I just donated $50 to the susan g. komen foundation

[joeglow3]

I had a mother-in-law who died from cancer. I have a sister who is currently fighting breast cancer. This organization does good things for those with cancer. This organization has invested almost $2 BILLION dollars into fighting cancer and will continue to invest money at the same levels as before. While I may not agree with their recent decision, this is NOT an issue of abortion or Planned Parenthood to me. The money spent on cancer research and prevention will STILL be spent on cancer research and prevention.

I will step up my contributions to PP, but will not stop my support of cancer research.

[WI_DEM]

1. To each his own

and while I believe you should do what you think is best--for me, to support an organization which has done wonderful things in the past, but now will buckle under to right wing pressure--is something I cannot support. To continue to support them would give validation to what they did. There are many other fine organizations which do research and care of patients suffering from cancer out there to support.

[RockaFowler]

2. I must ask, though

What exactly has this organization done to help fight Breast Cancer?? Why not donate to the American Cancer Society. They're fighting for real research dollars and fighting for a cure. Not a slogan.

[joeglow3]

4. I support them as well.

I also volunteer my time there.

[Joe the Revelator]

6. Well said.

[TalkingDog]

25. Think Before You Pink: Transparency & accountability by companies taking part in fundraising

for Breast Cancer Research

http://thinkbeforeyoupink.org/

Think Before You Pink, a project of Breast Cancer Action, launched in 2002 in response to the growing concern about the overwhelming number of pink ribbon products and promotions on the market. The campaign calls for more transparency and accountability by companies that take part in breast cancer fundraising, and encourages consumers to ask critical questions about pink ribbon promotions.

Breast Cancer Action is the watchdog of the breast cancer movement. We are able to tell the truth about the epidemic because we are the only national breast cancer organization that does not accept funding from entities that profit from or contribute to cancer, including the pharmaceutical industry.

I'd support these guys over Komen any day

[gateley]

29. Komen succumbed to what many big organizations do, sadly. nt

[KaryninMiami]

33. Thanks- was going to post the same link

There are lots of cancer research groups- some of which are breast cancer specific- that are more careful about who they accept funding from and not tied to big pharma and other cancer causing entities. By all means give to these groups- help is needed so that we can indeed find a cure but it's clear to me and has been for years- that the Pink Ribbon campaign is not what it appears to be whic of course, is very sad.

[yardwork]

126. Komen also pulled all cancer research funding connected to stem cell research - $12 million gone.

They've pulled at least $12 million in current grants to universities that were doing actual breast cancer research. The Komen foundation doesn't seem to be interested in supporting research at all.

[DURHAM D]

3. sure you did...

And I donated $1Million to PP.

next

[joeglow3]

5. Thank you. It is important we step up and support these great groups...

...instead of turning everything into dick waving matches between them.

[EFerrari]

41. 700,000 poor women got free breast cancer screenings

at Planned Parenthood last year. Komen is putting all of that into jeopardy. That is not dick waving.

[joeglow3]

50. A few responses

1. As stated, I will be upping my contributions to Planned Parenthood.

2. Shame on Planned Parenthood if they set themselves up to receive 100% of their funding from one group.

3. I support SBK for much more than JUST their donation to Planned Parenthood. If that were the case, I would have just made donations directly to Planned Parenthood.

[EFerrari]

63. Kormen has put women at risk of breast cancer with this decison.

Poor women, the ones with the fewest options. They can go fuck themselves if they haven't already. I hope they have to close their doors over this.

[slay]

67. +1

exactly. these women who use PP don't have $50 to donate to some right wing acting group. what a waste.

[Horse with no Name]

72. Disinformation here

PP doesn't set up their funding through one donor, HOWEVER, you are aware that Congress ALSO cut their funding?

This is an all out assault against poor people--because MEN also seek the services of PP.

Class war. Indeed it is.

[Snotcicles]

90. The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. could use that money just as well. nt

[appleannie1]

93. The American Cancer Society does a heck of a lot more that SBK ever did.

And they are not specific about where that cancer is located. They provided me with a number of things when my father was dying of prostrate cancer. They did the same when my mom was dying of lung cancer and were a huge help to my brother and his family when he had throat cancer. SBK spends more on salaries and advertising and administrative costs than they begin to spend on research or care. And now because of an agenda on their part, they are denying thousands of women from cancer screening. Not exactly what I would call caring about much but how much they can make and pushing their agenda down people's throats. And denying people care is not pro life, it is pro death.

