After 24 years, Arizona's Susan G. Komen chapter will shut down at the end of July.
"Closing Komen Arizona was a difficult decision, but was based on financial challenges and current downward trends in overall fundraising and event participation which limited our ability to continue to fulfill our mission locally," the chapter wrote in a letter posted online Wednesday.
The letter said the date coincided with the end of the chapter's agreement with the Komen organization.
As a result, the Phoenix "Race for the Cure" fundraiser that was scheduled for October has been canceled. In December, Komen canceled Tucson's scheduled race in March.
Registration and other fees for that event will be refunded, the organization said.
"Our focus now through July 31 is to maximize the available funds granted to local organizations, and to support the communities we serve during this transition," Executive Director of Arizona's chapter, Christina Mencuccini, and Jill Bray, board president for Susan G. Komen Arizona, said in the letter.
Those organizations that were awarded grants will be funded through March 31, 2018, according to a news release.
The state will be transitioned to Komen's national mission and programs. Arizonans can still contact Komen for treatment, clinical trials and educations through the national help line, 1-877-GO-KOMEN or at www.Komen.org, the release said.
In 2013, the Associated Press reported that the Komen Foundation planned to cut half of its 3-Day races because of low participation.
FULL LETTER, as it was posted online.
June 21, 2017
Dear Komen Arizona Family:
We are saddened to report that the Susan G. Komen® Arizona Board of Directors has decided to close the local Affiliate. Closing Komen Arizona was a difficult decision, but was based on financial challenges and current downward trends in overall fundraising and event participation which limited our ability to continue to fulfill our mission locally. We will cease operations in Arizona effective July 31, 2017, which coincides with the end of our current affiliation agreement with the Susan G. Komen organization.
Because of this decision, we have cancelled the 2017 Phoenix Race for the Cure®, which was scheduled for October. Registration checks and associated fees that have been submitted to date for the Race will be refunded.
For more than two decades, the programs funded by Komen Arizona have helped countless women and men in Arizona. None of this could have been possible without you!
Our focus now through July 31 is to maximize the available funds granted to local organizations, and to support the communities we serve during this transition. This year’s grantees are listed here http://komenarizona.org/grants/applying-for-community-grants/.
Susan G. Komen’s commitment to the people of Arizona remains strong. Over $4.4 million has been returned to Arizona through 19 research grants. Komen is committed to continuing to provide patient support and engagement opportunities through its national programs in the state. For example, Arizona residents may access treatment, clinical trial, education and other patient support programs through Komen’s national Help Line at 1-877-GO-KOMEN or through komen.org.
Supporters also can continue to support the breast cancer cause in ways that are meaningful for them through Komen’s national fundraising and advocacy programs, including by raising funds through Komen’s Do It Yourself (DIY) fundraising platform. We sincerely hope you will continue to support this worthy cause.
It is with a heavy heart but an uplifting feeling of accomplishment thanks to your commitment that the directors of the Susan G. Komen® Arizona Affiliate bids you farewell and extends a sincere Thank you.
Sincerely,
