Susan B. Anthony/Susan G. Komen

People unfamiliar with Susan G. Komen for the Cure® commonly refer to the organization as "Susan B. Komen..." Many even explain, "I was thinking of Susan B. Anthony."


All Affiliates at Susan G. Komen for the Cure® work diligently to educate individuals that there is a difference.



Susan B. Anthony (1820 to 1906) a leader in the crusade for women's rights worked tirelessly for 30 years to evoke a change in America's mentality and to promote equal rights for women. She collected signatures for a petition to grant women the right to vote and to own property. Her hard work helped. In 1860 the New York state legislature passed the Married Women's Property Act. It allowed women to enter into contracts and to control their own earnings and property.


Susan G. Komen was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 33 and at a time when the American public whispered about breast cancer. We knew very little about the disease and because of the lack of education, relied on the opinion of one physician, not a time when we were empowered to genuinely take control of our lives. Susan underwent a subcutaneous mastectomy and began her recovery. Before she reached her post-operative period of 6 months, Susan discovered another lump--this time under her arm. She learned that the cancer metastasized to her lung and there were other suspicious shadows. Susan began radiation therapy. When she didn't respond, she sought another opinion. Her cancer was at Stage IV. She then underwent intense chemotherapy. By her side was her sister Nancy Brinker who accounts, "Nan," she said, "as soon as I get better, let's do something about this. You can find a way to speed up the research. I know you can. And I want to fix up this waiting room and make it pretty for the women who have to be here. This isn't right." Susan passed away at the age of 36. Nancy Brinker recalls, " I was haunted by our last conversation and lay awake sometimes all night wondering what I could do to help other women with breast cancer."

Nancy Brinker established Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in 1982 dedicating her time to fulfill a promise she made to her sister.


Both Susan B and Susan G will be remembered to have had a profound and positive affect upon all women.