[LanternWaste]

83. Kinda like what you did in the OP.

"nstead of turning everything into dick waving matches..."

Kinda like what you did in the OP...

[obamanut2012]

97. +1

[Doremus]

119. Yup. nt

[MoonRiver]

7. Unfortunately little of the money they collect goes to research.

This has been a major beef of breast cancer patients, dating long before the PP scandal.

[obamanut2012]

98. They did a "hostile takeover" of breast cancer fundraising

And made it into big business for them, complete with limos, huge exec salaries, corporate tie-ins to companies that help CAUSE cancer, and give a pittance to any breast cancer funding at all.

[jeff47]

8. I recommend donating to an organization that actually spends money on cancer research

Such as the American Cancer Society.

The Komen foundation spends about 50% of the money you give them on advertising. They call it "raising awareness", but it's really designed to get more donations so that they can do more advertising.

[joeybee12]

11. And so rich old toads can get involved because they have

nothing else to do and feel like they're "making a difference."

[Major Hogwash]

12. I didn't know that.

I thought charities were supposed to meet a certain level of spending the donations given to them on the actual charity they were designed for.
I hope the new Consumer Bureau chief looks into requiring this sort of thing.

[jeff47]

14. That's why they call it "raising awareness"

Because then they're doing charitable work.

[obamanut2012]

101. Charities can keep 100% for overhead

They just have to call it "awareness" or "fundraising costs."

Komen is notorious as a money-making machine which gives, AT MOST, 10% to various cancer orgs. Not necessarily orgs that actually do much, mind you.

I've known this for years, and am so glad to finally see some of this come to light.

[RockaFowler]

15. I agree totally

As a former employee of the American Cancer Society I believe in their work. They actually care for women and men who are sick. And they are trying to find a cure through research and education. Something Komen knows nothing about. How do I know that?? Because Komen would cone to us for answers. They had none - just slogans.

[Zalatix]

89. +1, my wife donates to all of the above.

we'll be adding donations to Planned Parenthood now.

[catbyte]

17. They also spend lots of $ to "protect their brand" by

going after anyone daring to use the phrase "for the cure." It's really off-putting. I will not give them a dime. My money's on the Breast Cancer Fund PP has set up and I donated yesterday.

Diane
Anishinaabe in MI

[fredamae]

30. Here is a handy chart to give you an idea....

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=4509&source=MFGCN22

[kenfrequed]

66. hmm

The table does not say what their program expenses go to. If much of it goes to awareness raising, as has been suggested, then it may not be the best bang for the buck with regards to research.

[Frances]

9. How much of your $50 went to research and how much to the salary of the woman

who stopped donations to PPP?

I think I read that the head of the komen foundation makes $500,000 a year. Doesn't seem to me that she is that into giving to cancer research herself.

[joeybee12]

10. Exactly...the Susan Foundation is a joke...

Let's hope this is what it takes to bring it down.

[Brickbat]

13. Breast Cancer Action is a much better place to put your money, IMO.

It does a lot more with investigating the environmental causes of cancer instead of feeding the corporate/consumer beast by encouraging companies to churn out pink copies of everything they make.

[catbyte]

19. I knew SGK wasn't serious when KFC started w/ pink buckets

Yeah, greasy, chemical-laden, hormone-containing chicken is just the right message to send out.

[Brickbat]

21. Exactly! And all the made-in-China crap -- plastic bracelets, t-shirts, teddy bears (WTF?), and so

on. Seems to me at least some of that shit is contributing to environmental causes of breast cancer, too.

[laundry_queen]

105. There's now a film that will be getting into that

Made by the National Film Board of Canada.

Here's the trailer: http://www.nfb.ca/film/pink_ribbons_inc_trailer

Not sure if it will be shown in the U.S. - unlikely. I'll go see it here if I can and report back.

[REP]

92. Yes, it is!!

http://bcaction.org <<<link

[justiceischeap]

16. I don't donate to any cancer research organization

because they do animal testing. How long have we been testing on animals for a cure? How many mice have been given cancer AND cured, yet, we don't have a human cure for cancer? Why not test drugs on cell cultures? Enough people develop cancer and are biopsied that I don't think there would be a shortage of cell cultures to use. Or how about using in vitro techniques that are now available? There was a time in science that we needed to use animals, because science wasn't advanced enough, but today? No, today we can support organizations that don't use animals for testing--yet almost all organizations use animals, whose physiology is nothing like ours, to test drugs. And I'll repeat, we've yet to cure cancer in people but we have in mice.

