History of the El Paso Affiliate

The El Paso Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure was founded in 1993. More than 1,300 people participated in the First Annual Komen El Paso Race for the Cure and more than $70,000 was raised. The Komen El Paso Affiliate serves as a resource for those seeking opportunities for screening, treatment and support, and hosts several events and programs to raise awareness and educate the community about the benefits of early detection in the fight against breast cancer.

Seventy-five percent of all funds raised by the Affiliate remain in the local community to fund breast cancer screening, treatment and education programs for the medically underserved. Twenty-five percent of funds raised supports the Komen Award and Research Grant Program. Since its inception, the El Paso Affiliate has contributed over 3.6 million dollars to El Paso County for the provision of breast cancer education, screening and treatment resources for underserved men and women in the community. In 2011, the Affiliate awarded more than $500,000 to local non-profit organizations, educational institutions and national breast cancer research. The Affiliate raises funds by producing the annual Komen El Paso Race for the Cure® and through individual, community group and corporate donations. In February 2011, more than 12,000 participants attended the 19th Annual Komen El Paso Race for the Cure and helped spread the breast cancer message within their communities. Komen El Paso receives annual sponsorships from hundreds of corporate and community sponsors including: Mattress Firm, El Paso Times, Helen of Troy, Price’s Creameries, Sierra Providence Health Network and Shamaley Auto Group. To help empower the local community, the Affiliate hosts annual educational events, participates in community health fairs and organizes an Education Committee to spread the message of breast health and drive the breast cancer movement.