Grand Rapids Story

In 1997, a breast cancer survivor named Lori Fedewa met with a few friends to tell them about an event called the Race for the Cure®. It seemed like an overwhelming task to bring the Race to the Grand Rapids community, but she pursued the dream and slowly the idea caught on. Our first Race was held downtown Grand Rapids in September of 1998.

In 1999, the Grand Rapids Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was incorporated. A Board of Directors was established to oversee the activities of the Affliliate. In addition to the Race for the Cure®, the local Affiliate sponsors fundraising events throughout the year such as Lee Denim Day®, the BMW Ultimate Drive® and the Play for the Cure® Rampage Event. With this year’s funds we hope to reach our one million dollar mark!

The Komen Grand Rapids Affiliate opened our first office in January of 2003. The Affiliate has always been run by volunteers, and now a part-time office manager is available to answer phones and provide information on breast health and the resources that are available in our community. The Affiliate is also actively involved in supporting education programs throughout the community.