Executive Director
North Florida Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Mission
To save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing the science to find the cures.
Serving Jacksonville
Since 1995.
Those served
Several thousands of people are served each year in Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau and St. Johns counties by the North Florida Komen affiliate. Directly, they are served through breast cancer education programs and through the annual Race for the Cure and Walk for Awareness in October. The events honor and remember those we have lost to breast cancer as well as honor and celebrate breast cancer survivors and their families and friends. Indirectly, people are served through our local grantee partners. The funds raised through the race and other events have enabled North Florida Komen to fund more than $1.5 million in the past 15 years to area clinics and local hospital programs, to help provide free mammograms, biopsies, education materials, transportation and testing, and to research.
Biggest challenge
Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer and is the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. About 1.3 million women are diagnosed each year and about 465,000 die from the disease each year. One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Education and early detection is the key to survival until a cure is found.
Biggest satisfaction
In a very short period of time I have met some incredible people: courageous women who have been personally touched by breast cancer or who have experienced the pain of breast cancer with a friend or family member; individuals and organizations committed to providing emotional and physical support to those early diagnosed, in treatment, or those who have survived; gifted doctors and scientists committed to treatment and research; and all of those who give so graciously and generously of their time and resources.
Hometown
I was born in Camden, N.J. I have lived in Jacksonville for the past 23 years.
First experience with community service
I have been involved in the nonprofit world since I was in high school, either as a volunteer or professionally. My first experience was tutoring in an urban core school just outside of Camden.
Your job before North Florida Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Executive director, Siyafundisa — Teaching Our Children, an HIV and AIDS Youth Education Prevention Program in South Africa.
Upcoming events
Oct. 22: “Race for the Cure” at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds
Oct. 23: “Walk for Awareness” on the University of North Florida campus.
Register, donate or volunteer at www.komennorthflorida.org.
Contact information
www.komennorthflorida.org
448-7446
[email protected]