Komen Event Raises Breast Cancer Awareness

“It’s an indescribable feeling of warmth, celebration and community,” says Komen executive director Cati Stone, a breast cancer survivor.

When Georgia police figure Karen Handel was with Komen, the organization came under fire for a move to distance itself from Planned Parenthood.

Both Handel and Komen officials disagreed over who sparked the decision. 

Since then, Handel has left the organization and Komen’s relationship with Planned Parenthood has been restored.

An audio version of this story.

“We have really moved on from that situation and are continuing to do everything we can to focus on our mission, which is to end breast cancer forever.  That’s our sole focus,” says Stone.

It’s also the focus of breast cancer survivor Bridgette Carruth, who’s on her fourth Komen walk.

“I just thank God for my life.  You know, I look at things differently and very appreciative of what Komen does and appreciative of the strength that I get from my faith,” she says.

Jason Hammond and his wife, Keva, another breast cancer survivor, are glad to be taking a hike for a good cause.

“This is our first three-day, and we will be back.”

Komen Atlanta officials say they’ve raised nearly $40 million since 1991.