Flame away.

[Sheepshank]

24. I'm not going to flame you

but I disagree that cancer research can be done fully and adequately without testing on a biological being. I'd rather that be done on an animal than a human. Your premise that testing can be done on dead/harvested cancer cells and the results of whatever technique documented over time (shrinkage, morphing, growing etc) can be done, is unrealistic.

Interestingly enough I am completely against any animal testing for the purpose of indulging vanity.

[HappyMe]

35. Agreed. Animal testing of cosmetics, hair dye, etc. - no.

I am sitting here today, because of research.

[ScreamingMeemie]

18. There are other, less glam, organizations that are far worthier of my money.

You're on your own with that organization.

Here's where my donation goes:

http://www.karmanos.org/view_news.asp?id=695

[zipplewrath]

20. What's important to you?

As several people have suggested, depending upon what is important to you, your money might be "better spent". Komen has always made me a bit uncomfortable because so much of their cash goes to "raising awareness". I don't think there is anyone "unaware" of breast cancer. Yes, there needs to be continuous, on going "education" about what SPECIFICALLY people should be doing, what exams to have, and what various possibilities are. But an awful lot of their "awareness" campaign is mostly about making folks aware of the Susan Komen foundation, and generating donations.

If it is research, the American Cancer Society is one good direction. There are several breast cancer specific organizations as well, some more focused on treatment support, others more on research. This might be an opportunity for you to consider all the organizations out there, and see which one might more specifically address your interests, and your personal time.

[hlthe2b]

23. Yes.. I agree. Early on, raising awareness was necessary. Now, it seems only to be $$ targeted at

raising Komen's profile. Much of it seems exceedingly self-serving.

[zipplewrath]

28. In my more uncharitable moments

I can become suspicious that it has become an organization that primarily serves its funding organizaitons. i.e. they have become a very convienent organization for corporations to be able to "buy" a good reputation, and probably at a pretty good price. The "donate" a moderate amount of money, and some substantial portion will basically be used to advertise that Komen has recieved support from the corporation. That enhances the reputation of Komen, making them seem very "unradical", and it enhances the corporations reputation as "caring in a nonradical way". The money keeps flowing and the reputation builds.

That's when I'm being particularly cynical. It's fed in part by the history of organizations such as MADD which ultimately was "disavowed" by its founder. They can get taken over by people who are attracted to their reputation and want to access it for their own agendas.

[obamanut2012]

103. Oh, that IS actually what it is

You aren't being cynical, you are being intelligent and perceptive. Seriously, that is exactly what it is, which explains why they sue anyone who they feel is nibbling at their brand (ie using race, or the cure, or pink).

[nanabugg]

91. "Raising Awareness" is a, pardon the expression, "white glove" action. PP is actually

giving tests and mammograms to women. Fundraisers and all that stuff is great publicity but to stop funding PP real operations for the suspicious reasons given by Komen makes me know I will now donate more money to PP and give my money to other cancer service organizations.

[hlthe2b]

22. There are many good alternatives for your money that will support cancer research...

I, for one, can not condone Komen's grotesque politicization of their efforts.

[Fawke Em]

26. I don't give to SGKF because they only give 20 percent of revenue raised

to research.

That's pitiful: http://www.fitnraw.com/pinkwashing-are-breast-cancer-charities-a-scam/

How much money do they earn?

In the 2009-2010 fiscal year, ending March 31, 2010, Komen reported approximately $400 million in earnings. Of this, $365 million came from contributions from the public, including donations, sponsorships, race entry fees, and contributed goods and services. Approximately $35 million came from interest and dividends and gains on investments. If they earned $400 million in one year, how much money have they earned since 1982, while still claiming to not have found a cure for cancer?

Where does the money go?

In 2007, Komen spent 23.5% of total revenue on “Research for the cure”.

In 2008, Komen spent 26.7% of total revenue on “Research for the cure”.

In 2009, Komen spend 20.2% of total revenue on “Research for the cure”.

According to Charity Navigator, Hala G. Moddelmog, the CEO of Susan G Komen, makes $531,924 plus bonus. This is a private charity, so there is very little information leaked to the public.

Granted, this info is from 2009 and Moddelmog is no longer the CEO; however, based up previous reporting, the money spent on research keeps getting less; therefore, they probably only give 18 percent to research by now.

[Broderick]

27. WOW

Now that is enlightening.

