Komen CNY and Its Supporters Were Heard by the National Organization

Over the last couple days, the Board and Staff at the Central New York Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure have discussed the recent changes to Komen’s grant eligibility criteria. This change was voted on and implemented at the national level with no input from the Affiliate Network.

We are proud to have stood with our supporters and other Affiliates across the country who had respectfully requested Komen National revise the change to the grant criteria and allow its Affiliates to provide funds to help any woman in need of breast cancer screening, treatment, and breast health education . We could not, in good conscience, abide by this new policy. We are pleased that all of our internal discussions have resulted in Komen National's amendment of grant eligibility criteria.

We remain deeply committed to providing funds for the best programs that meet the needs of the residents of Central New York. We work hard to fund programs throughout Central New York that provide services to our most vulnerable populations, and we try hard not to duplicate services. You can find the full list of our grantee programs on our website.

In the recent past, Planned Parenthood has not requested funding from Komen Central New York and, as such, is not currently funded by Komen Central New York. We are currently in the early stages of conversations with the Planned Parenthood to discuss collaborative educational and awareness initiatives in the future.

The outpouring over the last few days demonstrates the level of impact Komen, the Affiliates, volunteers, donors, and partners have had over the last 30 years. Komen Central New York does not take that responsibility lightly. We appreciate your passion and voice on this issue. We are heartbroken that we stand to lose so much. We will not squander this opportunity to show that our constituencies’ needs are our first priority.

Sincerely,
Kate Flannery, Executive Director
Central New York Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Elaine Jacobs, Chair
Board of Directors, Central New York Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure