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.

Fort Worth community leader Rozanne Rosenthal chartered the Tarrant County Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in May, 1992 in honor of her friend, three time breast cancer survivor Joan Katz. When Joan was diagnosed with breast cancer, Rozanne made a commitment to start a Fort Worth affiliate, and in 1992, the first Komen Tarrant County Race for the Cure® attracted 1,800 participants. The Race continues to provide an opportunity for people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures to join together in a cause that is deeply personal.
Since the first Komen Tarrant County Race for the Cure®, the local affiliate has grown by mobilizing hundreds of active volunteers who contribute thousands of hours to carrying out the promise.