Not only has the percentage crashed, but the insane salary is crazy.

[RainDog]

45. And the right wing director pays herself about half a million

sorry, I will never donate to this organization.

others are working to start up new fundraisers, as well, so that no one needs to bother with the Komen foundation.

[fishwax]

60. those numbers are quite enlightening

[Beaverhausen]

82. to be fair, the amount that we need to know is what is spend on administrative costs

they might spend money to help women going through treatment, and the money granted to other organizations like PP doesn't count as research - at least I wouldn't think so.

not defending them at all- in fact I lost a longtime friend on Facebook with my negative post about them. Yeesh!

[cyglet]

120. I work for the feds

every year we get a charity booklet (from CFC to you insiders) that lists charities, a 25 word description, and a percentage (it indicates "administrative and fundraising expense rate&quot .

SGK is listed at 23.6%.

That's relatively high, and given that most of the remainder is not spent on research....

[SidDithers]

31. There are other organizations that do as much, or more, or better...

that don't make political decisions like the one SGK made.

But hey, if you want to give your money to right-wing, anti-abortion zealots, go ahead. It's your money.

Sid

[slay]

68. +1

n/t

[obamanut2012]

104. Handel si also very homophobic

So SGK is hitting all the squares on "RW Bingo."

[DisgustipatedinCA]

113. Plus one, Sid...who would've thought

I'm happy to find we have a point of agreement.
And a good evening to you.

[Orangepeel]

32. It's your money. But it's not like Susan G. koman is the only org for this issue

Politics aside, sites like Charity Navigator give the Koman foundation high marks for how it manages and spends donations. But it gives high marks to lots of cancer research organizations (The Damon Ruyon Foundation is the highest and the Dana-Farber Cancer Intitute is also high).

Charity Navigator gives the National Breast Cancer Foundation a higher rating than Koman.

Like I said, it's your money, and for all I know, these other orgs have a right wing agenda, too. But those interested, there are credible alternatives.

[renie408]

53. Then, it's the National Breast Cancer Foundation for me!! Thanks! n/t

[Renew Deal]

34. This is not the only problem with the Komen Foundation

In addition to raising millions of dollars a year for breast cancer research, fundraising giant Susan G. Komen for the Cure has a lesser-known mission that eats up donor funds: patrolling the waters for other charities and events around the country that use any variation of "for the cure" in their names.

So far, Komen has identified and filed legal trademark oppositions against more than a hundred of these Mom and Pop charities, including Kites for a Cure, Par for The Cure, Surfing for a Cure and Cupcakes for a Cure--and many of the organizations are too small and underfunded to hold their ground.

"It happened to my family," said Roxanne Donovan, whose sister runs Kites for a Cure, a family kite-flying event that raises money for lung cancer research. "They came after us ferociously with a big law firm. They said they own 'cure' in a name and we had to stop using it, even though we were raising money for an entirely different cause."

Donovan's sister, Mary Ann Tighe, said the Komen foundation sent her a letter asking her to stop using the phrase "for a cure" in their title and to never use the color pink in conjunction with their fundraising. What bothered her most about the whole ordeal, she said, was that Komen forced her to spend money and time on legal fees and proceedings instead of raising funds for cancer.
<snip>

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/07/komen-foundation-charities-cure_n_793176.html

[renate]

128. wow--those people are kind of gross n/t

[HappyMe]

36. It's your money.

You have very personal reasons for this donation. As a former cancer patient, thank you.

[2QT2BSTR8]

37. Oh really. It's clear that you may not have the whole picture.

Today I was yet again, hit up for money by the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure. This is what they had to say: “take advantage of these last few hours to show that YOU care and want to a make difference in our community” and “let’s use these last few hours to save as many lives as possible”

Here is my response to them.

http://cancerfree2b.com/2011/10/31/komen-please-leave-me-alone/

[Irishonly]

40. Thank you for the link

It was enlightening.

[yardwork]

130. Wow. That is flat-out fraud!

From the link:

I again showed up to your Orange County Race for the Cure. I was going through treatment, going through surgeries, battling infections, battling my insurance company, trying to survive without an income . . . I sought help from your organization. I sought help from you because you claimed – on your very own website – to provide financial assistance to women going through treatment. I desperately needed your help.

