Nancy Goodman Brinker, with her Sister Susan G. Komen.

Nancy Goodman Brinker

Founder of the
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
and Breast Cancer Survivor.

Nancy Goodman Brinker ignited the global breast cancer movement 27 years ago by promising her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died at age 36 of the disease, she would put an end to the shame, pain, fear, and hopelessness breast cancer caused.

In 1982, Brinker and a handful of friends founded Susan G. Komen for the Cure in her sister’s memory. At that time, “breast cancer” was never said in public or in the press. Few treatment options existed, and researchers didn’t focus on the disease. Brinker led a relentless, one-woman campaign and succeeded in breaching the silence and changing perceptions. In the face of criticism, she started the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®, the most successful fundraising and education event for charity ever created. Additionally, she pioneered cause-related marketing to bring millions more people into the ranks of the breast cancer battle.

Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest network of breast cancer survivors and activists who fight to save lives, empower, ensure quality care, and energize science to find the cure. Brinker’s determination to create a world without breast cancer is matched by her passion for enlisting every segment of society to participate in the elimination of this disease.  Brinker takes her cause all over the world, seeking the fresh input and international partnerships essential to ending breast cancer forever.

Brinker served as the United States Chief of Protocol from September 14, 2007 until January 20, 2009. Her office planned, hosted, and officiated ceremonial events for visiting chiefs of state and heads of government. The former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Hungary, Brinker is globally known as a change agent and was included in TIME’s “100 Most Influential People” in 2008. She has received numerous appointments and accolades for her work, including the prestigious Mary Woodard Lasker Award for Public Service, the Trumpet Foundation’s President’s Award, the Independent Women’s Forum Barbara K. Olson Woman of Valor Award, and the Champions of Excellence Award presented by the Centers for Disease Control.