The Acadiana Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is proud to be part of the world's largest and most progressive grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists - the only grassroots organization fighting to cure breast cancer at every stage, from the causes to the cures and the pain and anxiety of every moment in between.

Founded May 22, 1999, the Acadiana Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure serves the following parishes in our community:

• Acadia
• Iberia
• Lafayette
• St. Landry
• St. Martin
• Vermilion

Up to 75 percent of net proceeds raised by our Affiliate remains in the Acadiana community to fund community projects related to breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment.  The remainder of the net proceeds (a minimum of 25 percent) will support Komen's National Award and Research Grant Program, which funds groundbreaking breast cancer research.

Due to the support of local sponsors, volunteers, and 6,117 race participants, Komen Acadiana is awarding $227,190 in grants in 2008 for local breast cancer education, screening, and treatment programs to Miles Perret Cancer Services, Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic, Opelousas General Health System, Acadiana Medical Research Foundation, Acadia Council on Aging & Faith House.

In addition, $86,528 will support the Komen for the Cure National Award and Research Grant Program this year.  Second to the government, Komen is the largest provider of research grants in the United States.  Komen headquarters only funds breast cancer research grants.

Since it's inception in 1999, the Acadiana Affiliate has invested over $1,000,000 in the fight against breast cancer.  Seventy-five percent of the funds raised locally stay local.  Therefore, over $750,000 of that amount has been invested in the Acadiana community.  Local grants are restricted to breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs to educate the community about the importance of breast health and early detection, to assist the medically underserved in our community and to support those battling this disease.

Local volunteers have acted on behalf of the Acadiana Affiliate through outreach programs designed to increase awareness and knowledge of breast health and Komen activities.  Increasing awareness of breast health practices through distribution of educational materials and speakers is vital to achieving our Promise. Whether the audience is 5 or 500, Komen Acadiana seeks to get the word out.