I called day after day after day the number that was provided on your website to apply for financial assistance. I called multiple times a day over a period of months. Each time I called there was an outgoing message saying that “no one was available at this time, please call back later”. There was NO way to leave a message. I searched your website repeatedly looking for an email address or some way of contacting the person who handles the financial assistance that your organization claimed to provide. There was nothing, no email, no point of contact, no way to leave a voice mail message. Instead, just a teaser (and a bragging statement about how you help women with the costs of their treatment).

I finally called the Orange County chapter. I explained that the New York Chapter that is the ONLY chapter that apparently has the authority to provide financial assistance to women going through treatment, did not ever answer their phone. I was transferred (after multiple calls and complaints to the OC Chapter) finally, to the director of the Orange County Chapter. I explained to her that I had not been able to reach anyone for months, that no one answers the phone in New York, that there is no way to leave a voice mail message. The OC Director immediately said, and I quote: “Yes, I know, they don’t answer their phone. Have you tried calling the Salvation Army? They can help you with your utility bills. Have you tried calling the American Cancer Society? They can help you get information on clinical trials. Have you called the Lance Armstrong Foundation? They can help you get emotional support and match you up with a survivor who has had the same kind of cancer as you.”

[cthulu2016]

38. That is an error

There are many outlets for cancer donations, like the American Cancer Society, that donating money to does not implicitly endorse the Komen decision.

(Chariries are run lke businesses. They presumably calculated that the move would attract more money than it would lose, and all donations to them have the effect of mainstreaming their action, encouraging other organizations to do the same. Does anyone want this Komen move to be a successful one?)

It's your business who you donate to, but making this an internet post is advocacy, which is why I feel it appropriate to counter-advocate.

[6000eliot]

39. What about all the women who will be denied breast cancer screening

because of their callous and political actions?

[Javaman]

42. My mom, my two sisters, my aunt all had breast cancer...

all survived, but all had masectomies.

I could also go into the liver, colan and prostate cancer the men had in my family, but that's for another time.

I won't be giving another dime to komen or run in their race.

[Tsiyu]

43. So you support removing funding for mammograms for women in poverty

Well, good for you. I hope your sister has wonderful health care and that she will recover and live a long, happy, productive life.

But the SGK Foundation apparently does not wish the same on the many women who receive free and low-cost mammograms from Planned Parenthood clinics.

No, the SGK Foundation feels that poor women don't deserve mammograms. This is a sad, sick, evil attitude toward poor women. AS a woman with zero health insurance, I cannot believe how cruel my fellow Americans can be, especially those who work for charitable organizations like SGK foundation.

So you sent them some money to show your support despite their denying poor women any breast exams? Well, yippie.

We poor women appreciate your concern.

[joeglow3]

48. Your view is EXACTLY what I was posting for

This is NOT a zero sum game. As I posted (am I sure you glossed over it), I will be increasing my donations to PP to help them out. That said, it does NOT change the other good things SBK does. I did not contribute solely because they game money to PP and, likewise, I will not pull my support because they no longer do. THAT was my point.

[Tsiyu]

100. Oh, I got your point

And I made a counter-point.

AS a woman in the demographic who is impacted by cuts to Planned Parenthood, I feel that any donation to the SGK fund is tacit approval for their policy to now deny funds for poor women's mammograms.

You think supporting this cancer org. over others is actually helpful in the long run.

I feel that rewarding this particular cancer org. is harmful, in that your dollars are sending them a clear message: denying funding to Planned Parenthood is acceptable.

We obviously disagree with each other, but I did get your point.

Do you get mine?

[Motown_Johnny]

44. there are other foundations which fight breast cancer

[Raffi Ella]

46. Think Before You Pink

[JNelson6563]

114. Wow! A feature film?

Talk about a double whammy! Between the current backlash over the PP issue and the exposure of a feature film expose', they aren't going to know what hit them.

I say Good!

Julie

[Raffi Ella]

118. Let's Hope So.

We need to promote it far and wide.

[Horse with no Name]

47. Great! That just enabled them to purchase 1000 pink ribbon magnets

to promote their "brand".

Meanwhile, your donation to them could potentially deny poor women medical care and lead to untimely deaths.

Congratulations for your donation! Bet it made you feel good.

Psst...you know...they aren't about "fighting" cancer, they used to be about promoting awareness...now they are just about promoting their "brand"...kind of like the Kardashians of Charities!

[joeglow3]

49. Pssst...read my entire post.

I am upping my contribution to PP.

[LynneSin]

54. Why not just give all of the money to Planned Parenthood

SGK is a corporation - they are the 1% when it comes to Breast Cancer research. I actually quit donating to them ages ago because they cam across more as promoting the brand then doing any real research.

