It benefited the local Women's center for free mammos for those who cannot afford.
BTW, by the way, at the Avon event, there was a couple dozen vendors set up with buttons and other BC items for sale, at a much higher cost than I have seen elsewhere. Again, MY observations and opinion. The bottom line, I did not go away from the Avon event with a "feel good" mood - it was much too commercialized for me - more emphasis on gathering the money than anything else.
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I went on the BSCC website; the first thing they talked about on their front page was how finding a tumor through self-examination is a 'myth'; since that is how I found my tumor; I immediately closed the site down!!!!!!!!
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For some, this may or may not be a factor, but for someone who is prolife, it is a concern. Susan Komen donates to Planned Parenthood. I believe AVON does not.
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Janets1 - I know I don't belong in this forum but I think this is a topic for all stages.
I believe both organizations have been very instrumental in the fight against breast cancer despite political affiliations and opinions. I do know that Avon puts much of the money raised towards actual research as well as education and assisting low income women. I believe Komen does as well.
I participated in the Avon walk in Chicago in 2007. It was the greatest experience of my life. Both Avon & Komen have minimums required to raise - At that time Avon was $1800 and Komen $2700 (basically $900 a day). BOTH organizations have vendor booths selling the pink stuff for outrageous prices. Avon did allow people to pool money for those that couldn't meet their requirement. I gave someone a couple hundred bucks of my donations so they could participate. I have heard that Komen will take any balance due out of your credit card used to sign up.
One thing to consider is your physical capability. Regardless of which you choose you MUST train - and train more as JennSmith58 wrote. While I was able to meet the finiancial requirements of either, physically I could only do the Avon 2 day. That consisted of 26+ miles on day one and 13+ miles on day two. The day after the event, I had difficulty walking from the parking lot at work to my department due to the sheer fatigue
. But I had no blisters, no injuries since I trained correctly and followed the advice of podiatrists & experienced walkers.Here are some differences you may want to consider:
Avon - 2 nights in a very small tent with a roomate vs Komen -3 nights (Next time I'm staying in a Hotel!! LOL!).
Avon - circuit makes a circle through Chicago starting and ending at Soldier Field vs Komen is a one-way trip (at least it used to be - they started at the border and ended at Lincoln Park - this might have changed). So if you drive yourself, how do you get your car to the ending location?
Avon - 26+ miles on day 1 and 13+ on day 2 vs Komen - 20 miles for 3 days in a row.
Both supply food and showers (which there was a long wait for), medical services and some other amenities.
I see Komen moved the 3 day from August to September. Weather was a factor at the time I decided because 90 degree days would NOT have been fun.
A woman in our group had done the Komen 3 Day and while she loved it, she preferred the Avon 2 Day mainly because the starting and ending points were the same. She had to make arrangements for someone to drive her vehicle to the end spot on the last day. Now this may have changed so check on it.
I had no problem with the Avon volunteers and staff - everything was super organized and ran very smoothly - they were the kindest group of people as well.
Physically I could never to the 3 day. Actually now I don't think I could do either so kudos for you for wanting to participate regardless. Good luck to you and remember to train, train, train no matter your decision. I know Avon has a training guideline so I'm sure Komen does too since it is even tougher. And the fund raising was easier than I thought. Check with your employer to see if they do charitable match donations.
Good Luck and most of all have fun!
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I called Komen when I was first dx, and I was treated very rudely so I will never support this billion dollar industry. I also will never support Avon. Until they make a concerted effort to take all the carcinogens out of their products, I feel they are just being hypocrites and using this cause as PR.
These "companies" as well as the American Cancer society(one of the biggest charities in the world) are all about making money. They have collected billions and where is the cure? They do next to nothing to promote prevention. So if any of you really want to do something, help me turn this ship around. I am starting a website with other survivors that will strictly emphasize prevention. In fact, Janets1, some of us are thinking of picketing the Chicago Avon walk, demanding that they become more accountable and take the toxins out of their cosmetics. Maybe you want to join us? You will not have to pay anything to "raise awareness".
I think it is ludicrous that they "charge" so much for these walks. In fact, I think they prey on us survivors. They count on the fact that we will have a lot of empathy from our friends and family to get donations. Plus, they are sponsored by companies that supply drinks and snacks that are unhealthy.
check out thinkbeforeyoupink.org
pm me if you want the link to our prevention site
The whole thing is a scam.
