How Can I Help?

SUPPORT THE CAUSE 

Komen Indianapolis relies on the generosity of the individuals and corporations in our community who share our vision of a world without breast cancer.   Because one out of every 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, nearly everyone has been touched in some way.  You can make a difference by giving of your time and money. 

Why support Komen?

• 75% of the dollars raised remain in Central Indiana to fund education, screening and survivor support programs while 25% goes to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Award and Research Grant Program to fund research seeking a cure
• In 2009 Komen Indy will educate 27,800 about the importance of mammograms to early detection.  Did you know 40% of women over 40 have never had a mammogram?  Over 200,000 age 40 and older right here in Central Indiana have not had a mammogram in the last year.
• In 2009 your dollars will provide 4,161 mammograms for people who cannot afford them and help 7,853 women find screening and treatment services.
• Komen funds agencies throughout our 21 county service area including Little Red Door, YWCA of Greater Lafayette, Columbus Regional Hospital, Cancer Services of Grant County
• 25% of the dollars raised fund scientific research seeking a cure for breast cancer and much of this research is taking place right here in Indiana.  For the past 25 years, Komen has played a critical role in every major advance in the fight against breast cancer.  Komen funded research has lead to:  
  • Discovery of the first breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA1) and a test for women to learn about their inherited risk. 
  • First use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to discover cancers that are not visible o mammograms.  And while mammograms remain our most effective tool, Komen is investing in newer imaging technologies such as molecular breast imaging, which may detect cancers that MRI's miss.
  • Anti-angiogenesis research demonstrating breast cancer tumors need a blood supply to survive.
  • Evidence that most breast tumors are driven by hormones and drugs such as Tamoxifen are very effective treatments for women whose tumors are estrogen sensitive.
  • Discovery of aromatase inhibitors, a newer class of hormone treatments.
  • Discovery of the pathways that some cancer cells take in the body, leading to treatments to potentially stop the spread of cancers to other organs.
• Without a cure, 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will continue to be diagnosed with breast cancer.  This means an estimated 5 million Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer - and more than 1 million could die - over the next 25 years.
• Your dollars are used wisely.  Susan G. Komen for the Cure has been named the top-rated charity by Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent evaluator of charities.

Make a donation

Are you looking for the perfect way to honor someone or for that perfect gift for the person that has everything?  Why not make a donation to Komen Indianapolis in their honor? 

Did you know you can make a contribution to support your favorite Race for the Cure participant?  

Komen also welcomes gifts in memory of a loved one who lost their battle with breast cancer and will notify the family of your generosity.  Click here to learn more or make a donation to Komen.

We accept donations online, via mail and by phone.   Click here to make a  donation online today!  Or, your can send a check. Please make your check payable to the Indianapolis Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and send it to 1099 North Meridian Street, Suite 111, Indianapolis, IN 46204-6069.  You may also call 638.CURE and make your donation by credit card over the phone.

Host a fundraising event or promotion

            Every year, countless individuals and companies organize their own events and through their combined efforts raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to end breast cancer.  These events can range from large, organized events like a golf tournament or bowl-a-thon to small personal gatherings like a bake sale or school fund raiser. 

            There are also a wide variety of national cause related marketing events like Yoplait Lids for a Cure or Komen’s Passionately Pink for a Cure.  Click here to learn more.

Give through your workplace

There are many ways to support Komen in your workplace.  You can sign up for a workplace giving program such as United Way or Combined Health Charities and designate Komen as the beneficiary.  Many companies will match employee charitable contributions so be sure to ask your employer or your Human Resources Department.  

You can also organize a company team for the upcoming Race for the Cure.  Teams are critical to the success of the Race.  Click here to learn more about forming a team for the Race.

Volunteer your time

            Komen Indianapolis is primarily volunteer driven and relies on its dedicated, passionate volunteers to accomplish our mission to end breast cancer forever.   We are always looking for volunteers to staff our events, serve on a planning committee or on the Board of Directors.  To learn more, click here.