[Arugula Latte]

55. You should read this thread and think twice before you donate again.

Do you not get there are other, more deserving, breast cancer fighting charities? Are you not understanding that for some reason?

[Horse with no Name]

58. But yet you still supported the anti-abortion zealots that run that organization

Congratulations!

[joeglow3]

61. I don't base every decision on abortion

If you do, good for you. I choose not to.

[girl gone mad]

76. Yet you choose to donate to an organization that based its decision...

to pull funding purely on abortion. Komen decided to cut off money to PP based solely on the fact that PP provides abortions. Komen did not consider the need or effectiveness, the costs, or even women's health. The only thing that mattered to them in deciding to cut off women's access to life-saving care was the abortion issue.

Hypocritical, no?

[joeglow3]

79. Not a zero sum game

I agree with what you are saying. However, that money is STILL going to cancer related processes, which is why I give them money. I will give some of my money to Planned Parenthood for their services (that way, I am not paying for 2 levels of admin. costs).

[musette_sf]

86. So why not donate to an organization

that does NOT violate the tenets of the Democratic Party Platform?

The Democratic Party Platform clearly and unambiguously supports the civil, human and Constitutional rights of female US citizens to personal bodily autonomy.

Why are you making a point of saying you're donating to an organization that directly controverts the Democratic Party Platform, when there are other organizations that do the SAME work, even MORE cost-effectively than SGK?

[obamanut2012]

106. What does that have to do with donating to Komen?

It is honestly like saying, "Well, I gave $50 to the Newt for Big-Headed Prez campaign, but I'm giving $200 to President Obama's reelection campaign."

I am NOT calling you a Republican, I am just saying money to PP doesn't cancel out giving money to a RW organization that is defunding women's health, including cancer screens (which is what pap smears and breast exams and mammograms are). Why not give everything to PP, or some other legit cancer org?

[renate]

131. lol--"the Kardashians of charities"

I love it!

[LynneSin]

52. SGK isn't the only organization that is involved with Breast Cancer research

So I'll stop donating to SGK. If they can allow anti-choice, anti-women people to make decisions like this who knows what else they will do.

[kenfrequed]

74. It is interesting isn't it

That somehow folding to conservative interests that are, typically, anti-research and anti-science, is somehow going to arrive at a cure for breast cancer. Will they next petition to prevent any research that they deem immoral by their own standards?

[Arkansas Granny]

81. That's a very good point and one that I'm sure many have not considered.

Once they have been manipulated by the anti-choice group, it will be a lot easier for them to fold the next time they make demands.

[obamanut2012]

107. They are already doing that

No money to any research using stem cells, and no grandfathering in for research using stem cells currently getting money from Komen.

[yardwork]

132. Komen just did! They will no longer fund cancer research based on stem cells. They've cut $12MM+.

No more stem cell research.

[kiranon]

56. As a 2x breast cancer survivor, the point is to fund prevention as much as cure.

PP works on prevention. If cancer is caught early, the odds of survival are much higher. Poor women need breast exams and mamograms. Mamograms caught my cancer 2x. It seems to me that the decision to not fund PP was a political decision. No more fuinds from me for the susan g. komen foundation.

[itsrobert]

57. You just threw $40 away

as over 75 percent of the donations go to pay SGK overhead/salaries.

[joeglow3]

62. Isn't making shit up great?

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=4509

Hint: look at the bottom:

Charity Name Overall Score
Susan G. Komen for the Cure - TX 66.20
National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund - DC 65.00
Breastcancer.org - PA 62.76
Breast Cancer Connections - CA 62.11
SHARE - NY 57.44

[itsrobert]

71. Thanks for the link, I stand corrected

However, I see you left out an organization that has a higher score

National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. - TX 67.03

hmm, trying to mislead Joe?

[joeglow3]

73. Not intentionally.

I just posted what came up (lazy, I know).

[obamanut2012]

108. He didn't make anything up

They give 10-20% to research, and some of that is to "research." The current funding % I've seen is just a tick above 10%.

66.20 is not a good score.

[magical thyme]

59. your money; your choice

Of course, there are many, many worthy organizations conducting research into breast cancer.

Personally, I've always wondered what the hell a pink ribbon ever contributed to actual research. I thought I was alone until a very funny acquaintance sarcastically suggested there should be a brown ribbon campaign to help fight colon cancer.

