It was a promise to a dying sister that materialized into the largest nonprofit organization of people unified under one goal – to end breast cancer forever. Kathy Brinker founded Susan G. Komen for the Cure in 1982 after losing her sister, Susan G. Komen, to breast cancer in 1980. Thanks to contributions made by Susan G. Komen for the Cure we have:

• Earlier detection – 75% of women over 40 years of age now receive annual mammograms.
• Greater hope for survival – a 5 year survival rate at 98% (compared to 74% in 1982).
• Expanded research – the government now devotes over $900 million each year to breast cancer research, treatment and prevention.

These efforts have lead to 2.5 million breast cancer survivors – the largest cancer survivor group living in the United States today.

Kim Crispin and her sons at the 3 Day Race for the Cure

The words “breast cancer,” are two words that have touched us all in one way or another. Whether it is a family member or friend, neighbor or co-worker, we all know someone whose life has been changed by these two words. Breast cancer is diagnosed in 1 out of 8 women. Every 3 minutes, a woman will be diagnosed with breast cancer; and every 13 minutes, a woman will succumb to the disease. It is not just the individual who is affected. Everyone who touches that person’s life is affected as well. We share the experience of this disease. Many women are lucky to have the support of friends and family who make the fight their own.

Through the 3 Day Walk for Breast Cancer: Benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure, family and friends take to the streets on an inspiring three day adventure to not only raise awareness and funds towards defeating breast cancer, but to let the world know, “Not my mother, not my wife, not my friend. I will not lose them to breast cancer.”

Such was the feeling of Kim Crispin, wife of Stephen Crispin, Paragon’s Director, Global Business Alliance based in Dallas, TX. Kim took to the streets of Dallas for the 3 Day Walk from November 7th – 9th, 2008. Initially approached by a friend to participate, Kim saw this as a great opportunity to raise money to help find a cure. Over a 24 week period, she trained and raised $2,200 through donations from friends and family, from Paragon, and even strangers.

“I did spend close to a full day out in front of a local store raising funds where many people were very generous in their donations," Crispin said. "It really inspired me that people would share stories of loved ones who had succumbed to breast cancer and, at the same time, give money to a total stranger. It really helped me to understand the immediate need to find a cure.”

Kim Crispin was one of 3,400 people who participated in the walk in Dallas. Surrounded by survivors, friends and family of those who were currently battling the disease or had succumbed to it, these determined people raised $7.9 million.

There were three women in Kim’s mind as she was preparing for the walk - one of whom is Kathy Fezzuoglio. From those interviewed, Kathy is portrayed as an engaging individual with intelligence, beauty and a heart of gold. Fezzuoglio, who worked for Paragon as Senior Manager of Learning Resources, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 and left Paragon in order to aggressively fight the disease. After several surgeries, Kathy continues her battle. She perseveres and meets each new challenge with an upbeat attitude and smile. Kathy was undergoing another round of chemotherapy when she received pictures of Kim completing the 3 Day Walk and was deeply touched by Kim’s contribution in walking to raise funds to find a cure.

When asked if she planned on walking again in 2009, Kim warmly replied: “Yes, I am planning on walking in the 2009 3 Day Walk. During my training, my 8 and 10 year old sons asked why I walk so much. My answer to them was simple: I am walking for your wives, your children, your grandchildren, your aunts and grandmas. We need to find a cure for breast cancer so women do not have to suffer, and the families won’t have to watch their mom, wife, daughter, aunt or grandma suffer.”

To be part of the Cure, please visit www.komen.org and learn more about the 3 Day Walk, Race for the Cure, and Passionately Pink for the Cure.

Paragon is dedicated to creating an attitude of community pride, through awareness enrichment and involvement. Paragon strongly encourages our employees to take an active role in their communities through volunteer work and fund-raising, and matches funds raised through employee volunteerism in order to increase the impact of our employees’ efforts. To learn more about the guidelines of the Paragon Foundation, please e-mail charity@paragongri.com.

Get involved, start a team. Sign-ups for 2009 3-Day Walk have already begun!