WNBA and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Team Up To Fight Breast Cancer

NEW YORK, June 19, 2003 � The WNBA and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation today announced their partnership to help raise awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer. Goals of the partnership include promotion of the WNBA�s Breast Health Awareness initiative, which encourages early detection of breast cancer, as well as support of the Komen Foundation�s mission to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research education, screening and treatment.

Sacramento's Edna Campbell spoke at a "Race for the Cure" event in Sacramento on May 10. Steve Yeater/WNBAE/Getty Images

After battling breast cancer last year, WNBA player Edna Campbell returned this season as a starting guard for the Sacramento Monarchs. Campbell, along with other WNBA players, will serve as a national spokesperson for the initiative. In addition, the Komen Foundation will be the beneficiary of WNBA fund-raising activities related to the initiative, including the league�s annual Breast Health Auction. This year, the Auction tips off on July 8 and will include autographed team memorabilia, WNBA All-Star merchandise and games of HORSE with WNBA players. Last year�s auction raised more than $70,000.

�From the beginning, the WNBA has been dedicated to promoting social causes important to our fans,� said Val Ackerman, WNBA President. �With females comprising a large part of our fan base, perhaps none of our efforts have resonated more strongly than our activities relating to breast health awareness. Working with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the nation�s leading breast cancer organization, will add to our reach and effectiveness in spreading this message.�

Since the league was formed in 1997, the WNBA has worked to educate its fans and the general public and has raised over $1.8 million to help fight breast cancer through the WNBA Breast Health Awareness program, which is a part of the league�s WNBA Mind. Body. Spirit. initiative. Each year, the WNBA creates a public service announcement (PSA) that runs during its programming and in every league arena promoting breast health and early detection.

�A cornerstone of the Komen Foundation�s mission is public education about breast health and breast cancer,� said Cindy Schneible, vice president of cause-related marketing and sponsorship for the Komen Foundation. �This new partnership will bring the life-saving message of early detection to thousands of WNBA fans and help us raise much-needed funds for research and community outreach programs. The WNBA shares our passion for empowering women and our dedication to putting an end to breast cancer.�

About the Komen Foundation
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Today, the Foundation is an international organization with a network of more than 75,000 volunteers working through local Affiliates and events like the Komen Race for the Cure� to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease. A global leader in the fight against breast cancer, the Foundation fulfills its mission through support of innovative breast cancer research grants, meritorious awards and educational, scientific and community outreach programs around the world. Together with its Affiliate Network, corporate partners and generous donors, the Komen Foundation has raised nearly $600 million for the fight against breast cancer.