[GoCubsGo]

78. Colon cancer's "ribbon" is navy blue.

I think brown is more appropriate.

[slay]

64. That is your choice - don't guess you could have picked a DIFFERENT organization that fights it huh?

you have made a very bad choice in my opinion. you couldn't have chosen a different organization that fights breast cancer? bah whatever.

[mfcorey1]

65. Time to find a new research group for breast cancer. I am sure there are others.

[kenfrequed]

69. I wonder how appropriate this is?

http://www.barbaraehrenreich.com/cancerland.htm

[aquart]

70. Thank you for your concern.

It's a free country. Waste your money as you please.

[aptal]

75. Good Job!

+1

[musette_sf]

85. Why is a donation to SGK,

in light of this latest Repuke scandal in the War On Women, deserving of a "good job" post on DU?

DU supports the Democratic Party Platform, which clearly and unambiguously supports the civil, human and Constitutional rights of female US citizens to personal bodily autonomy.

Donating to SGK is donating to the direct virulent opposition to the above tenet of the Democratic Party Platform.

National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc is a much more ethical organization to donate to.

So, explain: Why "good job"?

[obamanut2012]

109. I would like to know, too

Is because it's seen as a strike against PP somehow? Or for another reason?

[aptal]

125. Because it's the posters money to do with as they wish.

If the poster finds the SGK foundation to be a good charity and gives to it, then it's a "GOOD JOB."

[musette_sf]

134. And if the poster (or anyone else)

opposes the Democratic Party Platform on the civil, human and Constitutional rights of female US citizens to personal bodily autonomy, then they're on the wrong discussion board.

[aptal]

136. There was no opposition to the DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM!!!!

Just because the poster gave money to Susan G doesn't at all place them in opposition with the aforementioned platform.

[musette_sf]

137. Really?

Then donating at this time to Bu$hCo unindicted co-conspirator infested SGK, while Karen Handel has not yet stepped down, and while SGK has not yet denounced Handel's words and actions, supports the official Democratic Party Platform stand to protect women's civil, human and Constitutional rights to personal bodily autonomy?

Because that action at this time would seem to me to indicate someone who is NOT a Democrat, and who does NOT support the official Democratic Party Platform stand to protect women's civil, human and Constitutional rights to personal bodily autonomy.

And that, to me, would seem to be in blatant and completely insensitive opposition to said platform.

[JHB]

77. It wasn't just a "decision", it was a very deliberate attack

Last edited Thu Feb 2, 2012, 09:58 PM - Edit history (1)

I strongly urge you to reconsider and direct your funding to other organizations.

No matter how much good they have done, this action makes it very clear that "that was then, and this is now."

This is not about breast cancer research nor abortion, this is about a charitable organization being blatantly used as an attack dog for political purposes. This was done by people who consider PP "the enemy" and want to literally take it out. And everything the SGK foundation is supposed to be about was made secondary to its ability to act as a weapon against PP.

You're donating to gangsters now. Please donate to someone else.

[musette_sf]

80. Donate instead to National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

Don't support politics players.

[LeftyMom]

84. I bought a pink spatula and a bucket of fried chicken for the cure.

Actually I didn't. Anybody can claim to have done any stupid thing they want on the internet.

[librechik]

87. really? You support cancer research? L Komen is removing $200,000 for CANCER SCREENINGS

from Planned Parenthood. Your donation will assure that they go on to cut hundreds of thousands of dollars from cancer care. I hope your MIL approves.

It is an issue of politics destroying good programs for women's health. Send your Cancer dollars to the American Cancer society if you are sincere.

[uppityperson]

88. "will continue to invest money at the same levels" 15% is piss poor percentage to invest and why I

donate to other cancer research organizations.

I continue my support of cancer research with a group that spends more than 15% of the money they take in and shame on any group that keeps 85% of their donations.

[KamaAina]

94. There's always the American Cancer Society

also, Avon (of "Avon calling!" fame) is sponsoring a breast cancer walk modeled on Komen's (but without the right-wing baggage).

[obamanut2012]

95. You need to give your money to orgs that are actually a real charity

Real charities do not give less than 10% of their money to their cause, or do thinks to actually harm women.

There are much people places to give your money to, to help stop breast cancer.

[Logical]

96. This is just flame bait I think.

[Iggo]

102. Performance art.

[MadHound]

99. Congratulations, you're now part of the problem,

Not part of the solution.

