Last year, 16,000 participants raised $1.7 million during Susan G. Komen Atlanta's Race for the Cure. This year, representatives of the local Komen affiliate are hoping to raise at least that much, despite a decline in participation.
"We are about 10 to 15 percent off in our participation from where we were last year," said Executive Director Kelly Dolan. But, "We are already over $1 million on this race. Who can complain about that?"
More than 10,000 participants are registered for this year's race, which takes place Saturday at Atlantic Station, but as with some Komen affiliates, that number is down from the previous year.
Komen affiliates hold more than 130 races across the country each year. More than 20 have taken place this year, with several reflecting the downward trend. Cities such as Sacramento, Calif., Tucson, Ariz., and Fort Worth, Texas, have reported 20 percent to near 40 percent declines in participation and fundraising as former supporters donate their money to other charities or simply opt out.
The shift is likely a reaction to the news earlier this year that Komen -- the nation's leading breast cancer charity -- would stop making grants to Planned Parenthood for breast cancer screening. The decision was reversed after massive public outcry, which also resulted in the resignation of several high-ranking national Komen officials including former vice president Karen Handel.
Though Komen Atlanta has never provided funding to Planned Parenthood, association with the national organization has left a mark that the local group has tried to mitigate. A statement on the home page of Komenatlanta.org details the affiliate's relationship, or lack of relationship, with Planned Parenthood. The statement also notes that Komen Atlanta currently provides $2.2 million in funding to 22 Atlanta area breast cancer screening and support service programs.
"Planned Parenthood has never asked us for a dime in the entire history of our organization in Atlanta," Dolan said. "We feel we are being supported, and what we are trying to communicate to Atlanta is we didn't have a dog in this fight."
Atlantans seem to be getting the message. The decline in participation in the metro area is smaller than declines reported in some other cities. Participants still can sign up on race day.
Ericka Dolan, executive director and founder of No Woman Left Behind (NWLB), Keep It Moving -- an Atlanta based nonprofit that encourages physical activity among women -- said participation in the Komen race was a no-brainer, despite the organization's policy issues.
"Irrespective of what has happened administratively with Komen, the cause is still at the top of our minds and hearts," said Ericka Dolan (who is not related to Komen Atlanta's executive director). "We don't get into the administrative aspects unless it is directly misaligned with our principles."
This year, NWLB has about 50 women registered for the Komen race, many of whom are breast cancer survivors or who have survivors in their immediate families. That represents an increase from last year, said the founder. Members may have discussed the funding debacle between Komen and Planned Parenthood, Ericka Dolan said, but it had no impact on their decision to participate as an organization.
Kim Jackson-Meltzer, 36, of Sandy Springs also emphasized the importance of supporting the Komen race and not just as a participant. In 2010, she attended Atlanta's Race for the Cure to cheer a friend. Jackson-Meltzer's mother had recently died from the disease in her native South Africa.
While at the race, Jackson-Meltzer signed up for self-exam text reminders. Months later, she found a tiny but fast-growing lump in her breast. She opted for aggressive treatment, given her genetic history, and credits the text messages with helping save her life.
Despite recent challenges, Kelly Dolan insists Komen's mission is pure. The organization's accomplishments, she said, should not be diminished because of a bad policy decision. Dolan hopes race day registrations combined with pledges through May will help make up the difference in funds caused by lower participation numbers.
"Every major advance in breast cancer has been touched by a Komen grant," Dolan said. "People recognize good, authentic work."
Event preview
Susan G. Komen Atlanta Race for the Cure
Registration begins at 6:45 a.m. Saturday, $20-$35.
Atlantic Station, 17th Street N.W.
404-459-8700, www.komenatlanta.org.
