Nancy Brinker promised her dying sister, that she would do everything possible to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation now know as Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists.

In 1995, the Inland Empire Affiliate pledged that it would do all it could to provide needed resources and improve breast health/breast cancer in the communities within their service area of Riverside (includes the Coachella Valley) and San Bernardino Counties. In 1999, the Affiliate held its first “Race for the Cure.” Funds raised from this event are granted, to local organizations who offer programs for the uninsured/underinsured women and families. The Komen Promise: to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality of care for all and energizing science to find the cures is supported by many dedicated individuals and community partnerships wanting to make a difference.

In order to meet our Promise, a Community Profile assists the affiliate by identifying gaps in services and unique target areas of need within the service area. The Community Profile serves as a “road map” for the Affiliate’s education, outreach and granting strategies. The Community Profile includes analysis of community data as well as voices of those living in the area.

The Inland Empire Affiliate serves more than 4 million people living in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties hosting 27,000 square miles of diverse geographic terrain from mountains and valleys to below sea level in the desert. The majority of the population is concentrated in the southwestern area of both counties. Many miles of the service area are national parks, military and desert.