[Cognitive_Resonance]

110. It's a big red flag for this organization to move partisan politics ahead of the core mission. nt

[bluestate10]

111. I have no intention of donating a penny to Komen, and will ask anyone that I can convince not to

donate. I currently donate to the American Cancer Society and will continue and step up that contribution. I have indirectly donated to Planned Parenthood, but will directly write that organization the first of a continuing streams of checks from me. PP will pick up where Komen stopped. The American Cancer Society has been a historic funder of cancer research, including breast cancer and other cancers that affect women.

[KT2000]

112. There are other groups

that are doing research. Some are looking at environmental causes. I do not think Komen has done much of this in light of their corporate donors.

Check out www.silentspring.org
This is good information for women.

[undeterred]

115. They have always been a politicized foundation.

Too bad you didn't do your homework first. You might as well have donated to the RNC.

[marasinghe]

116. not me.

sis & ex-wife breast-cancer survivors.

have donated to SKGF off & on.
no more.

future donations going to:
http://www.youngsurvival.org/

[ShadowLiberal]

117. There's better cancer research charities that give more to the cause then Komen

Komen spends just as much money on overhead & fundraising as they do on actual cancer research. In 2010 of all the money Komen raised ($400 million) they spent just 75 million of it on cancer research.

[BeHereNow]

121. What good is cancer research to women who can't afford preventative screening?

Or do you think only those with insurance and financial means deserve
a chance to beat it before it is too late?
BHN

[JFN1]

122. Standing up can be tough.

Way to go. If only we could all stand up for what we believe...never been a big SKF fan, given their long history of political meddling, so their latest bs doesn't shock me...

K\r

[Justice wanted]

123. Meaning no disrepect. I can feel for your lose and your sister's struggle BUT there are other

organizations that do cancer research and searches for cures. What Komen is doing is in a sense preventing low income woman from getting the vital tests needed find out IF they may have cancer.

[JI7]

124. do what you want but be aware you aren't giving much to cancer research

others have already posted about the less glamorous organizations you can donate to and that actually do spend it on research.

[truebrit71]

127. Why would you donate to an organisation that openly discriminates against poor and underprivileged..

...women?

Makes zero sense to me...

But I'm sure the CEO welcomes your contribution to her $500,000/year salary...

I think you would have been better off pissing it against the wall..no wait, that's what you just did...never mind...

[blm]

129. Except that it DOESN'T. Brinker uses it for corps to cover for their products that cause cancer

and topush big pharmas latest medical products or to downplay environmental concerns, like when it claimed recently that BPA does NOT cause cancer. It's become a CYA for large corps. Longtime activists saw what was happening long ago. It's all about the $$$$$$ and escaping blame.


http://www.wtsp.com/news/health/buddycheck10/story.aspx?storyid=152060&catid=282

>>>
"Research from recent study of the effects of cause marketing by two professors at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor found that not only can companies raise prices and make higher profits on the sale of products that benefit a cause, these companies' entire brand portfolios can experience a "spillover" increase in sales and profits, which more than compensates for the money given to charity. The report concluded, "Our results suggest that actions of firms should be looked on with some skepticism by consumers and government officials -- while the firms may be helping with charitable causes, they are also using to increase their own prices and profits."

Ah yes, the profit power of pink and cause marketing is the main reason, come each and every October, that everything turns a rosier shade of pink. The unregulated pink ribbon's usage increases profits. Companies gain significance and importance by simply attaching a pink ribbon to their product by claiming they too are on the "raising awareness" bus. Those who challenge the Pink Ribbon significance and profitability are often viewed as whacked out leftists living on the fringe, complainers, parade spoilers, rainmakers. "None of this is happening in Europe," says Shields. "They're stupefied by the concept of cause marketing."
So what to do? Go to Europe in the month of October to escape pinkdom? Set up a fund that regulates this enormous money machine and that a portion of financial proceeds is doled out to women who have been diagnosed with the disease? Challenge corporations? Fight for some sort of regulation? Boycott pink ribbon products the month of October and send what you wish to foundations of your choosing? (Remember, most of the money you think is going to a good cause pays for the advertising machine, salaries, office space and other misc.needs before it trickles down to research or scholarships.)
>>>

[renate]

133. I wish there were a "recommend" feature for individual posts

Nice find!

[mzteris]

135. there are OTHER organizations.

Even though they've now "changed their minds" about PP, they still have stopped stem cell funding - a promising treatment.

Don't waste your money on bigots. They only want to "save" good Christians and no lesbians, of course.