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.

El Paso Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure

The El Paso Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure was founded in 1993. It was Suzie Azar's idea to bring Race for the Cure to El Paso. Her husband, Dick Azar helped raise the initial seed money from the Chamizal Institute Foundation. Suzie Azar, Pat Farr, Polly L. McFadden and Sandi J. Smith -a passionate, dedicated group of women founded Partners for the Cure and did more than just imagine. More than 1,300 people participated in the First Annual Komen El Paso Race for the Cure and more than $70,000 was raised! Of the funds raised, 75 percent helped Texas Tech University Breast Care Center purchase the first mobile mammography van in El Paso and 25 percent went to Komen National Research.

Since its inception, the El Paso Affiliate has awarded grants totaling three million dollars to local organizations that have made valuable contributions in breast cancer screening, education and treatment in El Paso County.