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Sorry, scientists have not come up with the cure for the common cold and you want to blame all of the cancer advocacy groups for not coming up with a cure? Because of the research funded by Komen, ACS, etc., I was able to keep my breasts and avoid chemo, maybe not a big deal to some, but it is to me. Not too many years ago the protocol for DCIS was mastectomy. I have several friends who are alive because of the development of herceptin. Because of research dollars and the new drugs that are developed, many Stage IV sisters are living many years being treated as if for chronic disease, rather than dying quickly as used to be the result of a stage IV diagnosis. We do not live in a perfect world, but my world has been a much better place because of Komen, and the rest of the organizations. I am sorry if you feel you were treated rudely by your contact with Komen. For myself, they have been a great source of information and support. They fund our cancer resource center and sponsor the breast cancer survivor retreat I attend every year. This is the first year I have been in the position of having to ask for help in paying for my mammogram, they were wonderful in helping me. We are all struggling with the effects of breast cancer and no one organization can fit all of our needs. Whatever organization we support, even if we do not care for a different organization, that cancer advocacy group supplies much needed support to our sisters in the fight and we all benefit from the research dollars that are raised. On any charity, check with the charitible foundation navigator and see that they are a highly rated charity, which means that they have to meet certain standards in how much money goes directly to research and survivor support programs and how much is kept for administration. I am proud of the fact that I raised $2200 for Komen and that that single event in Atlanta raised 8.3 million dollars. With all of the cuts to the state Breast and Cervical Cancer Program that funds mammograms and pap smears for uninsured and underinsured women, all of the breast cancer advocacy groups are straining to meet the needs of women. Some of the latest research mapped the development of a cancer cell as it progressed through to mets. If they can identify a drug, protein or enzyme to stop the progression of that cancer, it will be key information on developing a prevention of cancer. We all want a cure, but I can't imagine where we would be without the research dollars that are raised by the private sector for these events. God bless all of us in the fight against breast cancer.
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I walk every year in the local Komen 5k run since my mom was dx in 2001. Our local affiliate (NC Foothills) covers 3 counties and is considering branching into another county that is struggling with unemployment and uninsured women. 75% of the funds raised locally stay with the affiliate. Actually the affiliate said that in 2008 more money came back to the affiliate in grants than what was raised. The grants have gone to the local cancer centers to pay for mammograms for uninsured women (my sister got one last year from this grant), restorative yoga classes, classes on breast health in the community, to mention a few things that have happened in this region. The 5k run only requires a $20 registration fee and if you can raise additional money they will accept whatever you turn in.
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Wow, what a firestorm of opinions....and all very intense. It's starting to look a little more like Komen for me, based on some of the things I have read here - mainly my annoyance with Dr. Love who is affiliated with Avon. But I can see that for every woman there seems to be some deal breaker - and being "ignored" by an organization you are turning to for help would certainly be the deal breaker for me. I guess the message is that all organizations have administrative costs, political agendas, fundraising and marketing strategies and we will never find one that is totally pure so choose the one that most closely matches your needs or ideals and don't expect it to be perfect. Fundraising is big business and we have to do our own investigative work - as well as connecting on an emotional level. I struggled with which organization I should send money to for the Haitian relief efforts and ended up choosing the one I felt would offer the most aid for children. Fortunately there are others who might take an interest in supporting a different initiative down there so that there is more widespread assistance. I suppose we are lucky that we have choices, but it is definitely confusing.
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Thanks for posting this question. I've been curious about bc charities also, esp. since I've heard negatives about Komen.
I googled bc charity overhead and this organization seems to fund research primarily (as opposed to education) and is well-respected:
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VRB thank you for posting about BCRF! I think this is a great choice.
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My 2c worth: I am (almost) obsessive in my opposition to the 'people' paying one cracker toward research about this most sinister disease. The death rate for breast cancer has remained almost unchanged since the 50s. COME ON!! If successive governments continue to fawn all over toxic, nay, deadly industries who cause the BF cancer, then it is the government who should fund the research into a cure. Think about what our children eat...from birth! Think about the air they breathe and the water they drink. The massive majority of families do not have the educational nor financial wherewithall to shop for/eat organic foods. These things are regulated by governments, small and large. Drug companies run the US and their puppet, Australia, is following suit. All these funds raised should go straight to trustees to help breast cancer patients to pay their bills: loss of income, voiding of insurances, home-help, counseling for all family members, decent pensions for carers etc etc. I have good insurance but two years of living in Cancer Land had taken every cent of my savings. I know there are tens of thousands of families like mine and I know there is no cure. We all need a bit of a hand. xx
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